Rep. Dodie Horton Statement on Budget Boondoggle

Crooked, lying, power-hungry politicians continue to hold Louisiana back, making us last in the South and last across the country in almost every category. It is long past time to change this, and we all know it in our hearts. Our beloved Louisiana is having the life sucked out of it, causing a population drain of our finest young people to other states. And our politicians keep doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result. We all know what that means: insanity.

The claim is that the Jimmie Davis Bridge funding was removed from the budget because, along with Raymond Crews and Alan Seabaugh, I voted against a measure to bust the budget spending cap that is in our constitution. Our “leadership,” and I use the term leadership loosely, would not tell us how that money would be spent before that vote took place. They refused to tell us how much over the spending limit they intended to spend. How much of your tax dollars would be one-time projects and how much would be recurring expenditures?

They wouldn’t even tell us if they would give the teachers a pay raise, something Republican members overwhelmingly supported. Conservatives previously offered teacher pay raises in two different alternative budget plans we tried to get our leaders to adopt, but it fell on deaf ears. And, of course, leadership didn’t end up giving that pay raise, just a stipend.

We never got any answers to those and many more questions until they gave us the budget five minutes before we had to vote on it. That’s right we only had five minutes to review hundreds of pages containing more than $50 billion of spending. That’s what our leadership thinks of us and of you. You only deserve five minutes for your representatives to try to read hundreds of pages to decide on the future of your children and our state.

All of this is not just about my vote opposing that un-democratic, budget-busting bill they demanded we vote on to find out what’s in it. They were acting like Nancy Pelosi, something no Republican should ever do. I voted against busting the spending cap, but I voted for the budget, because I wanted to avoid a special session, handing the liberals another bite at the apple to spend even more. We had to trust at the last minute that the bill prioritized important infrastructure projects, but we were sold false promises. Senators Robert Mills and Barrow Peacock, who both voted in favor of busting the spending cap, also voted for the budget. In spite of all of that, they couldn’t keep the project in there either. Reps. Glover, Jenkins, Phelps and Pressly all voted to bust the spending cap and also to pass the budget. They are being “punished,” too.

Louisiana has already signed a contract for the Jimmie Davis Bridge that has a start date. I have full confidence the funding will be restored. The Jimmie Davis Bridge defunding fiasco reveals to our constituents just how far these corrupt politicians will go in an attempt to negatively impact my re-election campaign. I have never ceased to support our infrastructure which is reflected in my voting record.

Right now, these crooked politicians are trying to purge the legislature of conservatives who will fight for a better government, a government that gives true value for the expenditure of your tax dollars. This is their fear because they want the gravy train to continue. They’re addicted to spending your money to buy their own power. It’s time to prioritize our tax dollars on critical infrastructure projects like the Jimmie Davis Bridge that have the largest return on investment for our citizens. We can no longer allow the good ole boys system to just continue to spend your money on helping more of their cronies get elected.

I will stand in their way along with the rest of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. We conservatives will grow our numbers. We are not going away. God willing, we will get a real Republican governor next year, and this state will have a chance to move forward. I need your help! A new day is coming, Louisiana. Vote conservative and join our fight to fix our beloved state.

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Editors Note: Rep. Dodie Horton represents District 9 (Bossier Parish) in the Louisiana House of Representatives. As a founding member of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus, we are sending this to be used as an op-ed or quotes may be pulled and used in appropriate articles.

Chaotic End to Regular Session in Baton Rouge

With four minutes to spare before the Louisiana Legislature's final deadline to pass bills, lawmakers approved a sweeping spending package Thursday in a series of chaotic votes marked by angry yelling at the House Speaker, confusion in the Senate and accusations of backdoor deal-making. 

The approximately $45 billion bundle approved Thursday includes the state's main spending bill, a budget for major construction projects and a supplemental spending measure dealing with a $2.2 billion glut of extra cash the state hauled in over the past two years. The bills move next to the desk of Gov. John Bel Edwards, who put his stamp on the session by pushing for higher teacher pay and funding for early childhood education.

Read more: Louisiana Legislature approves budget in chaotic vote marked by yelling, confusion

Today marked the end of the 2023 Regular Session. To say this day was an embarrassment for our state is an understatement. The Speaker of the House and his leaders waited until 5:35 pm, 25 minutes before the deadline, to release the conference amendments to the budget,

— Larry Frieman (@FriemanLarry) June 9, 2023

LANDRY: Why We’re Suing FEMA

Louisiana is no stranger to floods. In fact, our State probably has the most expertise in the Nation on flooding, flood mapping, flood surges, and flood protection. We know how to decrease risk and protect our communities without waiting for guidance from the federal government. That is why we have taken initiative, collected tax dollars, and built sprawling levee systems in our most vulnerable areas with great success. And every Hurricane Season, when we remind our people to be prepared, our State has taken heed of that message. 
 
