Posts filed under John Bel Edwards

Kennedy: GOMESA cap unfairly targets Louisiana

“We've proven we can use the money well, and we put our own money up, and it is patently unfair that other states get a larger share—much larger share—than Louisiana.”

Watch Kennedy’s full exchange:

 WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, today raised questions about the fairness of the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act’s (GOMESA) limits on revenue that Louisiana can receive.

 Kennedy and Louisiana’s Gov. John Bel Edwards, a witness at the hearing, agreed on the necessity of passing the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies & Ecosystems (RISEE) Act, which would reform GOMESA to lift the current revenue cap that unfairly penalizes Louisiana.

 “Do you think it's fair [that] we get 37.5 percent of offshore oil royalties under GOMESA? New Mexico gets 50 percent share from the federal government . . . Wyoming gets 50 percent, North Dakota gets 50 percent. We get 37.5 percent, and we’ve got to share it with four other states,” said Kennedy.

 “And it's capped at $375 million . . . ” replied Edwards.

 “All we're asking is to be treated like everybody else, aren't we . . . and we have a solution, don't we?” Kennedy continued.

 “We do,” Edwards confirmed, commending the RISEE Act, the “wonderful piece of legislation” that Kennedy helped introduce and has long advocated for.

 “I appreciate your work on that,” Edwards added.

 “Well, to be blunt: We've proven we can use the money well, and we put our own money up, and it is patently unfair that other states get a larger share—much larger share—than Louisiana, and I think the RISEE Act—which will also help our wind industry, as Sen. Whitehouse knows, we're working together on it—is long overdue, and I appreciate you coming up here to talk about that bill,” said Kennedy.

 Background:

 Under GOMESA, federal revenues from the offshore energy production of Gulf states are divided into three portions. The federal government returns 37.5 percent of this revenue to Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama. The Land and Water Conservation Fund receives 12.5 percent of offshore revenue and directs most of that money to landlocked states. The final 50 percent of Gulf oil and gas revenue goes to the U.S. Treasury.

 The GOMESA cap limits the dollar value of Gulf states’ 37.5 percent revenue share to $375 million each year, meaning the states receive no benefit when the energy sector peaks and revenues surpass the cap. Conversely, the Mineral Leasing Act ensures that states with onshore drilling operations receive 50 percent of their revenues, while there is no cap on how much money that share includes.

 States with onshore energy production typically aren’t required to spend that money on environmental priorities. Louisiana constitutionally dedicates revenues from offshore energy production to pay for its coastal conservation and restoration projects.

Louisiana Freedom Caucus Supports Veto Session

To Override Wrongs Inflicted upon Louisiana by Governor Edwards’ Veto Pen

BATON ROUGE—The Louisiana Freedom Caucus (LAFC) supports bringing the legislature back into session to right certain wrongs Governor John Bel Edwards has once again inflicted upon Louisiana.

The number one most egregious veto strikes down a law that would protect minor children from suffering irreversible surgical procedures and puberty blockers used for the sole purpose of trying to change the child’s biological sex.

Another irresponsible Edwards veto would continue the over-taxation causing the economic devastation to our beloved Louisiana that has driven out business and caused our children to move to other states for employment. Further still, he vetoed a bill that creates an obstacle for a federal effort to replace the American dollar in Louisiana with a Central Bank Digital Currency controlled by the federal government. This form of digital money allows the federal government to control what you are allowed to spend your own money on, to assess fines and automatically deduct them from your account, and to determine how much of this money you actually have.

Edwards even vetoed bills that would require healthcare facilities to tell you up front what certain things will cost and to disclose that you are not required to have certain vaccinations.

For these and other reasons, the LAFC wholeheartedly supports the veto session and will work with others to inform and garner votes to override some of the most harmful Edwards vetoes.

“On his way out the door as a lame duck governor, John Bel Edwards has vetoed several bills which are badly needed by the people of Louisiana. He has vetoed common sense tax reform, protections for innocent children and bills that give law enforcement the tools they need to fight violent crime. The Louisiana Legislature has the ability and the duty to stand up for the people of Louisiana and overturn his hurtful vetoes. We are looking forward to convening on July 18,” said Louisiana Freedom Caucus Chairman Alan Seabaugh.

“The Louisiana Freedom Caucus is ready to lead the charge in overriding the liberal agenda of the governor. Protecting our children, eliminating unnecessary taxes, and restoring funding to conservative districts cut as a means of retribution will be our main priorities,” said Louisiana Freedom Caucus Vice Chairman Larry Frieman.

