Louisiana: Standing Strong for Life

This is why I am proud to be from Louisiana. Another step closer to stopping murder in the womb.

The measure would codify the Legislature’s stance on abortion if the landmark Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade was overturned. The state already has laws on the books that would ban abortions if that happened.

The Senate voted 31 to 4 to pass the measure, sending it back to the House for concurrence on changes made to the bill. State Rep. Katrina Jackson, D-Monroe, carried the bill, which was supported by anti-abortion groups like the Louisiana Right to Life.

Read more: Louisiana Senate OKs public vote on declaring abortion unconstitutional

LAGOP: Gov. Edwards Manipulates Economic Data, Attempts to Trick Local Media

Baton Rouge, LA – Today the Bureau of Labor Statistics released new economic data.

In response to this report, Governor Edwards and his campaign team released a statement and took to social media trying to spin these statistics before the media could read the report.

Wait a second…3.5%? Is that a typo? No. It is an intentional manipulation of the data to fit their political agenda. The Governor’s team has decided to use “non-seasonally adjusted” numbers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics: “As a general rule, the monthly employment and unemployment numbers reported in the news areseasonally adjusted data.Seasonally adjusted data are useful when comparing several months of data. Annual average estimates are calculated from the not seasonally adjusted data series.”

“There are fewer workers and fewer jobs in Louisiana today than last month and last year. How long is this Governor going to get away with lying about economic numbers?" said LAGOP Executive Director Andrew Bautsch.

This was not a mistake. This is an intentional misrepresentation of the data by the Governor and his campaign team.

The people of Louisiana know that under John Bel Edwards, Louisiana is falling behind the nation. In fact, since John Bel Edwards was elected Governor, more than 65,000 people have left Louisiana to find a job in another state where they can enjoy the full benefits of President Trump’s economic policy.

“This Governor prioritized meeting with an American Idol over meeting with the American President. The people of Louisiana see right through this pathetic attempt by John Bel Edwards to steal credit for President Trump’s economic success,” said LAGOP Communications Director Jason Harbison.

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“Honor Code” Leads Louisiana to Last Place Yet Again

Photo source: Wikipedia 

After all the talk about his “Honor Code” during the election, it seems like Gov. John Bel Edwards couldn’t lead an elementary school parade, much less the State of Louisiana.

Louisiana ranked at or near the bottom in all categories. Fiscal stability was the state’s strongest category ranking (43rd). U.S. News acknowledged the Louisiana government’s relatively stable credit score and a liquidity that was on par with the national average.

But the state ranked last in crime, natural environment and opportunity. The list noted a poverty rate well above the national average and average household income of $46,165 (roughly $14,000 short of the national average). The state’s incarceration rate is among the worst in the country and violent crime is high.

Louisiana, don’t fall for this clown’s crap come November. Vote Republican!

Hopefully Another Vitter Will Be Serving in DC Soon

Wendy Vitter, wife of former Senator David Vitter of Louisiana, will find out this week if she will be confirmed to a seat to the federal bench

Vitter, 58, has the backing of both of Louisiana’s Republican U.S. senators, Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, who have lauded her qualifications through the process.

“Wendy Vitter is extremely qualified and I look forward to voting for her,” Cassidy said Wednesday after several of his Democratic colleagues raised questions on the Senate floor about Vitter’s positions on abortion and school segregation. “It’s a shame the liberal left is using fabricated political smears to suppress the voice of a strong conservative woman."

Vitter, a staunch pro-life supporter, has caught the ire of the pro-death, baby-killing Democrats in the US Senate.

Read more: Wendy Vitter's nomination to federal bench will get U.S. Senate vote this week

LOGA: Mid-Session and Presidential Visit Debrief

Gifford Briggs, President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, gives a mid-session and Presidential visit debrief on Facebook.

