Either "The Science" Changed or It's the Old "For Me and Not For Thee" in New Orleans
Photo source: Fox News
Mardi Gras is in full swing in the Big Easy. So is hypocrisy.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya “The DeStroya” Cantrell recently imposed a mask mandate for the city prior to the start of Mardi Gras season, “following the science” regarding COVID-19 safety. The full mandate can be found here, but the key points are below:
In response to the exponential growth of new COVID cases and hospitalizations statewide due to the Omicron variant, the City of New Orleans today announced the reinstatement of the indoor mask mandate in Orleans Parish, effective Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 6 a.m.
The mask mandate will be in place for all public indoor spaces, including all K-12 schools and healthcare facilities throughout Orleans Parish. Masks will also be required for use of public transportation as detailed in the federal guidelines, for all residents ages 2 and older. COVID-19 mitigation measures implemented for certain businesses requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry will remain in place.
With Mardi Gras season in full swing, Cantrell and her cohorts were seen at a recent ball without masks and flaunting her own mandate. Your kids in the city are forced to wear masks throughout the day, but if you are in a leadership position, these rules are not applicable. The response from her administration?
In a statement to Fox News, Cantrell spokesman Beau Tidwell admitted that there was not a "perfect adoption of the guidelines in every instance" over the weekend.
"The mask guidelines and the vaccination requirement will remain in effect thru Mardi Gras," he said. "That has not changed and it will not change. Under the current guidelines, masks may be removed indoors while eating and drinking. While we did not see perfect adoption of the guidelines in every instance over the weekend, we were encouraged overall by the level of masking and vigilance we saw on the parade route and at ball events."
In other words, who are you gonna believe? Us or your lying eyes?
It’s past time for the people of the State of Louisiana to stand up and fight back against these baseless mandates. It’s not about “the science”, but about political superiority.
Read more: New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell held maskless ball after reimposing mask mandate
Rep. Blake Miguez on Final Passage of SB-1 and Redistricting of Senate District 22
Rep. Blake Miguez, R-Erath, gives an impassioned speech today prior to final passage of SB-1 and the redistricting of Senate District 22, affecting parts of Iberia and St. Martin Parishes.
Miguez, who’s current House District does not include the Town of Loreauville, speaks from a personal perspective, as the native of the small community in Iberia Parish. The newly drawn district lines would put that area district to the east, excluding the rest of Iberia.
Sen. John Kennedy shreds Trudeau's 'underwhelming' leadership
St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis Switches to Republican
BATON ROUGE- The Republican Party of Louisiana is proud to announce St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis has officially become a Republican.
McInnis has served as St. Bernard Parish President since 2015 as an Independent. After a recent trip to Washington D.C., McInnis returned to Louisiana side by side with Congressman Steve Scalise to announce his switch.
"I've been a conservative my entire life and have voted Republican in every presidential election over the past few decades. However, seeing what's happening to our country has led me to make this move," said McInnis.
LAGOP Chairman Louis Gurvich said, "We are excited to welcome President McInnis to the Republican Party and work together to advance conservative policies for the great people of St. Bernard parish."
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What Exactly Is Going on With Redistricting in Baton Rouge?
There is more intrigue taking place in Baton Rouge regarding redistricting legislation over the past several days. The Advocate put out this piece yesterday concerning what appears to be collusion in the process to create a seat for a fellow lawmaker by Senator Page Cortez:
Senate President Page Cortez and state Rep. Stuart Bishop are facing accusations that they engineered a last-minute change to remap Senate boundaries in Acadiana to create a potentially winnable Senate seat for Bishop.
Under a Cortez amendment approved by the Senate on Monday, Bishop would reside in the new Senate District 22, which will have an open seat in next year’s legislative elections because the current senator, Fred Mills, is facing term limits and cannot run.
Most of the new Senate District 22 would continue to include St. Martin and Iberia parishes, which Mills has represented, but 25% of the district would contain a portion of Lafayette Parish, including the piece in south Lafayette where Bishop resides.
Until Cortez’s change on Monday, Bishop’s home was going to be in Senate District 21, which Cortez represents. He is term-limited, and Rep. Jean-Paul Coussan, who is close to both Cortez and Bishop, is eyeing that seat. Putting Bishop in the new Senate District 22 could allow Bishop to run for the Senate without pitting him against Coussan.
Read more: Is Senate President Page Cortez trying to create a seat for lawmaker friend? Both deny it.
Yesterday, Bishop went on Carol Ross’ program, The Ross Report, to personally deny the accusations and to give his take on the redistricting process taking place in Baton Rouge. Audio of that program can be found below:
The redistricting session is scheduled to finish up this weekend. Stay tuned for what is sure to be more shenanigans.
Rep. Barry Ivey puts fellow Louisiana lawmakers on blast
Rep. Barry Ivey, R-Central, had choice words for some of his colleagues in the Louisiana House of Representatives after they voted to table his bill that would have added another minority district to the Louisiana Supreme Court. (Video courtesy of the Louisiana Legislature)
Source: Louisiana Illuminator
Carol Ross and Troy Hebert on District 22 Redistricting
Carol Ross discusses redistricting of Louisiana Senate District 22 with former Sen. Troy Hebert, Jeanerette.
