Louisiana Wants the Nation's Space Force Academy — And the Timing Could Hardly Be Better

Louisiana's ambitions in the space industry may be getting considerably bigger.

The state is reportedly preparing a bid to become home to a new national academy for the United States Space Force, potentially adding another major piece to Louisiana's rapidly expanding presence in America's space industry.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise is working with Gov. Jeff Landry's administration and regional economic development organization GNO Inc. on the effort.

The opportunity follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump calling for creation of a Space Force academy similar to the existing military academies serving the Army, Navy and Air Force.

NASA has since invited interested states to begin pursuing the project.

For Louisiana, the timing is significant.

Just weeks ago, SpaceX announced plans for its massive Starbase Louisiana development in Vermilion Parish — a project expected to bring aerospace activity directly into Acadiana.

Louisiana also sits alongside NASA's Stennis Space Center, one of the nation's most important rocket propulsion testing facilities.

Now the state wants to add the educational component.

More Than Another Government Facility

Landing a Space Force academy would represent something different from simply winning another economic development project.

A national military academy can create an ecosystem around itself.

It attracts students, faculty, researchers, military personnel, contractors and federal investment. It also creates relationships between universities, private industry and the federal government.

For a state simultaneously trying to develop an aerospace economy, those relationships could be significant.

Louisiana's case also looks considerably different today than it might have just a few years ago.

SpaceX's decision to build Starbase Louisiana puts one of the world's most prominent aerospace companies in Vermilion Parish.

Universities including UL Lafayette already have engineering, computing and space-related research capabilities.

Louisiana also has generations of experience supporting complex industrial projects through its energy, petrochemical, offshore and manufacturing industries.

The challenge will be turning those individual assets into an identifiable aerospace cluster.

Louisiana's Space Opportunity Is Growing

The Space Force academy effort also illustrates something becoming increasingly apparent following the SpaceX announcement.

Starbase Louisiana may not be an isolated project.

If Louisiana can attract suppliers, researchers, educational institutions and additional aerospace operations around it, the economic impact could extend well beyond the boundaries of the Vermilion Parish facility.

That's particularly important for Acadiana.

Aerospace won't replace the energy industry that built much of South Louisiana's industrial economy.

But the engineering, fabrication, construction, logistics and technical skills developed here over decades could potentially serve both industries.

Louisiana now has another opportunity to make that transition.

There will undoubtedly be competition from other states for the Space Force academy, and Louisiana's bid is only at the beginning of that process.

But Louisiana is no longer simply talking about becoming part of America's commercial space economy.

With SpaceX headed to Vermilion Parish and state leaders now pursuing a national Space Force academy, Louisiana is attempting to build something much larger around it.

That's a development worth watching.

President Trump Approves All Requested Federal Disaster Assistance for Louisiana Following Tropical Storm Arthur

Today, Governor Jeff Landry and Congresswoman Julia Letlow announced that President Trump has now approved all of Louisiana’s requests for support in parishes impacted by Tropical Storm Arthur. This now includes all assistance requested for Avoyelles, Pointe Coupee and St. Landry Parishes. It also adds St. Charles and Winn Parishes for Public Assistance support.

"We want to thank President Trump for approving every disaster assistance request we submitted for the communities impacted by Tropical Storm Arthur. We also want to thank Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin for his leadership and partnership throughout this process. This support will help our local governments recover more quickly, restore critical infrastructure, and continue moving Louisiana forward,” said Governor Landry and Congresswoman Letlow.

Background:

This approval makes FEMA Public Assistance available for eligible government entities and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, in the five parishes to support response and recovery efforts, including reimbursement for qualifying disaster-related costs.

Public Assistance (PA) is FEMA’s largest grant program providing funds to assist communities responding to and recovering from major disasters or emergencies declared by the President. The program provides funding for emergency assistance to save lives and protect property and assists with funding for permanently restoring community infrastructure affected by a federally declared incident.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has awarded a $1.6 million grant to The Louisiana Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention

The Louisiana Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention has been awarded a $1.6 million grant by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) to create the Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force in partnership with Louisiana State Police. 

“Those who traffic and exploit innocent people will find no refuge in Louisiana,” said Governor Landry. “We will continue to hold traffickers accountable, protect victims, and give our law enforcement the tools they need as we work to make our communities safer. I'd like to thank acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and President Trump for their continued dedication to Louisiana.”

