Vitter Stands Alone in Fight Against ObamaCare in Committee

Photo source: National Review

In no clearer example of the collusion between the parties in DC, we have this.  Republicans, working along with Democrats on the Small Business Committee, voted to stop an effort by Sen. David Vitter to subpoena Congress’s application to the District of Columbia’s health exchange.

It is apparent that the games being played in DC are to the benefit of the political class, much to the grand words that are spouted to the citizens of this country.

Read more: How Five Republicans Let Congress Keep Its Fraudulent Obamacare Subsidies

Boustany Comes Out in Support of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act - H.R.36

Congress is currently considering legislation that would place limitations on abortions, a bill known as the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.  The purpose of the legislation is as follows:

Prohibits the abortion from being performed if the probable post-fertilization age of the unborn child is 20 weeks or greater, except: (1) where necessary to save the life of a pregnant woman whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, illness, or injury, excluding psychological or emotional conditions; or (2) where the pregnancy is the result of rape, or the result of incest against a minor, if the rape has been reported at any time prior to the abortion to an appropriate law enforcement agency, or if the incest has been reported at any time prior to the abortion to an appropriate law enforcement agency or to a government agency legally authorized to act on reports of child abuse or neglect. Permits a physician to terminate a pregnancy under such an exception only in the manner that provides the best opportunity for the unborn child to survive, unless that manner would pose a greater risk than other available methods would pose of the death or substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function, excluding psychological or emotional conditions, of the pregnant woman.

Congressman Charles Boustany (LA-03) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives today in support of the bill.

Recent Poll Numbers in Louisiana's Governor's Race

Photo source: NOLA

Sen. David Vitter appears to be the clear favorite in the upcoming fall election to replace Gov. Bobby Jindal for Governor of the State of Louisiana.  A recent poll conducted Southern Media and Opinion Research (SMOR) shows Vitter with a commanding lead amongst all of the candidates within the race.

"He's doing extremely well," Pollster Bernie Pinsonat said. "He's got about 50% of all white voters, he's doing extremely well with the conservatives."

Pinsonat says the poll also shows there's very few white voters who are undecided, which is bad news for Vitter's opponents.

Pinsonat says Vitter would have to suffer a catastrophic melt down with his white support not to get into the runoff against Democrat John Bel Edwards.

"It doesn't mean that Vitter is going to win, but at this point in time, he looks as strong as any candidate we've ever polled for this early in the race," Pinsonat said.

The primary is October 24th.

Source: Poll: Vitter has big lead in race for Louisiana Governor

Paycheck Protection Act Has Been Shelved For Now in Louisiana Legislature

Photo source: LABI

Rep. Stuart Bishop (R-Lafayette) has shelved the Paycheck Protection Act for the time being in the Louisiana Legislature.  This will allow the bill to be brought back at a later point in time.  Supporters of the bill continue to grow, with Sen. David Vitter, Louisiana gubernatorial candidate, tweeting out his full support.

The purpose of the bill is to prevent the state government from automatically withholding union dues from the paychecks of government employees. We still have a long way to go before this bill becomes law, but this was an important step as liberal union leaders killed similar legislation in this committee twice before.

There is still time to urge your elected representatives in the Louisiana legislature to support this bill and stop the state from acting in the capacity of a union bill collector.

Paycheck Protection Act To Be Voted on Today in LA House

Today, the Louisiana House of Representatives will vote on HB 418 otherwise known as Paycheck Protection. This bill would put an end the State acting as a bill collector on behalf of the unions. Liberals have stated that this bill serve no purpose, as it cost no money for Louisiana to perform this service. However, they fail to realize that the time and effort it takes to perform these tasks are being funded by taxpayer money. 

Please call or email your State Representative and urge them to vote FOR Paycheck Protection.