Unfortunately, when we tried to warn the Federal government that their plans for flood insurance premiums would decimate entire economies – especially along the Gulf Coast – they refused to listen. Now, after years of consistent flood insurance premiums, transparency, and reliable flood maps, homeowners are suddenly seeing a sharp spike in their flood insurance costs.  
 
For example, Russell Hebert and his wife built their home back in 1972; Steve Bourgeois and his family have lived in theirs for 57 years. Both enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program, which is mandatory for government-backed mortgages. They both live in a parish where tax dollars have gone towards mitigating the risk of hurricanes and floods with levees constructed, pumps installed, and other protection mechanisms completed. Yet Russell’s flood insurance, which costs a little over $3,000 two years ago, now requires him to pay $5,600 for the exact same coverage. Steve, whose premium was a little over $600 is now over $6,000 – all thanks to FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0, also known as “Equity in Action.” 
 
At the root of this problem is gross speculation. For instance, Steve’s property has never flooded and has never been considered part of a flood zone before; but FEMA has repeatedly refused to explain why their flood map has changed or how their calculations were made. What's more: FEMA is refusing to take into account all of the risks mitigated through local investment and planning like building levees, elevating homes, and more. Before Equity in Action, those mitigation measures would have resulted in discounted premiums; now, premiums are more expensive than ever, based on a secret program with secret math. 
 
FEMA used their legacy rating system for 52 years, basing flood insurance premiums on historical, discernible data in order to achieve what Congress dictated back in 1968: make flood insurance coverage affordable and available so that flood victims would not be overly-reliant on post-flood financial aid or disaster relief. Today, Risk Rating 2.0 is its own disaster both in Louisiana and across our country, where roughly 50% of people live and work near water. 
 
This is why Solicitor General Liz Murrill and I are leading a broad coalition of 10 states, 43 parishes, 12 levee boards, and a couple of municipalities in suing FEMA. Naturally, we are grateful for the assistance Louisiana has received from the federal government after many natural disasters; and there are certainly good people who work at these agencies. But Risk Rating 2.0 violates the transparency mandate that Congress specifically required. Even worse, it puts too many families at risk of bankruptcy or foreclosure. 
 
So my legal petition asks the court for relief – not only for the people of Louisiana, but also for every American who risks losing their home and shutting down their small business after doing everything right.
 
It is unfortunate that it had to come to this; but after years of trying to negotiate, our only choice was to sue FEMA for relief or stand back and watch as our citizens hand over the keys to their homes and small businesses. We have chosen to fight for you. 

Jeff Landry
Louisiana Attorney General

Rep. Blake Miguez Receives Huge Endorsement

Rep. Blake Miguez share the below on his Facebook page this morning;

I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of the Louisiana Committee for a Conservative Majority (LCCM), a conservative group chaired by U.S. Senator John Kennedy that is committed to advancing a business-friendly environment in Louisiana through the support of fiscally and socially conservative leaders. This support represents not just a belief in my candidacy, but in our shared vision for a thriving Louisiana. Let's bring this home, District 22! #MiguezForSenate

State Senator Jeremy Stine on HB 648

Louisiana State Senator, Jeremy Stine, on why it is important for the legislature to pass HB 648 and his passionate defense of the most vulnerable, our children.

If HB 648 doesn’t become law, we will be sending a horrible message to our children. This isn’t complicated. Our kids deserve to know that they are loved, valued, and perfect just as God created them. #lalege pic.twitter.com/GEnLKUVOHN

— Jeremy Stine (@JeremyStine) June 7, 2023

Livingston Parish President Layton Ricks Endorses Jeff Landry for Governor

Lafayette, La. —Today, Jeff Landry announced that he has secured the endorsement of Livingston Parish President Layton Ricks. Watch endorsement video here. 

 "This upcoming governor's election is so important to the future of Louisiana. That is why I am endorsing Jeff Landry. Jeff is someone who isn't afraid to stand up for what's right, he is tough on crime, and he is someone that folks in Livingston Parish can rely on. He's the type of leader we need to move our State forward," said Livingston Parish President Layton Ricks.