Trump: A Win in 2020 and Lake Charles Gets a New Bridge

In what was likely a moment of levity during his visit today, President Trump promised a new bridge on I10 for Lake Charles if he is re-elected. Or, it may have been because the motorcade had to cross that disaster. Either way, see the video below:

Big win for Calcasieu Parish - the I-10 bridge will be rebuilt! Thank you @realDonaldTrump, I am proud to have been by your side for this major announcement. Together, we’re winning for Louisiana! pic.twitter.com/MDmWKeEVI0

— Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@BillCassidy) May 14, 2019

LAGOP: LOUISIANA- FIRST IN LAST, AGAIN

So once more Louisiana is dead last in a ranking of all fifty states! This particular ranking, by U. S. News & World Report magazine, is, unfortunately, one of the older, more respected and widely noted of such rankings.

This ranking evaluated education, healthcare, infrastructure, opportunity, crime and quality of life metrics- precisely the sort of things that we elected John Bel Edwards to fix in 2015. However, the Governor faults the evaluating criteria, accusing the magazine of using old data sources, presumably pre-2019 data. But then 2019 is not yet over, so one hesitates to cast aspersions on U. S. News & World Report for this omission.
The sad fact is that this magazine has reached the same conclusion that Louisiana is the worst state to live in for three straight years. There can be little doubt where we will be in the rankings next year, and let us not forget the many other state rankings by numerous other institutions which confirm our terrible condition.

Harken back to the heady days of the 2015 campaign and the many promises made by John Bel Edwards: That he would reform our bloated and inefficient state government, that he would not raise our taxes, that he would repair our infrastructure, etc., etc. Yet what do we have to show for all the bitterness in tone, the innumerable legislative sessions, the threats to throw nursing home patients out in the street and end the LSU football program, and so forth?

We have higher taxes, decaying infrastructure, a terrible public education system, an out-of-control Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals (which will break us financially in the next several years), and one of the slowest growing state economies in the country. And all the while tens of thousands of our fellow citizens leave Louisiana every year for greener pastures...

The missed opportunities of this administration boggle the mind, but John Bel Edwards faults the data. We fault this Governor!

On to Victory in 2019!

Louis Gurvich, Chairman
Republican Party of Louisiana

LOGA Responds to President Trump Celebration of Louisiana’s Energy Producers

BATON ROUGE, LA (April 14, 2019) — The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association applauds President Donald Trump’s actions to unleash an American energy revolution on American soil.  

“It’s refreshing to hear an administration celebrate the oil and gas industry and see their continued push for American energy dominance,” said Gifford Briggs, President of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association. “The oil and gas industry has been an economic powerhouse for our country, our state, and our local communities. It is long past time Louisiana moves on from the job and investment stifling litigations and taxation policy, and unleash the true potential of Louisiana’s oil and gas industry. We thank President Trump for his visit and look forward to working alongside his administration to unleash the true potential of the American energy producer.”  

About The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association

The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association was organized in 1992 to represent the independent and service sectors of the oil and gas industry in Louisiana; this representation includes exploration, production, and oilfield services. LOGA’s primary goal is to provide our industry with a working environment that will enhance the industry. LOGA services its membership by creating incentives for Louisiana’s oil & gas industry, warding off tax increases, changing existing burdensome regulations, and educating the public and government of the importance of the oil and gas industry in the state of Louisiana. Find out more information at: http://www.loga.la

President Trump Arrives in Lake Charles

The President recently touched down in Lake Charles to start his tour of a Cameron LNG plant. Several members from Louisiana’s delegation in DC arrived on Air Force One with the President and several from the state delegation were there to greet him.

President Trump arrives in Lake Charles, LA. pic.twitter.com/4zMAYvCVsf

— The Hill (@thehill) May 14, 2019

HIGGINS: Welcome to Southwest Louisiana, President Trump

Photo source: The Advocate

 Congressman Clay Higgins, Special to the American Press

    Louisiana will soon welcome President Donald Trump for a visit to Sempra Energy’s Cameron LNG Export Facility. With over $100 billion in announced energy projects and $65 billion in projects already underway, Southwest Louisiana has a story worth sharing.