Click here to find your legislator

Click here to email your legislator

RELEASE: New Vitter Plan Chapter Released on Fighting Political Corruption

The following email press release was issued today from Senator David Vitter's office.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Luke Bolar

May 12, 2015

504-779-3771

 New Vitter Plan Chapter Released on Fighting Political Corruption

New Chapter of Vitter’s plan is called “Reforming Government, Rooting Out Corruption And Cronyism”

METAIRIE, LA. – David Vitter (R-LA) today released his proposals to root out government corruption and cronyism as part of his plan, “Together, Louisiana Strong: Our blueprint for building a brighter future.” Chapter 5 of the Vitter plan is called “Reforming Government, Rooting Out Corruption And Cronyism.”

 You can read Vitter’s plan to fight political corruption here.

“Criminal investigations, sweetheart deals, ethics violations…reading the newspaper some days, you'd think Huey Long was alive and well,” Vitter said. “I’ve always gone against the good ole boy system in Louisiana and I’ll have a zero tolerance policy towards corruption and cronyism.  Because if we don't fight, our children won't enjoy the kind of job opportunities and efficient government they deserve.”

In Chapter 5 of “Together, Louisiana Strong,” Vitter details how he will work to root out the good ole boy system of doing business. He’ll work to abolish or reform the LSU version of Tulane legislative scholarships which are lucrative scholarships given out by public higher education board members, often to the politically connected. He’ll also work to increase ethics auditing and enforcement and end abuses like double-dipping. 

Vitter also highlighted the “Vitter Record,” like how he authored and passed term limits for the Louisiana Legislature and authored the leading bill to place term limits on Congress. One of Vitter’s hallmark efforts is his fight to end the Washington Exemption from Obamacare so that all Members of Congress, congressional staff, the President, Vice-President, and all political appointees purchase their health insurance on the Obamacare Exchange with no special taxpayer-funded subsidies.

Vitter’s plan is focused on facing Louisiana’s enormous challenges head on—with strong leadership and real solutions— and taking advantage of historic opportunities and make great gains.

See the first four chapters of Together, Louisiana Strong here.

In addition to “Reforming Government, Rooting Out Corruption And Cronyism,” Vitter has already released the following four chapters of the plan. 

• Keeping in Touch
• Stabilizing The Budget Through Spending & Tax Reform
• Dramatically Improving Education for All Our Children
• Building World Class Infrastructure to Relieve Traffic Congestion and Grow Jobs

Vitter has compiled his plan by meeting with Louisianians of all walks of life and by listening to their ideas for building a brighter future. Vitter has held 382 Town Hall Meetings and 205 Telephone Town Halls. As a candidate for Governor, Vitter has held 12 Leadership Forums on the key challenges we face as a state specifically to develop this blueprint, with dozens of informal meetings and conference calls in addition.

Vitter will be releasing additional chapters as they’re added in the next several weeks. 

TWO SENATORS ON DIFFERENT ENDS OF THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM COME TOGETHER

One of the most liberal Senators in DC, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, along with one of the most conservatives, David Vitter of Louisiana, have teamed up on legislation that would make transparency greater regarding enforcement of fines by the Federal Reserve on banks with fines of more than $1 million.  Both say this is a response to taxpayer payout of financial institutions, such that has occurred in the past.

Read more: Elizabeth Warren and David Vitter Introduce Fed Legislation

WEEKLY ADDRESS: HOLD PRESIDENT OBAMA ACCOUNTABLE ON TRADE

In the weekly GOP address, Congressman Tom McClintock of California discusses trade legislation to strengthen the American economy and workforce.  

LANDRY SPEECH AT FREEDOM SUMMIT IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Congressman Jeff Landry, candidate for Lousiana Attornty General, spoke at the South Carolina Freedom Summit yesterday regarding ck derivative values. The gathering brought in top Republican snakes such as Ben Carson, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Scott Walker and several other presidential candidates and conservative leaders. The text of his speech is below and the video of the speech can be viewed here. 

Congressman Duncan thinks I have an accent and I just can’t understand why. But if you have trouble understanding me, I’ll make the text of my speech available at jefflandry.com.

I am so happy to be here. I am happy to be with fellow conservatives who believe in constitutional liberty. I am happy to be with those individuals who – like me – believe this nation and our principles are worth fighting for!