New Analysis: Louisiana’s Abundant Natural Gas and Oil Resources Provide Over $54 Billion in Economic, Trade & Job Benefits

The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA) and American Petroleum Institute (API) today released new analysis on the growing economic contributions of America’s natural gas and oil industry in all 50 states, including investment in Louisiana ranging from taxes and workforce wages paid to indirect and induced jobs in retail, manufacturing, agriculture and other sectors throughout the energy supply chain. The study, commissioned by API and prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), showed that the industry supported more than 346,000 jobs and contributed over $54 billion toward the state’s economy in 2021.

“It is clear the energy industry is critical to Louisiana’s economy, creating jobs, boosting the economy and raising the quality of life for residents across the state. Our state’s economic future depends on a strong, robust oil and natural gas industry and the safe, responsible delivery of energy resources for all.” – Tommy Faucheux, LMOGA President

Read more: New Analysis: Louisiana’s Abundant Natural Gas and Oil Resources Provide Over $54 Billion in Economic, Trade & Job Benefits

2023 Louisiana Survey Shows Crime Tops List of Public’s Concerns

Louisiana residents remain pessimistic about the direction of the state; confidence in state government remains low.

The first in a series of three reports from the 2023 Louisiana Survey, a project of the Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs.

Summary Key results of the 2023 Louisiana Survey, a project of the Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs at Louisiana State University, include:

State of the State

• Most Louisiana residents (61%) believe the state is heading in the wrong direction. While this marks a slight decline of five percentage points from last year, it is the second consecutive year in which a majority of state residents said the state is heading in the wrong direction.

• This year, crime surged to the top of state residents’ concerns, named by about one fifth of respondents (19%). • Confidence in state government remains low. Only 28% of Louisiana residents say they are either “very confident” or “somewhat confident” in state government to address pressing problems.

• The index of consumer sentiment, which measures changes in the outlook for the economy, for Louisiana is 53.5 in the early spring of 2023, a slight improvement over 50.3 in 2022 but well below the value for the United States as a whole, 63.5.

• Four out of five Louisiana residents (80%) say that crime has increased over the last few years. One fourth of state residents report they were the victim of a property crime within the past year, and 15% report they were attacked or threatened with violence.

• Most Louisiana adults (76%) visited a doctor in the past year for a routine checkup. Yet, 22% of adult Louisiana residents have not seen a doctor in more than a year.
  Overall, 13% of adult Louisiana residents have needed to see a doctor for their physical health in the past year but could not because they could not afford the cost. The same share (13%) have needed mental health care within the past year but could not afford it.

Read more: Louisiana Survey 2023 Report

Rep. Clay Higgins Endorses John Fleming for Louisiana Treasurer

Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Former State Senator Troy Hebert Defend Jeff Landry

The following was issued by the LAGOP yesterday in response to an attack ad sent out by a PAC supporting GOP candidate for Governor of Louisiana, Stephen Waguespack:

Majority Leader Steve Scalise issued the following statement earlier today. The LAGOP fully endorses the Majority Leader's sentiments, and believes this pro-Waguespack attack against the endorsed Republican candidate for Governor, Jeff Landry, to be unprovoked and unwarranted. We urge Mr. Waguespack and his supporters to refrain from such attacks in the future.

The Majority Leader's remarks are quoted below:

"Louisiana must elect a bold conservative as our next Governor in order to move our state forward and in a positive direction. The best way for a Republican to regain the Governor's mansion is by laying out their vision for the state's future and building momentum by way of inspiring others to join in their cause.

While the temptation always exists, Republicans attacking other Republicans is the only way we can lose this November's election. Stephen Waguespack is a friend, but those supporting his campaign and outside efforts are hurting his chances—and Louisiana Republicans—by breaking Ronald Reagan's 11th Commandment in launching negative attacks against the Republican front-runner, Jeff Landry.

We must learn from the mistakes of the 2015 and 2019 governor's races, where Republican infighting ultimately squandered our opportunities to win the Governor's mansion. As we work towards getting Louisiana back on track in 2023, Republican candidates must focus on their positive vision for our state, not instigating intra-party attacks and provoking defensive retaliation. Ultimately, this unproductive discourse only benefits those who want to keep our state on the wrong track.

Stephen Waguespack should denounce this negative ad and Reboot Louisiana PAC should take down this attack ad immediately."