    Our region is home to historic economic growth and job creation as part of the LNG boom, and I am honored that President Trump recognizes Louisiana’s significance regarding American energy dominance. South Louisiana is blessed with a strategic location on the Gulf Coast that is home to vast natural resources, major ports, industrial airfields, rail and pipeline hubs, and generational skills. With critical investments in new and existing infrastructure, Southwest Louisiana can become the epicenter of national economic prosperity.

    What we are seeing is reflective of President Trump’s efforts to unleash America’s energy potential and establish an era of American energy dominance. In Calcasieu and Cameron parishes, projects like Sasol, Cheniere, Sabine Pass LNG, Driftwood LNG, Magnolia LNG, Cameron LNG, and many others are creating tens of thousands of jobs and generating billions in economic development. Southwest Louisiana is quickly becoming a global leader in energy exports.

    Historic tax cuts, regulatory reform, and an America-first business climate are driving energy projects forward. Continued economic growth in Louisiana relies on modern infrastructure and a strong workforce. I will continue to reinforce that message directly with President Trump and his Cabinet.

    We must invest in our ports, waterways, roads, and bridges. We should also invest in workforce development to ensure that local workers can meet growing job and industry demands.

    When President Trump visited Lake Charles after Hurricane Harvey, I asked him to invest in dredging and water management for South Louisiana. I looked in his eyes and stated that we’ve seen this much water fall, but we haven’t seen this much water rise. His administration followed through. The Calcasieu Channel and Port of Lake Charles have received over $194 million for dredging since 2017. That investment enables greater trade, attracts new business, and will generate more than a billion dollars in revenue over the next five years.

    On Tuesday, I will speak to President Trump about the need to continue investing in our region. This includes federal resources for our ports, waterways, airfields, and a new I-10 bridge. With strategic investments, we can unlock Southwest Louisiana’s full economic potential, which will be a major benefit to the entire nation.

    I am grateful for our Commander in Chief and for his upcoming visit. He leads from the front, and he follows through on his promises. That spirit is certainly welcome here in South Louisiana.

--Congressman Clay Higgins represents Louisiana’s 3rd District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Source: Congressman Clay Higgins 

Louisiana Citizens for Job Creators: AG Landry Continues to Win on Obamacare

This week the Louisiana Senate passed AG Landry's Obamacare fix with almost unbelievable support: 38-0. This overwhelming, bipartisan display of approval proves that the plans set forth by AG Landry are sound steps in the path to addressing the UNAFFORDABLE Affordable Care Act.

AG Landry has worked diligently with Louisiana Department of Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, Senator Fred Mills, and House Speaker Taylor Barras to craft this important legislation that would protect some of the most vulnerable patients in the state: those with pre-existing conditions. The ideas proposed by AG Landry are revolutionary and are real solutions to real health care problems. Should this bill, the Louisiana Families Protection Act, become law it stands to be an example for the entire country on how to fix Obamacare.

Thank you AG Landry for tackling this crucial issue and leading the charge for real solutions! Read more about AG Landry's bill HERE!

AG Jeff Landry Spearheading Bipartisan Effort on Obamacare Replacement

Photo source: Twitter

In what is another example of Attorney General Jeff Landry showing true leadership in Baton Rouge, a bill working it’s way through the legislature, which would replace Obamacare, is receiving bipartisan support  

State Attorney General Jeff Landry, a former Republican congressman, has spearheaded the effort, saying it would inject real competition into the health insurance market, reduce costs for consumers and provide a safety net for those whose pre-existing conditions, such as cancer and diabetes.  

 “What we’re doing is going back to federalist principles, working within the long-established powers of the state,” Mr. Landry said. “It will be interesting to see what the governor will do.”

The ball is in the Governor’s court. Let’s see if he truly is worthy of that “Honor Code” label he loves to use

Read more:  Louisiana Republicans win Democrats' support with first Obamacare replacement

LOUISIANA FAMILY FORUM: Oppose Louisiana ERA Bill

Photo source: Baptist Message

LFF OPPOSES SCR 2 by Sen. J.P. Morell (D New Orleans) and the ratification of the 1972 Equal Rights Amendment. This dangerous resolution, which could codify a right to abortion into the U.S. Constitution, will be heard as early as next week.