The task force aims to strengthen investigations into human trafficking and support Louisiana law enforcement agencies through training and technical assistance, interagency coordination, and victim service collaboration. The task force will be operated by Louisiana State Police, as the subrecipient of the grant funding. 

"Louisiana State Police is committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to rescue victims, identify offenders, and combat exploitation and trafficking," said Colonel Frank Besson, Louisiana State Police Superintendent. "We are grateful to receive this funding, which will strengthen training, improve coordination among our law enforcement partners, and enhance our response to human trafficking across Louisiana. Protecting our most vulnerable citizens remains one of our highest priorities, and we will continue working tirelessly to hold offenders accountable while ensuring the safety of Louisiana's children."

“For years, Louisiana has led the nation in its response to human trafficking. We have enacted strong laws, invested in victim services, and expanded training and awareness,” said Mary Kate Andrepont, Executive Director of the Office of Human Trafficking Prevention. “This grant funding marks another step in our state’s trailblazing path. The Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force will set a new standard for victim-centered investigations and multidisciplinary collaboration. We are excited to launch this new initiative with Louisiana State Police and grateful for the support of U.S. DOJ in advancing our shared mission to deliver justice to victims."

Human Trafficking Prevention is a key part to keeping Louisiana safe. Learn more about human trafficking and resources in your community at humantrafficking.la.gov. 

LOUISIANA RECALL LEADER ALLEGEDLY INVOLVED IN SHOOTING AND CAR JACKING

Baton Rouge, La. – Yesterday, it was reported that Louisiana recall leader Lelia Habib, was arrested and charged for several crimes, including attempted murder. In response, The Republican Party of Louisiana issued the following statement:

"The alleged actions of Leila Habib are extremely serious and troubling. After crashing her vehicle, she reportedly pulled a gun and shot at passing cars, injuring two people. She now faces charges including attempted second-degree murder.

It is deeply concerning that Habib has been an active volunteer with Louisiana Deserves Better, the group leading recall efforts against Governor Landry and other officials. While political activism is protected, violent and reckless behavior like this endangers the public and has no place in Louisiana."

The Republican Party of Louisiana's Executive Director, Cory Dennis issued an additional statement:

“This goes to show you the type of people who are involved with this Landry recall effort. We have socialists taking over the Democrat Party and criminals helping lead the Landry recall. Governor Landry is cracking down on crime and lawlessness, lowering taxes, lowering insurance costs, creating jobs and drastically improving education. That’s an agenda for all of the people of Louisiana. The other side just sells crazy.”

Jeff Landry Can Transform Louisiana by Ending the Income Tax

Look, we all know Louisiana has a tax problem. We tax working people, and then we wonder why they leave. It's that simple. Jeff Landry has a chance to actually do something about it, and this is the move that could define his governorship.

Our income tax is a relic. All it is is just a hamper on the Louisiana economy. We're literally watching talented people, young families, and growing businesses pick up and move to Texas or Florida, and we hand them the logic on a silver platter by keeping a tax structure that those states ditched years ago. But here's what gives me hope—Jeff Landry has never been the type to accept things the way they've always been.

This is a guy who challenged the establishment, who pushed back when everyone said something couldn't be done. That's his track record. That's who he is. And that's exactly the kind of maverick energy Louisiana needs right now on taxes.

Think about what income tax repeal actually does for a Louisiana family. A guy making fifty grand a year keeps an extra $2000-$2500. That's real money. He spends it here in Louisiana. A retiree gets a massive advantage over moving to Georgia or North Carolina. A business owner who's been split between here and Houston suddenly has one less reason to spend more time out of state. These aren't theoretical benefits. This is how you reshape where money and talent actually flows.

And yes, somebody's going to ask the obvious question. Where does the money come from? Fair point. But here's what people know about Jeff Landry. He actually thinks about how government works. He knows how to execute. The state has a bunch of tax exemptions and deductions that benefit people with lobbyists more than they benefit ordinary Louisianans. You broaden the sales tax base, you eliminate the garbage exemptions, you look at consumption-based taxation the way other states have. It's not magic, it’s just math. It just requires the political will to say no to the special interests that have gotten used to their deals. And Landry's proven he's willing to do exactly that.

This is the kind of leadership that actually changes a state's trajectory. Landry's already reshaping Louisiana through smart governance and law and order. Income tax repeal is the move that takes all of that and amplifies it. He could make Louisiana the place where you keep what you earn. He can make us the state that’s constantly trying to grow. That's the kind of thing governors get remembered for.