“The governor’s vetoes are evidence of ‘business as usual’ in Louisiana government. The status quo bars our citizens from better health and better opportunities and prevents our state from rising out of the pits of long-term federal government dependency. We have the authority to override. We should use it!” said Louisiana Freedom Caucus Secretary-Treasurer Beryl Amedée.

Posted on July 7, 2023 and filed under John Bel Edwards, Louisiana.

Rep. Clay Higgins Calls for Override Session

Posted on July 1, 2023 and filed under Clay Higgins, John Bel Edwards.

Louisiana Family Forum Statement On Edwards' Veto of HB648

Friday, June 30, 2023 (BATON ROUGE) –

Today, John Bel Edwards fulfilled one of the worst promises he has ever made to Louisiana as Governor. Using a veto pen, JBE ignored the life-long threats to children by those who seek to profit from sexualizing minors without consideration of the serious harm and mental anguish that these false medical promises deliver. Governor Edwards has no right to harm a single child, yet he just did!

By issuing a veto of HB648, Governor Edwards has ignored the will of the people as expressed by their elected representatives and embraced a radical agenda that places (aberrant) adult desires over the protection of children.

HB648 by Rep. Gabe Firment protects children from politicized medical procedures. HB648 protects minors from the harms of medical experimentation in the form of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and irreversible surgeries. By enacting this urgently needed policy, Louisiana would have joined 20 other states that have passed similar legislation, which is overwhelmingly supported by a vast majority of Louisiana.

Elected officials have a duty to protect residents’ health and safety. This responsibility is even more essential when the protection of vulnerable children is involved. Children who experience discomfort with their biological sex deserve dignity and respect and need compassionate, effective mental health care. Unfortunately, political activists and profit-driven gender clinics have deceived many into believing that life-altering and sterilizing puberty blockers and surgeries would solve this struggle. Such “treatment” may yield profits for providers, but the data shows it only brings harm and regret to recipients. 

The Louisiana Senate voted 29-10, and the House voted 71-24 in a bi-partisan fashion in favor of HB648. Denominational leaders from around Louisiana implored the Governor to protect children in a recent letter.

Members of the Louisiana Legislature are now faced with the responsibility to ensure what the Governor has failed to do – Protect children and restore the “do no harm” standard of practice over the medical care provided to children.

Gene Mills, President of Louisiana Family Forum, holds that “Failing to override the governor’s veto on HB648, is a dereliction of an elected official’s duty to protect children. A veto override session is not optional, it is obligatory this year, especially now that the health and welfare of children is at stake.“

LFF’s message to the Legislature is:  Protect Louisiana children. Override the Governor’s veto. Ensure that HB648 becomes law.

Posted on July 1, 2023 and filed under John Bel Edwards, Louisiana.

LOUISIANA FREEDOM CAUCUS: Governor Snubs Good Old Boy Allain With Veto

BATON ROUGE—Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the signature, legacy legislation of Sen. Bret Allain, who represents Iberia, Lafourche, St. Mary and Terrebonne Parishes. This much-needed corporate franchise tax phase-out plan passed both chambers of the legislature with strong support and would help set Louisiana on a path to prosperity, attracting business and good-paying jobs that are currently moving to our neighboring states all along the Gulf Coast because of our high tax and insurance rates.

Sen. Allain was appointed to serve on the conference committee that stripped money from his own constituents at the behest of Senate President Page Cortez and Speaker Clay Schexnayder who worked hand-in-hand with Governor Edwards to bust the budget spending limit set by the Louisiana Constitution. At their directive, Sen. Allain’s committee punished the constituents of 19 House members who would not vote in lockstep with the Good Old Boy Network to bust the budget spending limit.

The irony here is that Sen. Allain’s kissing the ring of the governor did not save his own project on the very day he had the hubris to condone the punishment of Rep. Beryl Amedée at a luncheon in St. Mary Parish. Rep. Amedée voted against Allain’s conference report that slashed funding for the repair of roads and bridges that have fallen into disrepair, in order to spend millions of your tax dollars on things like dog parks, band uniforms for high schools and colleges, a charity supporting flowers and a cultural museum. It was Sen. Allain who was appointed by Senate President Cortez to serve the Good Old Boys’ interests, which was meant in this instance to punish people like Rep. Amedée because she dared to vote against the wasteful spending.