It is important that your State Senator hears from you today! Click here to find your Senator and urge them to VOTE NO on SCR2!

How does this amendment ERAse women’s’ progress?

1. ERA would codify a federal right to abortion into the constitution.

2. Every pro-life law on the books in Louisiana and across the nation would be in jeopardy, including restrictions on taxpayer funding of abortion.

3. ERA would empower the federal courts to re-define “sex” beyond biology.

4. Biological sex at birth will be re-negotiated giving sexual politics constitutional status.

5. ERA threatens fundamental religious freedom.

6. People who disagree with new gender definitions and want to live out their faith peacefully could be subject to criminal penalties. Church tax exempt status would be in jeopardy over policies and practices regarding all-male clergy.

7. ERA jeopardizes privacy and safety.

8. By removing traditional gender norms like separate bathrooms, locker rooms, hospital and nursing home rooms, women’s shelters and other private spaces will be integrated.

9. ERA would integrate prisons and require that women be assigned to military combat.

10. ERA would do away with separate women and men’s sports teams.

Laws that prohibit discrimination based on sex already exist in the 5th and 14th amendment as well as federal and state anti-discrimination laws. Under these protections, we continue to make progress when issues come to light.

The legal deadline to ratify the ERA was 37 years ago. Call your Senator and/or email them and let them know that Louisiana celebrates women, and not to ERAse the progress we have made. Urge them to VOTE NO on SCR2!

Click here! Find your Senator and urge them to VOTE NO on SCR2!

If We Only Had a Governor Committed to Oil and Gas

At least we have a President who’s committed to one of the greatest industries in the state of Louisiana. The following was announced today regarding President Trump visiting the Bayou State.  

According to Senator Bill Cassidy, President Trump will be touring the Sempra Energy’s Cameron LNG Export Facility on May 14, 2019.

“I thank President Trump for his commitment to unleashing American energy and supporting Louisiana energy workers,” said Cassidy. “Under Republicans’ watch, we’ve seen new investment in projects from the wellhead to the export facility—bringing billions to our state and creating good-paying jobs for Louisiana workers.”

Too bad we have a governor that has done everything he could to break the back of oil and gas in this state with his trial attorney cronies.

Read more: President Trump to visit natural gas facility in Cameron Parish next week

More of “What Makes Cajun Country Great”

Photo source: The Advocate

Here in my hometown of New Iberia, a family business is brewing their own brand of whiskey:

NEW IBERIA — It’s true that 98% of all bourbon whiskey is brewed in Kentucky.

That fact hasn't stopped Stephen Mestayer and his sons, Philip and Jeep, from brewing their own bourbon whiskey on weekends from their regular jobs in a tiny warehouse off U.S. 90 in New Iberia.

Read more: New Iberia family behind Distillerie Acadian to unveil new bourbon whiskey this summer

BEAU BEAULLIEU ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

“We have all the ingredients to make Louisiana a great state.

Let’s make it happen.”

New Iberia- Local small business owner and community leader, Beau Beaullieu (Republican), has announced that he will become a candidate for the open seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives, District 48.

“Now is the time for effective solutions and conservative leadership in Baton Rouge. We have talked about ridding the state of good ole boy politicians for years, but have yet to set this state on the right path. Effective governance, that understands fiscal responsibility will dig us out. I’ve got my shovel and I’m ready to get to work,” Beaullieu said.

A life-long resident of Iberia Parish, Beau is a graduate of Catholic High School (New Iberia), LSU where he received a degree in Finance and UL Lafayette where he received a Master of Business Administration. Beau has made it his life’s work to build secure financial futures for thousands in south Louisiana and he’s ready to take that mindset to the state capitol.  He was the 2018 recipient of the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce Civic Service Award, named Kiwanian of the Year in 2017 and one of Acadiana’s Top 20 under 40 in 2014.

Beaullieu stated, “My entire life, I’ve seen firsthand the spirit and work ethic of the people here in District 48. Through the years, they’ve inspired me with their resilience.  I’ve worked hand-in-hand with them to help make our home a better place to live, work and play. We have all the ingredients to make Louisiana a great state for our children and grandchildren to prosper. I’m up for the challenge to bring that vision and those values to Baton Rouge – let’s make it happen.”