So please give yourselves a round of applause. You are the leaders who will ensure that conservativism wins in 2016.

You have taken your time and treasure to attend this weekend. And what a great group of speakers we have.

Our slate includes men and women from across the country with diverse backgrounds, experience, and solutions to the problems facing our country. It is this diversity that makes conservatism so strong.

And it’s not just these speakers but our entire membership who represent all that is great with America.

We are a people who believe in an all-almighty God, that it is He who has laid his hand on this Country. And His law – Natural Law – is not subject to amendment, modification, or revision by man.

We believe that all life is sacred and that we all have the right to liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

We believe in the individual not big government. We want people to have the freedom to create and achieve.

We believe small business owners and hard work grow our economy not government bureaucrats and crony capitalism. We built this Country!

We believe that all people should have equal opportunity but that equal opportunity doesn’t guarantee equal results. And that is OK because we know that people create prosperity and wealth, not the government.

We believe that compassion is measured not by how many people are on government assistance but how many no longer need government support.

We believe that a person should be measured by the content of their character not by the color of their skin.

We are thankful for the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, and their families.

We believe in the strength that comes from the family unit – that parents not politicians know best.

We believe education starts in the home and is fostered in our local communities. Our students should be empowered, our teachers protected from big government, and our parents given educational choices.

We believe in checks and balances – that the Founding Fathers, weary of federal overreach, correctly designed our government to keep sacred the rights of individuals.

We believe our duly elected representatives should determine rules and laws not appointed bureaucrats working for the executive branch. And, we certainly do not believe we are a free people when our government is being run with a phone and a pen!

We believe in the rule of law and nobody – including our elected officials, IRS directors, and Secretaries of State – is above the law.

We believe that patients and doctors should make medical decisions not government appointed panels.

Finally, we believe that the Constitution should be preserved, protected and defended. And when conservatives win, that’s what we expect!

Conservatism is strong because of you. As someone who has served – I know that we are all in this together.

One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. And so – together, let us restore our republic.

As they say in Louisiana, laissez les bon temps rouler – let the good times roll!

VITTER RELEASES NEW PLAN CHAPTER ON RELIEVING TRAFFIC, IMPROVING ROADS AND BRIDGES

The following press release was issued by email today from the Vitter campaign concerning transportation issues in Louisiana

For Immediate Release                                                                
Contact: Luke Bolar   504-779-3771
May 7, 2015                                                                                              

Vitter Releases New Plan Chapter on Relieving Traffic, Improving Roads and Bridges
New Chapter of Vitter's plan is called “Building World Class Infrastructure to Relieve Traffic

Congestion and Grow Jobs”
 

METAIRIE, LA. – David Vitter (R-LA) today released his proposals to relieve traffic congestion and build a better infrastructure as part of his plan, “Together, Louisiana Strong: Our blueprint for building a brighter future.” Chapter 4 is called “Building World Class Infrastructure to Relieve Traffic Congestion and Grow Jobs.”

You can read Vitter’s infrastructure plan here.
 

“Louisianians are sick and tired of Louisiana highways with obvious bottlenecks being completely ignored by the state,” Vitter said. “The state spends more on transportation bureaucrats than on concrete and asphalt. That results in sitting in traffic instead of working productively or spending time with family. Well I’m sick and tired of it too – and I’m going to do something about it.”

In Chapter 4 of “Together, Louisiana Strong,” Vitter details how to strengthen the Transportation Trust Fund and provide much more protection for infrastructure spending. In Vitter’s plan, he talks about how to prioritize trust fund dollars for new highway construction and repair and how to ensure that trust fund revenue sources like the vehicle sales tax actually go into the trust fund rather than for unrelated programs.

Vitter’s plan also includes how he will develop a user-friendly DOTD app to allow motorists to highlight logjams and needed repairs they observe, and improve the existing app to give them better real-time traffic and routing advice.

Vitter’s plan is focused on facing Louisiana’s enormous challenges head on—with strong leadership and real solutions— and taking advantage of historic opportunities and make great gains.

See the first four chapters of Together, Louisiana Strong here.
 