Look at Texas. Look at Florida. Look at Tennessee. They didn't get where they are by accident. They made deliberate choices about what kind of state they wanted to be. Landry has already proven he makes bold choices. This is right up his alley.

There's going to be noise. The unions and liberals will say the sky's falling. Everyone who's gotten used to government spending your money will find reasons why it can't be done. They said the same thing in every state that actually did this. And every single one of them has grown faster and generated more opportunity as a result.

Landry's already different. He's focused on efficiency, law and order, economic development and on actually running the state the right way. 

That's foundational. But true transformation means moving the needle on what kind of state Louisiana actually is. It means making the bold call that creates a ripple effect through the entire economy. That's Landry's moment. That's what he's built his career to do.

Please, Governor Landry, let's take that next step and continue on the path to fundamentally changing Louisiana for the better.

Let’s repeal the income tax. 

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry on new LNG project, AI data center growth

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry discusses the groundbreaking of a new LNG facility in Louisiana, the state’s expanding energy sector and growing AI data center investments.

Gov. Jeff Landry Announces Plan to Deliver Permanent Teacher Pay Raise

Baton Rouge, La. — Today, Governor Jeff Landry announced the signing of an Executive Order to provide a permanent pay raise for Louisiana teachers. Executive Order attached. 

Watch full press conference HERE.

“I promised Louisiana's teachers a pay raise, and today we're delivering.” said Governor Landry.  "For too long, teachers have been used as political pawns. That ends now."

Republican Party of Louisiana Launches "You Don't Recall" Campaign

Baton Rouge, La. – The Republican Party of Louisiana today announced the launch of “You Don’t Recall,” a weeklong social media campaign designed to remind Louisianans of the significant accomplishments achieved by Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill.

The campaign will feature daily posts spotlighting key results in public safety, education, tax relief, economic growth, and protecting children and families.

“It’s ridiculous that liberals want to recall the Governor and Attorney General for simply doing the job they were elected to do,” said LAGOP Chairman Derek Babcock. “This radical left political stunt is doomed to fail. While they focus on political theater, we’re reminding the people of Louisiana what real results look like.”

Under Governor Landry’s leadership, Louisiana has:

• Delivered the largest state income tax cut in Louisiana history, saving the typical middle-class family nearly $500 and the average working individual around $261 this year - putting real money back in people’s pockets for groceries, gas, and bills.

• Lowered auto insurance rates for the first time in years, with more than 20 insurance companies filing rate decreases after historic insurance reforms.

• Achieved some of the lowest electricity rates in America (2nd lowest in the nation) and dramatically improved energy affordability rankings.

• Reduced murders in New Orleans by 55% since 2022, with sharp drops in carjackings and armed robberies, making communities safer and lowering costs tied to crime.

• Delivered record-breaking education gains, including the largest one-year jump in state history on the Nation’s Report Card.

• Attracted nearly $100 billion in new economic investment, creating thousands of new jobs and slowing outmigration through opportunity and growth.

Attorney General Liz Murrill has delivered equally impressive results, including:

• Expanding the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and rescuing dozens of child victims.

• Successfully defending Louisiana’s first-in-the-nation Ten Commandments law in public schools.

• Fighting federal censorship and protecting pharmacists and patients.

“The 'You Don't Recall' campaign is one way to remind everyone what good government can accomplish when elected officials keep their promises,” Chairman Babcock continued. “Governor Landry and Attorney General Murrill are delivering lower taxes, lower insurance rates, safer streets, better schools, and more opportunity. Their Party stands with them. I encourage all conservatives to share these posts and help amplify the message of progress.”

“You Don’t Recall” will run from May 18–22, 2026.

###

About the Republican Party of Louisiana
The Republican Party of Louisiana is dedicated to advancing conservative principles, supporting Republican candidates, and promoting policies that strengthen families, grow the economy, and protect individual freedoms across the state.

Louisiana Ranks First Among States In Reading Growth, Second In Math On Latest National Education Scorecard

Louisiana Is The Only State To Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels In Both Reading And Math.

Baton Rouge, LA— Today, the 2026 Education Recovery Scorecard was released, showing significant improvement in both reading and math scores. Louisiana continues to lead the nation in academic recovery, ranking first among states in reading and second among states in math. Louisiana is the only state where average student performance has surpassed 2019 levels in both subjects.