If elected, Beau will focus on reducing the size of government, improving our business climate by slashing unnecessary regulations and red tape, reinvesting in education and workforce training, protecting innocent life at all stages, standing up for our constitutional rights and bring solutions to address our infrastructure needs.

Beau is married to Kaci Smith Beaullieu; together they have four children: Mary-Alizabeth, Emma, Beau and Thomas. The Beaullieu’s are parishioners at Sacred Heart of Jesus where Beau is a lector and has served on the Church Parish Council.

For years, Beau’s lifelong ambition has been to make Louisiana and Acadiana a place all of our children can be proud to call home.  As an effective leader in the community Beau is a Board Member for the Iberia Cultural Resources Association, former Board Member of the Acadiana Red Cross, Charter Member and former Chairman of the Iberia Parish Foundation, former Board Member of the Iberia Chamber of Commerce, member and Past President of the New Iberia Kiwanis Club, former Chairman of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Council and the Knights of Columbus Council No. 11793 among others.

House District 48 includes portions of Iberia, Lafayette and St. Martin Parishes. The seat is being vacated by Speaker Taylor Barras due to term limits. Election Day is Saturday, October 12, 2019.

CITIZENS FOR LOUISIANA JOB CREATORS: Senate Approves AG Landry's Healthcare Bill

Today, the Health & Welfare Senate Committee unanimously approved SB 173 - the Health Care Coverage for Louisiana Families Protection Act which provides protections for patients with pre-existing conditions should Obamacare be repealed. 

AG Landry has worked diligently with Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, Senate Health & Welfare Chairman Fred Mills, House Speaker Taylor Barras, and the entire committee to craft this legislation that addresses numerous concerns for health insurance recipients and those with pre-existing conditions. The win today is a huge step in the process for this important bill to become law.

Thanks to the Senate Health & Welfare Committee members Senators Regina Barrow, Gerald Boudreax, Norby Chabert, Dan Claitor, Yvonne Colomb Dorsey, Dale Erdey, Bob Hensgens, Jay Luneau, & Chairman Fred Mills for referring the bill out of committee!

And, THANK YOU AG Landry for standing up for everyone across Louisiana to ensure that health insurance coverage will not be in jeopardy for those with pre-existing conditions!

Oil and Gas is Still an Important Economy in Louisiana, No Matter What “Honor Code” Thinks

Photo source: Oil and Gas IQ

While “Honor Code” Edwards and his trial lawyer cronies are bent on crippling one of the greatest economies that this state has ever had, oil and gas still proves to be a bountiful source of revenue for Louisiana.

WASHINGTON — Louisiana will get nearly $95 million for coastal protection and restoration efforts in the latest round of payments from the federal government’s Gulf energy royalties.

State officials quickly hailed the announcement of the latest round of Gulf of Mexico Energy and Security Act funding as a win for the state’s conservation and hurricane protection efforts.

Read more: Louisiana gets nearly $95 million for coastal restoration from federal oil revenue-sharing pact

LAGOP: John Bel Edwards Has Failed Louisiana's Oil and Gas Industry

(Baton Rouge, LA) – Today, as we observe Oil & Gas Day in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards continues his assault on Louisiana’s lifeblood, the oil and gas industry, thereby jeopardizing the economic security of hundreds of thousands of workers and their families.

Since taking office Edwards has bombarded the oil and gas companies with lawsuits, regulations, and higher taxes, and the sad results clearly show in Louisiana’s diminished importance in the nation’s energy economy.
To illustrate the damage that John Bel Edwards has caused, read below:

• He has actively encouraged lawsuits against the oil and gas industry in parishes across the state, which is unsurprising since the trial lawyer lobby spent over $2.6 million electing him.
  