In addition, former rival in a heated race for Louisiana State Senate several years ago, Troy Hebert, had this to say about Jeff while on a program with Jim Engster on Tuesday morning:

Trey Ourso and Troy Hebert Discuss Louisiana's Governor's Race

Senior political strategist and partner at Ourso Beychok Trey Ourso is joined by former Louisiana state representative and politician Troy Hebert to discuss several political topics including the upcoming governor's race and its candidates as well as the debt ceiling. Scientist from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center Dr. Claire Berryman gives insight into Pennington's research regarding altitudes effect on health.

Eight Louisiana District Attorneys and Sheriffs Endorse Jeff Landry for Governor

Lafayette, La. —Today, Jeff Landry announced that he has received the endorsement of four Louisiana district attorneys and four Louisiana sheriffs. Jeff Landry is a former police officer, sheriff’s deputy, national guardsman, and military police officer. More endorsements from Louisiana law enforcement officials are to come.

 Sheriff Endorsements:

 "The next Governor’s top priority must be to address the broken laws related to crime. Jeff Landry has my endorsement for Governor because he is the only candidate in this race who I trust to fix the crime problem in our state. He supports our men and women in law enforcement, and he will fight for the safety and well-being of families here in DeSoto Parish. We must prioritize the law abiding citizens and victims in this state,” Sheriff Jayson Richardson - Desoto Parish.

"Jeff Landry has my full endorsement and support for Governor of Louisiana. As a former police officer and sheriff's deputy, there is no better friend of law enforcement than Jeff. He understands what it takes to keep our communities safe, and he is someone we can count on to be the law-and-order governor Louisiana needs,” Sheriff Craig Webre - Lafourche Parish.

"Jeff Landry is the right man at the right time. As a former officer, deputy sheriff, and current attorney general, he has firsthand experience and knowledge to deal with our out-of-control crime problem on his first day in office. He is a fighter who doesn't back down when the best interest of Louisiana is at stake. I personally endorse him, and I am 100 percent certain he will make a great Governor for Bossier and all of Louisiana,” Sheriff Julian Whittington - Bossier Parish.

"Jeff Landry has my full endorsement and support. As a former police officer and sheriff's deputy, Jeff has been a true friend to law enforcement. Jeff will be the law-and-order Governor that Louisiana and Caddo Parish desperately need,” Sheriff Steve Prator - Caddo Parish.

District Attorney Endorsements:

"I am endorsing Jeff Landry for Governor because he is an example of the core values of Louisiana and its citizens. Jeff has continuously supported law enforcement and is a strong advocate of a fair judicial system. He is passionate about upholding the rule of law and protecting and preserving our constitutional rights. Jefferson Davis Parish, and the State of Louisiana, would be well-served by having Jeff Landry as our next Governor. Jeff has the passion and the fortitude to take on the tough issues and challenges that we are facing in the public safety sector and criminal justice system,” Lauren Heinen - 31st JDC - Jefferson Davis Parish.

"Jeff Landry has my endorsement for Governor because he has continuously demonstrated that he will do what it takes to back the men and women of law enforcement in upholding the rule of law, protecting our citizens against criminals and preserving our constitutional rights. I believe the public safety of the citizens of Rapides Parish would be best served by Jeff Landry leading Louisiana as our next Governor,” Phillip Terrell - 9th JDC - Rapides Parish.

"Jeff Landry has my full endorsement and support for Governor of Louisiana. Jeff understands what it takes to keep our communities safe, and he is someone we can count on to be the law-and-order Governor of Louisiana. Iberia, St. Martin and St. Mary Parish will be well served by Jeff,” Bo Duhe - 16th JDC - Iberia, St. Martin, and St. Mary Parish.

 “Jeff Landry has my full endorsement and support for Governor of Louisiana. Like me, Jeff understands what it takes to keep our communities safe and he is someone we can count on to be the law-and-order Governor Louisiana and St. Landry Parish needs,” Chad Pitre - 27th JDC - St. Landry Parish.

LAGOP: House Bill 648 Deserves a Vote on the Senate Floor

BATON ROUGE, LA— The Republican Party of Louisiana strongly supports procedural action that will result in a Senate floor vote on House Bill 648 by Rep. Gabe Firment. This legislation would prohibit genital mutilation surgery on minor children in Louisiana.

The Republican Party of Louisiana is deeply disappointed in Senator Fred Mills' tie-breaking vote to kill HB 648 in committee. The LAGOP strongly recommends that the Senate override the committee vote and allow consideration of HB 648 on the floor, where all senators will have the chance to weigh in on this pivotal piece of legislation.

By way of information, HB 648 passed the Louisiana House of Representatives 71-24 with near unanimous Republican support, and the bill is strongly supported by the great majority of Louisiana’s voters. The procedure is banned in states surrounding Louisiana, and failure to pass HB 648 could make Louisiana a destination for such surgeries!