“Senator Bret Allain’s SB1 was a bit of badly needed tax reform that would have provided a shot in the arm for Louisiana businesses. Once again, John Bel Edwards has proven that he does not care about creating jobs, or assisting the working people of Louisiana. He is, and always has been, a big government liberal. This veto proves it yet again,” said Representative Alan Seabaugh, Chairman of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “It is also a slap in the face of Senator Allain who has spent the last eight years rolling over for the governor, supporting his liberal policies, and giving Edwards virtually everything he asked for.”

Posted on June 29, 2023 and filed under John Bel Edwards, Louisiana.

AG Jeff Landry Calls Out "Honor Code" Edwards Over Funding of New Orleans

On Tuesday, Landry sent a letter to the Louisiana Treasurer and his fellow Bond Commission Members to delay any applications and funding for the City until its officials have affirmed they will enforce State laws.

Read more: Edwards calls Landry’s efforts to withhold funding from NOLA due to abortion ban enforcement ‘misguided’

“Honor Code” Edwards was quick to give his opinion on the actions taken by the AG during a press conference yesterday, which can be seen in the below video.

As Governor, “Honor Code” should be in the business of ensuring that the bills that were signed into law are properly executed. As a result, the Attorney General called him out on his response.

Once again, the “Governor” talks out of both sides of his mouth. Promotes himself as a “pro-life” Democrat and, at the same time, refuses to respect the rule of law in Louisiana.

Veto Override Session Will Not Take Place in Louisiana

In true gutless, Louisiana political fashion, a majority of those that “serve” the citizens of the state decided to stay home and do nothing to fight back against a liberal Governor. Bills vetoed by “Honor Code” Edwards, that were overwhelmingly supported by legislators, will not have the chance to be overridden in special session.

Posted on July 12, 2022 and filed under Louisiana, John Bel Edwards.

More of JBE Screwing over Louisiana

Louisiana industries could be charged major new taxes or fees based on their annual emissions of greenhouse gases, and be required to convince a panel of state agencies that they will comply with new emission reductions before getting permits for new or expanded facilities.

Those are two of the major proposals included in a list of ways the state hopes to achieve “industrial decarbonization” — the removal of carbon dioxide and gases like methane and nitrogen oxide from emissions by heavy industry — as part of Gov. John Bel Edwards’ plan to reach “net zero” state carbon emissions by 2050.

Read more: Industrial 'decarbonization' will require putting a price on carbon emissions, combined with mandatory carbon reductions

Posted on October 11, 2021 and filed under John Bel Edwards, Louisiana.

AG Landry calls on Gov. Edwards, President Biden, for emergency housing in coastal parishes

Photo source: Landry for Louisiana

Photo source: Landry for Louisiana

“As the leader of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness,” General Landry wrote. “I urge you to make this an immediate priority. I also urge you to put immediate pressure on the White House and FEMA to get temporary housing units into these impacted Parishes now, rather than weeks from now.”

Read more: AG Landry calls on Gov. Edwards, President Biden, for emergency housing in coastal parishes

House Speaker confident veto of anti-transgender bill will be overturned

Photo source: Louisiana House Member Page

Photo source: Louisiana House Member Page

All eyes are on the state capitol as Louisiana lawmakers convene for the first veto session since the state’s new constitution was adopted in 1974. Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder said he has no doubts the bill to protect women’s sports from transgender athletes will be overridden in the House.

“I feel comfortable, 100% on the women’s protection act bill,” said Schexnayder.

Read more: House Speaker confident veto of anti-transgender bill will be overturned

Posted on July 20, 2021 and filed under John Bel Edwards, Louisiana.

Louisiana Conservative Caucus: Override the Veto

On their Facebook page, the Louisiana Conservative Caucus posted the below regarding Gov. John Bel Edwards veto of concealed carry in the State of Louisiana:

The Conservative Caucus Calls for Veto Override of Constitutional Carry Bill

Every Republican campaigns on being pro-2nd Amendment. Now is the time to prove whether that is empty campaign rhetoric or a true belief. It is a true belief for the Conservative Caucus, who fully supports overriding the Governor’s veto of Constitutional Carry (SB118).

BATON ROUGE, June 28 – Protecting one’s self and family is not a racial, class, or party issue. It transcends barriers as evidenced by Republicans and Democrats campaigning as being pro-gun and pro-2nd Amendment. Even Governor John Bel Edwards campaigned positively on the issue. That is why in Louisiana, citizens have the right to open carry their firearms without any permits or training requirements. Senate Bill 118 would have simply allowed citizens to exercise their current rights without concern of a shirt or jacket covering up their firearm. Under current law, covering a firearm is a felony unless you possess a concealed carry permit. Senate Bill 118 would have removed the high financial barrier of a concealed carry permit. That barrier disproportionately impacts our poor and minority communities, who have the greatest need to defend themselves and families outside of their home.