• The Wall Street Journal:“Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards was elected in 2015 with substantial support from trial lawyers, and he’s now repaying them in kind. The former minority leader of the state’s House of Representatives is effectively extorting oil and gas companies to backfill the budget while engineering what could be a handsome payday for his friends at a politically connected law firm.” (March 2018)
  

• His changes to Louisiana’s highly successful, eighty plus year old Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) have burdened energy companies by creating uncertainty in the cost of future investment in the state. ExxonMobil has taken the extraordinary step of publicly stating that they will no longer factor the program into their decision-making.
  

• ExxonMobil:“Due to the uncertainty, we will have to assume there is no ITEP incentive as we make cost projections on future investment opportunities in Louisiana.” (January 2019)
  

• In 2018 alone, Louisiana under John Bel Edwards lost 1,100 jobs in the sector that includes the oil and gas industry, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  

• Under John Bel Edwards, Louisiana has raised taxes and fees at a higher rate than any other state in the country, further weakening the business climate for the state’s oil and gas industry.
  

• Former Democratic Congressman Chris John:“It is the engine that drives our economy… A governor who would not recognize that, I think, is doing a disservice to Louisiana.” (July 2018)

With more than 260,000 employees across the state and an average annual wage of more than $96,500 (almost double the state’s average wage), and a contribution of more than $2 billion in annual state taxes, it is clear that the energy industry is critical to Louisiana’s employment, state budget and overall economic success.

“Our state deserves a governor who will work to build up our economy, not tear it down. Governor Edwards continues to show that he is willing to put Louisiana’s economic health and working families at risk to boost his trial lawyer backers,” commented LAGOP Chairman Executive Director Andrew Bautsch

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LAGOP: JOHN BEL EDWARDS CHOOSES CAMPAIGN CASH OVER SENIOR CARE

(Dallas, TX) – After funneling over $40,000 into John Bel Edwards’ campaign pockets, Senior Care Center Management LCC has filed for bankruptcy protection in federal court. Senior Care Center Management operates senior care, assisted living and hospice facilities in Texas and Louisiana.
 
Many of their Louisiana facilities have been trusted to treat some of our most vulnerable populations and rely on Medicaid to reimburse their facilities and cover the cost of care. After expanding the Medicaid program in 2016, Governor Edwards is now trying to dedicate an additional $1 billion from our state budget to cover the growing cost of Medicaid here in Louisiana.
 
Unfortunately, while running up hundreds of millions of dollars in debt and refusing to PAY RENT at their facilities, the team at Senior Care Management was busy working with Governor Edwards’ campaign to funnel over $40,000 into their campaign account through eight of its corporate subsidiaries.
 
April 2015 – Spring Lake SCC LLC, Shreveport SCC LLC, Normandie SCC LLC, Ruston SCC LLC, Colonial SCC LLC, Bradford SCC LLC, Booker SCC LLC, and Bossier SCC LLC are all registered with the Texas Secretary of State.

These EIGHT entities all share:

• The same registered agent, Amarillo Corporate Services, LLC

• The same address, 600 N Pearl St, Suite 1100, Dallas, TX

• The same roster of officers, with Andrew Kerr, listed as President & CEO, John Heller as Vice President, and Alan Boerner, Alan Munday, and Scott Rickard as Directors. Kerr is also listed in a press release as Chief Financial Operator at the time.

November 2015 – Spring Lake SCC LLC, Shreveport SCC LLC, Normandie SCC LLC, Ruston SCC LLC, Colonial SCC LLC, Bradford SCC LLC, Booker SCC LLC, and Bossier SCC LLC all donate $2,500 contributions to Edwards’ campaign for governor. (See Below)
 
January 2016 – Edwards expands Medicaid in Louisiana.
 
March 2016 – Spring Lake SCC LLC, Shreveport SCC LLC, Normandie SCC LLC, Ruston SCC LLC, Colonial SCC LLC, Bradford SCC LLC, Booker SCC LLC, and Bossier SCC LLC all donate $2,500 each to Edwards’ re-election. (See Below)
 
November 2016 – Senior Care Center Management LLC donates $4,000 to Edwards’ re-election. (See Below)
  
These entities, all of whom have the same registered agent, officers, and location, have donated a total of $44,000 to Edwards.