Please call your senator at 225-342-2040 and encourage him or her to bring this bill to the Senate floor as soon as possible. Our children deserve no less!

Louisiana lawmaker who bucked GOP on gender-affirming care ban unphased by national critics

Fred Mills has sided with the butchers and groomers. He will regret it. This is the biggest mistake of his political career, and also the end of his career. He’s going to be infamous and disgraced by his own base. We’ll make sure of that. https://t.co/ZiJFM9gScs

— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) May 24, 2023

State Sen. Fred Mills is the latest target of national conservative activists after bucking the Republican Party by voting to kill a proposed ban on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth But he’s not worried about it. 

“Why should I?,” Mills said in an interview after he broke a tie vote Wednesday in the Louisiana Senate Health and Welfare Committee. “They don’t live in District 22. They don’t have a 337 area code.” 

“I didn’t run for office to serve those people,” added Mills, a GOP member and pharmacist who represents portions of four rural parishes and New Iberia. 

Read more: Louisiana lawmaker who bucked GOP on gender-affirming care ban unphased by national critics 

LANDRY: About Those Library Books And Senator Heather Cloud's SB7

Roughly nine months ago, the Louisiana Department of Justice began receiving calls from both parents and librarians concerned about sexually-explicit materials designed for minor children that were easily accessible in our public libraries. Our subsequent investigation discovered library materials that involved graphic illustrations of young adults engaged in sexual activities, detailed descriptions and how-to guides for various sex acts, and graphic descriptions of sexual abuse perpetrated by adults on minors.  

If any of these illustrations were broadcast on public television, that network would be contacted by the FCC for violating its rules. If excerpts from any of these books were read aloud on National Public Radio, they too would be contacted, immediately.  

In fact, when Senator Heather Cloud had her staffers print redacted images from these books included in our Protecting Innocence report, there were legal concerns at the Capitol and fears of sexual harassment allegations – merely for printing these images, blurred by our staff, as exhibits for SB7.  

Yet minor children across Louisiana can walk into their local library right now and see the unredacted images for themselves. And in forty-five of our parishes, any child can check-out these materials for further study at home.  

The effects of early sexualization of children are well-known, ranging from poor mental health and isolation to relationship dysfunction and sexual violence. There is an increased risk of sexual abuse, human trafficking, and falling prey to groomers. But the biggest concern was highlighted by research done by Johns Hopkins: the vast majority of children who experience sexual abuse are abused by other children who are only a few years older.  

Perhaps this is why protections have been put in place by the FCC and even streaming services like Netflix. In fact. when a parent chooses “Kids Only” content on Netflix, they often place their trust in a cataloging system on the backend of the service that separates sexually-explicit adult material from more age-appropriate options. Yet this simple system has not been properly applied to our State’s public library systems.  

Senator Cloud’s bill SB7 would place parental restrictions on what a minor child can and cannot check-out from their local library, enabling parents to serve as content moderators for library material that is brought home. I support this course of action; but I also encourage parents to get involved in their child’s library experience and voice concerns about questionable content that has been given valuable shelf space within the children’s and young adult sections.  

By being aware and vocal, parents can ultimately shape the catalogue available to their children so that each public library in every parish can represent the values of that area and its unique community standards. Remember: these are public spaces and they should reflect the needs of the public it serves.  

That is why I have always insisted that the parents have control over this issue, ultimately deciding the appropriate time and place for their child’s exposure to sexual content and their subsequent education. SB7 gives parents that power, at least within their own homes. So I am pleased to report that the bill has passed the Education Committee with an 8-3 vote and now heads to the full House.  

I am proud to have worked with concerned parents and librarians on this parental rights initiative. Together we will continue to fight for the innocence of our children and the rights of our parents. Because if innocence is not protected, what kind of world will we build?  

Jeff Landry
Louisiana Attorney General

BELL: Don’t Let Congress Jeopardize Texas’ Data Security

China wants to undermine our national security. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Texas.

There are credible threats that Chinese nationals are buying up thousands of acres here to spy on American military installations. But the Chinese Communist Party isn’t just interested in our property. It also wants to control our financial services.

Read more: BELL: Don’t Let Congress Jeopardize Texas’ Data Security

'WE ARE DONE WITH YOU' Watch Mayorkas Sit In SILENCE As Clay Higgins EXPLODES On Him

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LAGOP: Important Bills Pending Before Our Legislature

Please be aware of these important pieces of legislation that are currently before our legislature, and let your senator and representative know where we stand:

HB 81— Requires the use of the given name for a student that is listed on the birth certificate unless the parent provides written permission to do otherwise.