This Scorecard follows the 2024 Nation’s Report Card where Louisiana jumped 17 spots up to 32, the highest ranking in state’s history.  The 2025 Education Scorecard shows Louisiana is still leading the nation in education improvement, this time for growth from 2022 to 2025.

“Today’s education scorecard results did not happen by accident. They happened because we changed the script in Louisiana. We returned our classrooms back to the basics and empowered our teachers and families,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “Louisiana is leading again, and this is only the beginning!”

Governor Jeff Landry Suspends Only U.S. House Primary Elections Following Supreme Court Ruling

BATON ROUGE, La. — Governor Jeff Landry issued an executive order suspending Louisiana’s closed party primary elections only for offices of U.S. Representative in response to the recent decision by the United States Supreme Court in Louisiana v. Callais. EO attached.

“The best way to end race-based discrimination is to stop making decisions based on race,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “Here in Louisiana, we’re proud to lead the nation on this charge. Allowing elections to proceed under an unconstitutional map would undermine the integrity of our system and violate the rights of our voters. This executive order ensures we uphold the rule of law while giving the Legislature the time it needs to pass a fair and lawful congressional map. I would like to thank Attorney General Liz Murrill for her hard work throughout this process”

The ruling issued on April 29 found Louisiana’s current congressional district map, enacted under SB 8 during the 2024 First Extraordinary Session, to be an unconstitutional gerrymander. The decision effectively reinstates a lower court injunction prohibiting the state from conducting congressional elections under the invalidated map.

As a result, the state’s closed party primary elections for U.S. House seats, previously scheduled for May 16, 2026, and the second primary set for June 27, 2026, are suspended. Early voting for the May election was set to begin May 2. Other offices and ballot measures scheduled for May 16 will continue as planned. This suspension will only apply to the U.S. House races.

This executive order follows certification from the Louisiana Secretary of State that an electoral emergency exists, as provided under R.S. 18:401.1. The statute authorizes the governor to suspend or delay elections to protect voter safety, participation, and the integrity of the process.

Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill Issue Joint Statement

Baton Rouge, LA – Today, Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill issued the following statement after yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling in Louisiana v. Callais. 

“Yesterday’s historic Supreme Court victory for Louisiana has an immediate consequence for the State. The Supreme Court previously stayed an injunction against the State’s enforcement of the current Congressional map. By the Court’s order, however, that stay automatically terminated with yesterday’s decision. Accordingly, the State is currently enjoined from carrying out congressional elections under the current map. We are working together with the Legislature and the Secretary of State’s office to develop a path forward.”

Louisiana Leads the Nation on 5th Annual St. Joseph the Worker Day as Wisconsin Joins

Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Louisiana is leading the nation in recognizing the everyday heroes who power American families and communities. A bold new billboard, erected in preparation for the 5th Annual St. Joseph the Worker Day, is now up along highly visible Interstate 10, between Lafayette and Baton Rouge. This stretch carries an estimated 70,000+ vehicles per day and serves as a major freight corridor supporting high-volume commerce, tourism, and regional connectivity across the state. The billboard stands as a prominent reminder of Louisiana’s statewide May 1st “Thank a Worker” day.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said:

“Louisiana is leading the nation in recognizing the dignity and importance of work by establishing St. Joseph the Worker Day on May 1st of each year. America was built on the backs of hardworking men and women, and we ought to be celebrating their vital contributions. I’m proud that Wisconsin has joined Louisiana as the second state in the nation to embrace this effort, and we encourage all states to follow our lead. On May 1st, I invite every family, business, church, civic and community organization to join the ‘Thank a Worker’ movement with simple acts of gratitude that honor the true strength of our great state and our great nation.”

Louisiana St. Joseph the Worker Day was unanimously established in 2021 through Louisiana Senate Resolution No. 116. The observance pays tribute to all workers and their contributions. This includes military personnel, educators, first responders, healthcare providers, energy workers, farmers, fishermen, mechanics, restaurant staff, barbers and beauticians, administrative professionals, finance experts, and many others. It gives special recognition to mothers, who are believed to hold the most important vocation of all.

In this era of rapid technological change and artificial intelligence, May 1st serves as a timely reminder of the irreplaceable value of human creativity, care, and dedication. In 2025, Wisconsin became the second state in the nation to formally adopt the observance through Senate Joint Resolution 16, recognizing May 1st of each year as Wisconsin St. Joseph the Worker Day.