In an unanimous vote, the Conservative Caucus has decided to fully endorse overriding the Governor Edwards’ veto of Senate Bill 118. When discussing the historic possibility of an effective veto session, Chairman Jack McFarland said, “This is where the rubber meets the road. It’s time to find out who uses the 2nd Amendment as hollow campaign rhetoric and who sincerely believes it.”

Prior to the veto of Senate Bill 118, the Conservative Caucus was actively working with Republican Delegation Leader Blake Miguez on ensuring a successful veto override session. Once the session begins in late July, legislators will have the option to override every single veto. Thus far, the Governor has vetoed multiple infrastructure projects in conservative lawmakers’ districts such as rural bridges, utility upgrades that would lower electric bills, and road improvements. He’s also vetoed an election integrity bill as well as legislation to prevent biological males from competing against biological females in women’s sports.

When reflecting on the historic achievements of the legislature this term, McFarland added, “Any governor’s main power over a legislator is a line-item veto. We can take that power away from this Governor and future governors. This is another historical moment for the legislature. We, as a diverse bipartisan legislative body, need to rally together to make an example for our future generations that this is when Louisiana turned a corner. This is when governors quit bullying legislators and started respecting the legislative process. This is when we end every governor’s “politics over people” vetoes.”

Posted on June 28, 2021 and filed under John Bel Edwards, Louisiana.

LAGOP: Let The Override Session Begin!

IMG_2730.jpeg

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2021


(Baton Rouge, LA)- Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed Senator Beth Mizell's "Fairness in Women’s Sports Act," which would have protected thousands of female athletes in Louisiana from being forced to compete against biological males in athletic events.

This action perfectly illustrates this Democrat governor's lack of common sense regarding the difference between male and female anatomy. It also shows his tone deaf disregard for our daughters, who could be seriously injured or face the loss of academic aid and recognition of their achievements. This is not a difficult idea to understand: Biological men should participate in male sports, and biological women should participate in female sports. 

As Governor Edwards voted the bill, he remarked, "We should be looking for more ways to unite rather than divide," yet he willfully ignored the bill's bipartisan support among our state legislators, as well as the bill's support from the great majority of Louisianans.

This is yet another clear example of Governor Edwards putting politics over people.

Call your state senator TODAY at (225) 342-2040 and urge him/her to support a veto override session.

Call your state representative TODAY at (225) 342-6945 and urge him/her to support a veto override session. 


Our daughters are counting on your support.

Posted on June 24, 2021 and filed under John Bel Edwards, LAGOP.

Louisiana leaders discuss the idea of a COVID-19 vaccine passport

According to Dr. Joseph Kanter, Gov. John Bel Edwards’ office has discussed it, but he said it’s too early to make a decision.

Alanah Odoms Hebert from the Louisiana ACLU cited several concerns if this goes forward.

“The idea of a vaccine passport is something that we generally support, but there are key issues we want the public to be aware of and the government,” said Hebert.

Read more: Louisiana leaders discuss the idea of a COVID-19 vaccine passport

Posted on April 7, 2021 and filed under Coronavirus, John Bel Edwards, Louisiana.

Louisiana ranks last among 'best' U.S. states for economy; education

Contrary to his opinion, the “Honor Code” Governor of the State of Louisiana has accomplished squat in the past 5 years of his administration, other than spending federal money, killing oil and gas and taxing the crap out of the citizens of this state.

Louisiana ranked No. 50 among the best states in a U.S. News and World Report survey  that explored eight categories ranging from the economy to education.

The state has consistently ranked near the bottom for years.

Read more: Louisiana ranks last among 'best' U.S. states for economy; education

Posted on March 17, 2021 and filed under John Bel Edwards, Louisiana.

Just Because Something Is Legal, That Doesn't Make It Pass The Smell Test

Gov. John Bel Edwards has named his nephew and former law partner Bradley A. Stevens to the board of supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.

Stevens, who lives in Hammond, was one of 14 names announced Monday that Edwards was appointing or reappointing to the UL System board, the Board of Regents and the Southern University board of supervisors.