HB 86— Creates the "Protect Teachers Act," which provides that no school official will be held liable for any act or failure to act in the directing or disciplining of school children under his or her care and supervision, unless such act or failure to act was found to be malicious and willfully and deliberately intended to cause bodily harm.

HB 102/SB 7— Requires parish and municipal libraries to adopt and implement a policy relative to a minor's access to library materials containing sexually explicit content.

HB 103— Requires public high school students to successfully complete one semester of Financial Literacy in order to be eligible to graduate.

HB 125— Provides land protection by restricting any foreign adversary from directly or indirectly owning, acquiring, leasing, or otherwise obtaining agricultural land.

HB 131— Removes the requirement that a person possess a permit from the state in order to carry a concealed handgun.

HB 311— Constitutional Amendment which prohibits the use of funds and resources from a foreign government or a nongovernmental source for the conduct of elections and/or for the functions and duties related to the administration and conduct of elections.

SB 175— Creates the crime of unlawful deepfakes involving minors, which is the creation of any material depicting a minor engaging in sexual conduct using deepfake technology. 

SB 63— Constitutional Amendment which provides that the freedom to worship in a church or other place of worship is a fundamental right that deserves the highest protection.

We will send further updates as the legislative session continues. 

LANDRY: Honoring Louisiana’s Law Enforcement

This week we are celebrating National Police Week – a time to respect, honor, and remember the brave men and women in law enforcement who protect and serve us. This year’s commemoration comes with the crime epidemic on the minds of so many our neighbors, especially in light of U.S News and World Report recently ranking Louisiana as the worst state in the country for violent crime. 

While we only have 4.5 million people in our State, we still experience 60% more violent crime per 100,000 citizens than the national average. And it is our police officers and sheriff deputies who must race to the scenes of the all-too-often carjackings, armed robberies, shootings, rapes, and other violent crimes plaguing Louisiana. There are no trophies and very few accolades for this difficult work; yet, these peacemakers continue to be our first responders. 

I know how challenging a career in law enforcement can be, as I started my professional life as a police officer and a sheriff’s deputy. During that time, I worked nights, weekends, and holidays – in the neighborhoods, on the roads, and in the jails. I know that those in uniform experience both the best and the worst communities have to offer. Often, these individuals are on the receiving end of violence as well. It is a career that is hard on your body, your mind, and – in some cases – when you have faced the worst humanity has to offer, it can be hard on your soul. 

But all of this can be even harder on the families of those in blue because, while it is rarely covered on the news, behind every brave man and woman in uniform are people who love them. We must not forget that there are often husbands, wives, and children who are also making sacrifices for their communities. These are the ones who feel the stress of time apart, important events missed, and the strain of deep exhaustion brought home at the end of a shift. Then, if a loved one makes the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, they are left with the grief and uncertainty that follows. 

This sorrow and anxiety is something that I have seen firsthand. As your Attorney General, I serve as the Chairman of the Law Enforcement and Firemen Survivor Benefits Board. Over the last seven years, I have met with the families of our State’s finest killed in the line of duty. While it is one of the most difficult parts of my job, I am proud to ensure that those families receive all of the assistance that we can legally provide. And since 2016, 117 claims have been approved and over $31 million in benefits have been paid directly to the survivors of our fallen first responders. 

Still, Louisiana must do more than honor our fallen and support their families. We must also continue to support law enforcement as they battle the opioid epidemic, fight internet crimes against children, stand against illegal immigration, and work to end domestic violence and sexual assault. We must push back against those who wish to defund the police and disrespect the blue. And we must continue to have the backs of officers who continue to operate within the law. 

Our State’s crime problem will not be remedied overnight. A safe Louisiana can only be achieved with the help of law enforcement. Without the sacrifices of our officers and deputies – and their families – we will never fully address violent crime, hold hardened criminals accountable for their actions, or protect our citizens.  

That is why, this week, I ask you join me in appreciating Louisiana’s law enforcement. Please be sure to thank those who stand on the thin blue line that divides order and chaos. And please pray with me for these brave men and women to be strong and steadfast. Together, we can make Louisiana a better place. 

Jeff Landry
Louisiana Attorney General

LANDRY: Louisiana's Criminal Justice System is Failing Us

Louisiana has 3 cities in the top 10 most dangerous cities in the country.