By Message Staff WASHINGTON, D.C. (LBM) – Gov. John Bel Edwards struck an optimistic tone for reopening the state’s economy during a meeting with President Donald Trump Wednesday. Edwards, who two days earlier extended a stay-at-home order in the state through May 15, said during the meeting at the White House that a commitment by the Trump administration to supply Louisiana with 200,000 kits monthly to test for novel coronavirus, beginning in May, was a top reason for reopening the economy. “This is the big piece that we have been looking for,” Edwards said. “And with that commitment we feel much better about moving forward.” During the meeting, Edwards thanked Trump for providing field hospitals, ventilators and Navy medical personnel during the crisis. “We have obviously turned the corner in Louisiana,” he said. “We are in a much, much better place in Louisiana than we thought was even possible five or six days ago. That’s because of our local partners and our federal partners and hard work.” Trump thanked Edwards, US. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, and others in Louisiana for their cooperative spirit throughout the crisis. “It’s an honor working with you and the people of Louisiana,” Trump said. … [Read more...]