Wisconsin Senator Cory Tomczyk said: “Wisconsin proudly joins Louisiana to honor our workers—farmers, factory workers, teachers, tradespeople—who reflect St. Joseph’s humility, perseverance, and service. This resolution affirms work’s vital role in thriving communities.”

While the United States spotlights American workers with a federal holiday on Labor Day — the first Monday in September — this movement seeks to reclaim May 1st as another special day to champion our nation’s workers. Globally, May 1st has long been observed as International Workers’ Day. While that observance has often emphasized state power and class divisions, a more hopeful vision emerged in 1955 when Pope Pius XII established the worldwide feast of St. Joseph the Worker on the same date. This feast draws inspiration from St. Joseph, the humble carpenter whose life modeled dignity, dedication, patience, humility, and service.

This initiative is a non-partisan, grassroots effort and invites all people to affirm the dignity of labor and the human spirit.

“Louisiana’s working men and women deserve our recognition for what they do each and every day,” said Scott A. Angelle, Former Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana and former Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), U.S. Department of the Interior and one of the founders of the St. Joseph the Worker Initiative. “It’s only right that we call a time-out to express our gratitude to those who are able and willing to get up each morning, put in an honest day’s work, and provide for their families. Their grit not only strengthens our communities but sets a powerful example for the next generation.”

Businesses, schools, churches, organizations, and families are encouraged to participate through simple, heartfelt acts such as:

• Hosting a St. Joseph the Worker Day breakfast for employees or first responders

• Buying coffee for a delivery driver or neighbor

• Writing thank-you notes to teachers and healthcare workers

• Offering “lagniappe” (a Cajun term for a little something extra) to those who serve

Every act counts. A growing number of organizations have already committed to participating, including Ochsner Lafayette General Hospital, St. Thomas More Catholic High School, and USA Energy Workers.

While participation is voluntary and free, organizations and individuals are invited to register their ‘Thank a Worker’ activities at saintjosephtheworker.com.

Jeff Landry Exposes John Fleming’s Cynical Carbon Capture Rebrand

In a recent video, Landry took direct aim at former Congressman John Fleming over his sudden opposition to carbon capture, calling it what it looks like to many observers: an opportunistic, cynical, and disingenuous flip-flop driven by politics, not principle.

Read more: Jeff Landry Exposes John Fleming’s Cynical Carbon Capture Rebrand

Governor Jeff Landry Opens Third Regular Session

Governor Announces Historic Tax Relief as Louisiana Families Save More

BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry today highlighted the impact of the 2024 Tax Reform Special Session, noting that folks across the state are now saving more money as they file their 2025 tax returns.

“When people file taxes this year, they are getting a bigger refund,” said Governor Landry. “The typical middle-class working family will save nearly $500, and the average working individual will save around $261—cutting their state income tax liability by nearly a third. Turns out the biggest jackpot in Louisiana this year was in your paycheck!”

Background:

The legislation delivered the largest income tax cut in state history. By nearly tripling the standard deduction to $12,500, families now pay no income tax on their first $25,000 of income. 

Louisiana moved to a flat 3 percent personal income tax rate, the second lowest in the nation and the lowest in the South, providing immediate relief.

The reform doubled the retirement income exemption to $12,000, allowing a married couple over 65 to earn nearly $49,000 tax-free. We also eliminated the corporate franchise tax and reduced the corporate income tax rate to a flat 5.5 percent, strengthening Louisiana’s business climate.

The changes are permanent and include automatic increases to the standard deduction to protect families from inflation.

Governor Landry Announces Julie Emerson as New Chief of Staff

Baton Rouge, LA — Today, Governor Jeff Landry announced that Julie Emerson will serve as his new Chief of Staff, replacing Kyle Ruckert. She will start next week. Headshot attached.

“Julie Emerson is a proven leader with a deep understanding of Louisiana’s people, our State legislature, and the work that needs to be done to move Louisiana forward,” said Governor Landry. “Her experience and commitment to conservative reform makes her the perfect person to help lead this administration as we continue fighting for a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Louisiana.”

“The last two years have produced some of the boldest reforms Louisiana has ever seen—reforms that have led us to climb in education rankings, business friendliness, and economic growth. I’m honored to have been a part of many of these reforms as a legislator, and I look forward to continuing to grow Louisiana as Governor Landry’s Chief of Staff,” said Julie Emerson.