Moon Griffon and Troy Hebert on District 22 Redistricting
Former State Senator Troy Hebert, Jeanerette, sits down with Moon Griffon on his radio program regarding the redistricting plans for District 22.
The Plan to Get Page Cortez Elected Lt. Governor
The following piece is in regards to the redistricting plan for Louisiana District 22, which passed the full Senate on 2/14:
Sen. Page Cortez, currently representing District 23, has removed the Youngsville area that was previously included in District 22 when he first filed his bill. This was done at the expense of part of the heart of Lafayette, which includes Lafayette Regional Airport, Women and Children’s Hospital, Comeaux High School and areas to the South of River Ranch. The reason behind this move? Stuart Bishop lives in that area.
As a result, Cortez can run for Lt. Governor, which allows Bishop to drop out that same race and frees Bishop to run for this Senate seat that Cortez personally carved out for him.
The flipside of this scheme is at the expense of the heart of the economic engines in Lafayette Parish. Our Lady of Lourdes, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Lafayette Regional and even Stuller Settings have been sacrificed to appease this new district layout.
To make matters even worse, Senator Fred Mills, which currently represents District 22 in the Senate, never spoke up when the bill was being debated and even voted for it. The duly named “Wal-Mart Greeter”, dubbed by Moon Griffon, did nothing to fight for Iberia/St. Martin Parishes.
Also, Bret Allain, current term-limited Senator for District 21, was able to take 25% of Iberia Parish’s population for his chosen successor, his own son.
With all of the backroom deals, they have effectively tried to kill any future representation by Iberia/St. Martin, which was represented for years by Sen. Troy Hebert, who they have drawn out of this new district, and to prevent Rep. Blake Miguez from being elected to the upper chamber.
However, there is talk of local Iberia Parish businessman Mark Romero running for this newly created Senate district, throwing a wrench into all of these plans.
The people being represented by the current Senate District 22 should be duly outraged by typical Louisiana politics.
Louisiana Senate Candidate Literally Torches a Confederate Flag in New Campaign Ad
“Our system isn’t broken — it’s designed to do what it’s doing: produce measurable inequity,” - Gary Chambers Jr.
Kennedy: Biden's inflation waterboarding Louisianians
16 states file new lawsuit against healthcare worker COVID vaccine mandate
Sixteen states are making another push to stop the federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers nearly a month after the Supreme Court upheld the regulation.
The 16-state coalition, led by Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, on Friday filed a complaint with the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Louisiana seeking to stop the rule’s enforcement in the state before the next compliance deadline goes into effect next week.
Read more: 16 states file new lawsuit against healthcare worker COVID vaccine mandate
Grow Louisiana Coalition: Louisiana's Energy Industry is Vital to our Coastal Restoration Efforts
Photo source: Grow Louisiana Coalition
February 2 was World Wetlands Day and saving our coastline is of the utmost importance to Louisiana's energy industry. This month, the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority unveiled its draft 2023 annual plan, which announced more than $172.5 million in projects funded by the oil and gas industry through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA).
Read more: Louisiana Commits Nearly $1.3B to Coastal Restoration, Protection Projects
Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge Fosters Industry Partnerships
The Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has partnered with the oil and gas industry to maintain and fortify watershed and levee systems, protect coastal populations and fortify wildlife habitats in Cameron Parish. Recently, Chevron partnered with the Refuge to develop and fortify a 20-mile levee system to protect Cameron Parish and act as a first line of defense against storms and rising tides.
Statement by Chairman Louis Gurvich on Governor Edwards' Scandal
BATON ROUGE- "The Governor’s press conference on February 1st leaves us with more questions than answers. The reasoning provided by Governor Edwards as to why he either stayed quiet, omitted the truth, or was actually complicit in the lies regarding the death of Ronald Green, is implausible at best.
"Even the known facts are damning: Wiped cell phones, delays and denials of public records requests, fired whistleblowers, an overall refusal to provide justice and transparency to the family of Mr. Greene, and recently leaked proof that Governor Edwards knew the official story was false the very day that Ronald Greene died. Most of all, the continuing refusal of the Governor to provide the family of Mr. Greene with the updated facts as they became available speaks volumes of this Governor’s lack of integrity and common human decency.
"Now, two and a half years too late, the Governor insults us with a litany of implausible excuses which satisfies no one. And the great question remains: How much more evidence is out there still waiting to be revealed?
"The people of Louisiana are entitled to all of the facts. The Governor must immediately turn over all public records, phone logs, text messages, videos, documents, reports, and emails regarding the incident which ended in the tragic death of Mr. Greene on May 10, 2019, and the subsequent coverup which continues to this day.
“All who played a part in this shameful story must be held to account. Nothing less will restore the public trust of all Louisianians in this tarnished administration. We must have leaders who value integrity, transparency, and justice, even when it may cost them an election."