Read more: Governor John Bel Edwards names nephew, former law partner to Louisiana higher education board

Posted on January 6, 2021 and filed under John Bel Edwards.

St. Martin Parish judge temporarily blocks enforcement of governor's restrictions on bars

"I never knew what I could do in my own building, so I decided to file an injunction" Red's Levee Bar owner Liz Breaux said.

The order from 16th Judicial District Judge Anthony Thibodeaux granted a request to temporarily block enforcement of the restrictions against Red’s Levee Bar in Catahoula until a hearing slated for Dec. 28.

Read more: St. Martin Parish judge temporarily blocks enforcement of governor's restrictions on bars

Posted on December 17, 2020 and filed under John Bel Edwards, Louisiana.

What's Really Going on With John Bel Edwards' "State of Emergency" Regarding the November Election?

Yesterday, John Bel Edwards, our Democrat Governor, declared a state of emergency for the November 3 presidential elections.  Now, he did this on the same day that he reported Louisiana is no longer in the “red zone” in positive test rate set by White House guidelines.  Mind you, he declared a state of emergency months ago and there is no need to declare another one as this current emergency is ongoing.  So, what does John Bel know that we don’t know about November, which by the way is several months away?

My fellow Louisiana citizens, it’s time to have an awakening. I am going to offer you a little dose of reality.  Let’s call it a red pill.  Now, you don’t have to take it.  But, if what I believe is going down, goes down, at least you’ll have had the opportunity to understand why.

The National Democratic Party is trying, by any means necessary, to upset and upend this presidential election.  They have gone as far as to “War Game” what happens if States cannot meet the deadline to send its electors to the electoral college.  In such a scenario, Biden, would not except the election, blame Trump for the chaos associated with mail in ballots, which will be chaos, and try to get the election over to the U.S. House of Representatives, who would decide the Presidency.  One of the “war games” was secession from the Union by the West Coast, yes, the same West Coast that is currently under siege by Antifa.  Think I’m making this up?  It was all reported in the New York Times.

How does JBE fit into this?  Well, he is planning to run in 2022 against John Kennedy for the U.S. Senate.  The only way for him to have any success is to be in lock step with the people that control the campaign dollars, the National Democratic Party.  There is a reason that Mayor Adrian Perkins (Soros Candidate) is running against Bill Cassidy, and it’s not because anyone believes he has a chance.  It’s a two-part reason. First, his race will bring national dollars into Louisiana to build out the campaign infrastructure John Bel will need in 2022.  Secondly, a minority on the ballot creates standing for the legal challenges that will come in when JBE doesn’t get his way in “setting up” the November Election.  And, when he doesn’t, expect the usual suspects to come out of the woodwork, along with the Liberal Louisiana Press Corps, to claim voter suppression and disenfranchisement.  All of this will be JBE’s contribution to the chaos the DNC is trying to create.

If you’ve watched the “news” lately, you have seen the hysterics over mailboxes being mysteriously removed from places all over America.  This faux hysteria is being ginned up by the DNC.  Mailboxes have been scheduled for removal for years.  The practice started under Obama and Biden.  In fact, over 14,000 were removed by their administration.  Why?  Cost cutting from the broke Postal Service.  And, I ask, do you get your mail from the blue mailboxes on the corner?  How does this interfere with you getting a ballot?  How does it interfere with you using the postal service?  It doesn’t.  This is called building the narrative.  It’s a disinformation campaign being executed by a political party that will do anything to seize power, including giving political cover to violent Marxist and Socialist in democrat-controlled cities around the U.S.  How do you think voting is going to go in the West Coast states that the DNC envisions seceding from the Union?  Ask yourself, whose allowing and creating the chaos?

Look, Joe Biden can’t win this election under any normal conditions. Therefore, other means are being employed.  You can accept this all as “emergency preparation” but understand that it is election stealing preparations.

John Bel Edwards does not have authority over the Election process in Louisiana.  The Secretary of State, Kyle Ardoin, does.  The only way for the Governor to inject himself into this process is if there is a State of Emergency.  Despite falling infections, falling death rates, JBE is creating the narrative.  He’s declaring the emergency in advance.  He’s following the DNC’s lead and playbook.  He’s preparing the way for his Senate run in 2020 by doing the bidding of his overlords in Washington and he’s going to do everything he can to cause chaos in our own elections.

Now you know.  And, as events unfold you will not be able to forget it.  You’ve been awakened.

Posted on August 20, 2020 and filed under John Bel Edwards.