Julie Emerson is a native of Homer, Louisiana and was raised in Carencro. First elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2015, Emerson served three terms and made history as the youngest Republican woman ever elected to the Legislature. She most recently served as Chairman of the House Committee on Ways & Means, becoming the first woman to chair a finance committee in Louisiana history. A proven conservative leader, Emerson is widely respected for her commitment to fiscally responsible budgeting, lower taxes, protecting innocent life, and defending Second Amendment rights. She now brings that experience to her new role as Chief of Staff for Governor Jeff Landry.

Gov. Landry Visits with Leaders on Severe Winter Weather

Yesterday, Governor Landry visited with local leaders in Ouachita Parish about the severe winter weather. He then flew over East and West Carroll Parish and ended with a stop in Richland Parish to speak with local leaders, again, on the winter weather. 

Gov. Landry Announces Nearly $1 Billion In Savings

Gov. Landry Declares January Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, LA – Governor Landry has signed a proclamation officially declaring January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Louisiana, joining the national observance to bring awareness to the fight against human trafficking. This declaration underscores the state’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals, supporting survivors, and preventing human trafficking in all forms.

View proclamation here. 

In recognition of National Wear Blue Day, also known as Human Trafficking Awareness Day on Sunday, January 11, all Louisianans are encouraged to wear blue to raise awareness about human trafficking prevention. Additionally, the staff of the Governor’s Office will wear blue on Monday, January 12, as part of the ongoing effort to highlight this important issue. On the same day, the Louisiana State Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion will shine in blue as a sign of the state’s dedication to this cause.

Human trafficking impacts thousands of people across the United States each year, and Louisiana remains steadfast in its mission to combat this crisis through education, outreach, and support for survivors. For more information on human trafficking, resources, and ways to get involved, visit https://humantrafficking.la.gov.

Louisiana set to achieve statewide high-speed internet access by 2028, outpacing the federal 2030 goal

Roughly 450,000 Louisianans, enough to fill Tiger Stadium more than four times, have received access in just two years.

Gov. Jeff Landry announced today that Louisiana is significantly ahead of schedule in its effort to provide high-speed internet access to every Louisiana resident.

Since the beginning of the Landry Administration, more than 150,000 additional households, small businesses, and community organizations have received access. This growth has been achieved through private investment and federal funds put to work by Louisiana’s internet service providers, with most new service delivered through fiber.

“When I took office, about 83% of our state had access to high-speed internet. Today we’re approaching 93%. That’s nearly 450,000 people, more than four Tiger Stadiums full, who now have the tools they need to work, learn, and compete. We got here by listening to residents, focusing on results, and keeping the work moving, and we’re going to keep pushing until every family in this state has the same kind of reliable access.”

Gov. Jeff Landry

Louisiana’s broadband progress has earned significant national attention. The state became the first in the country to receive full federal approval of its BEAD plan and now ranks among the top 10 states for the percentage of households receiving fiber connectivity through BEAD, as well as the cost efficiencies achieved under the GUMBO 2.0 program. In total, Louisiana identified more than $800 million in savings, with federal guidance on their use expected by March 2026.

“This work is delivering real value to taxpayers. We are stretching every dollar and moving faster than Washington ever expected.”

Gov. Jeff Landry

Over the past several weeks, representatives from the governor’s office and ConnectLA have joined local leaders and internet providers to celebrate completed broadband projects in Vernon, Vermilion, and Acadia parishes, where Gumbo 1.0 investments have provided access to thousands of homes and hundreds of small businesses. More ribbon cuttings are planned for completed projects in Allen, Grant, LaSalle, Avoyelles, and other parishes, along with groundbreaking ceremonies for new construction made possible through federal BEAD funding.

Early 2026 is expected to bring the most significant broadband construction activity Louisiana has ever undertaken. Projects entering the ground phase will connect more than 127,000 new households and bring service to another 30,000 households through the completion of GUMBO 1.0 work already underway.

“These wins show up in real places, not spreadsheets. They’re the farms, the classrooms, and the small businesses that finally have the infrastructure they’ve waited on for years. With this momentum, Louisiana is on pace to reach full high-speed internet access in 2028, if not sooner. That’s two years at minimum before the federal goal. And we’re not slowing down.”

Veneeth Iyengar
Executive Director of ConnectLA

Visit the ConnectLA website to learn more