LOGA Responds to Federal Judge Cancelling 1.7 Million Acres of Drilling Leases
BATON ROUGE, LA (January 28, 2022) - Yesterday, U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras invalidated the largest offshore oil and gas lease sale in the nation’s history, cancelling 1.7 million acres of drilling leases.
One of President Biden’s first actions in office was to ban new oil and gas drilling on lands and waters owned by the federal government. But after a Louisiana judge struck down the moratorium last summer, administration officials said they were forced to go through with the sale in November.
In response to yesterday’s ruling, Louisiana Oil & Gas Association President Mike Moncla released the following statement:
“Judge Contreras’ decision to ‘throw out’ the last lease sale is disappointing for industry, but even a bigger blow to the American consumer.
This administration continues to make decisions that increase energy costs on Americans.
In just one year in office, President Biden’s energy policies (or lack thereof) have more than doubled oil, natural gas and gasoline prices.
LOGA will continue to fight for actual policy that puts Americans to work while also providing affordable, reliable, and abundant energy to our nation.”
Republicans Stand For the Sanctity of Life
This weekend, Chairman Louis Gurvich and the Republican Party of Louisiana remember the lives of the unborn we have lost and renew our commitment to fighting for pro-life policies.
We are extremely proud that Louisiana consistently ranks in the top 5 most pro-life states year after year. The Republican Party of Louisiana will continue to stand for the sanctity of life, speak up for the unborn, and help vulnerable mothers.
Let us not forget the damage the Democrats have done in recent history:
Embraced radical pro-abortion policies contrary to science
Used taxpayer dollars to fund late-term abortion
Democrats have refused to back any limitations on abortion, including up to the moment of birth and after
Democrats even blocked legislation banning infanticide
Abandoned decades of bipartisan consensus by not including the Hyde Amendment , which prevents taxpayer dollars from funding abortion, in their tax-and-spend “Build Back Broke” agenda
We encourage all willing to participate to make your voice heard at a Louisiana "Together for Life" march near you this Saturday and Sunday:
Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022: Life March Southwest, Lake Charles
Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022: Life March South, Baton Rouge
Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022: Life March Northwest, Shreveport-Bossier
Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022: Life March Northeast, West Monroe-Monroe
Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022: Life March Cenla, Pineville-Alexandria
BATON ROUGE ATTORNEY TO BE HONORED AT INAUGURAL WOMEN’S PUBLIC LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
January 19, 2022 (Baton Rouge, LA) – In anticipation of the upcoming Inaugural Women’s Public Leadership Summit hosted by our affiliate, Women’s Public Leadership Network, Louisiana Women Lead would like to recognize Robert L. Rieger, Jr, who will be receiving the 2022 WPLN Daniel Anthony Award at the February meeting.
The Daniel Anthony Award is named for Susan B. Anthony’s father and ardent supporter of her efforts and is meant to celebrate a man who has given critical support to a female public leader or leaders. By accepting, Rieger serves as an example to others on how to be an effective supporter of women’s leadership and what is achievable with the support of others. Rieger is a Partner at law firm Adams and Reese LLP in Baton Rouge. He advises clients in government relations and related litigation matters in Louisiana and Washington, D.C.
“Rob has gone above and beyond in his support for Louisiana Women Lead,” Renee Amar, Executive Director of Louisiana Women Lead. “He’s been a stalwart of our training program, both in person and virtually; he’s offered advice when we need it and unwavering support of the women who run this organization. But not just in this space but also professionally in the political world. He supports and encourages women to get engaged in politics and leadership. He understands the importance of our movement for the women of today and future generations to come.”
Through his efforts, Louisiana Women Lead was able to hit the ground running. The first Lead fundraiser and the legislative proclamation naming June 3rd as Women in Public Office Day with an event held to commemorate the resolution would not have been possible without his guidance and unwavering support. Lead applauds Rieger’s recognition from WPLN and looks forward to honoring him at the summit in New Orleans, beginning February 4th and ending on the 5th. If you are interested in attending the summit, purchase tickets at Lead’s website: http://www.louisianawomenlead.org.
About Louisiana Women Lead
Louisiana Women Lead was formed in 2020 to engage more center-right women in politics. Lead’s goal is to increase the number of women elected or appointed to leadership positions in Louisiana by breaking down barriers, create a statewide network for support, and provide tools to women so they have a leg up when running for or being appointed to office. For more information, visit http://www.louisianawomenlead.org.
Moon Griffon Calls out Eddie Rispone
In calling Rispone out, it's clear that Moon has not forgiven him for his campaign's treatment of former U.S. Congressman Ralph Abraham in the last governor's race.
"The man who ruined the governor's race slaughtered Ralph Abraham with lies just like he is slaughtering the Republican Party!" exclaimed Griffon. "He would be nothing without the money he gives away. He owns people with the money he gives away.
Read more: Moon Griffon: Is Eddie Rispone Trying to Help the Republican Party or Crush It?
Read More: Moon Griffon: Is Eddie Rispone Trying to Help GOP or Crush It?