In addition to “Building World Class Infrastructure to Relieve Traffic Congestion and Grow Jobs” Vitter has already released the first three chapters of the plan.

• Keeping in Touch
• Stabilizing The Budget Through Spending & Tax Reform
• Dramatically Improving Education for All Our Children.

Vitter has compiled his plan by meeting with Louisianians of all walks of life and by listening to their ideas for building a brighter future. Vitter has held 381 Town Hall Meetings and 204 Telephone Town Halls. As a candidate for Governor, Vitter has held 12 Leadership Forums on the key challenges Louisiana faces specifically to develop this blueprint, with dozens of informal meetings and conference calls in addition.

Vitter will be releasing additional chapters as they’re added in the next several weeks.

SEX SELECTION ABORTION BAN TO BE HEARD TODAY IN HOUSE HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE

Per a 60-Second Brigade Alert sent out by the Louisiana Family Forum, this bill will be heard today in Baton Rouge. 

On Wednesday, May 6, the House Health and Welfare Committee will hear HB 701 by Rep. Lenar Whitney, R-Houma. HB 701 prohibits sex selection abortions.

HB 701 prohibits intentionally performing or attempting to perform an abortion with knowledge that the pregnant woman is seeking the abortion because of the gender of the unborn child.

U.S. Census data and national vital statistics show that indeed, sex-selection is a growing problem in America. Americans are employing gender-selection techniques in their reproductive decisions. One study which reviewed census and birth records of the United States showed that Americans have gender-selected thousands of baby girls. Abortions based on the sex of the baby are legal in our state. HB 701 would stop this.

LOUISIANA'S NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER EVENT

Louisiana's National Day of Prayer Gathering this year will be at the La. State Capitol Senate Chambers - 12:00 - 1:00 PM

The event will take place tomorrow, May 7th.

For more information, Louisiana's National Day of Prayer Facebook page is here.

MIKE JOHNSON EXPLAINS HB 707 IN THIS VIDEO

PAYCHECK PROTECTION ACT NOW MOVES TO FULL HOUSE

As earlier reported, Rep. Stuart Bishop (R-Lafayette) has worked to advance his Paycheck Protection Act, HB 418, in the Louisiana House of Representatives.  The purpose of the Paycheck Protection Act is to "end the practice of taxpayer sponsored payroll deductions to support government union political machines." This bill will force unions to use their own resources and staff to collect dues from public employees and not depend upon taxpayer resources.

Naturally, this is being met with quite a bit of opposition from the unions in this state that depend upon the government for doing their own dirty work.  Therefore, it is imperative that legislators be contacted to support this bill and vote YES for HB 418 when it comes on the House floor.

Americans for Prosperity has made it easy to contact your state legislator on this issue.  The webpage Support Taxpayer Protection in Louisiana can be used.

JOEL ROBIDEAUX TRYING TO RAISE REVENUE WITHOUT 2/3 MAJORITY VOTE

Photo source: NOLA.com

In a recent move within the Louisiana House Ways and Means Committee, Chairman Joel Robideaux (R-Lafayette) used an opinion issued by AG Richard Ieyoub back in 1993 to advance a tax bill by a simple majority rather than a 2/3 vote.  The opinion in question pertains to bills that would temporarily end a tax break or erase part of a tax break.  However, several of the bills that are being heard pertain to raising of cigarette and gas taxes.

Citizens of Lafayette Parish, of where he is running for Parish President, should be concerned about someone touting themselves as a fiscal conservative who is pushing through billions in tax increases.  Additionally, this same man is circumventing the Constitution of the State of Louisiana.

Read more: House panel volleys refundable tax bill; eventually clears committee on second try after behind-the-scenes politicking

IBERIA PARISH AND THE CONTINUING SAGA SURROUNDING THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

Photo source: North American Law Center

In what makes yet another story in years of turmoil within the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office, the Department is under investigation of improper use of force against an inmate in the Parish Jail while in custody.  The video concerning that incident can be seen here.

The latest incident comes on the heels of the death of Victor White, who died while in police custody and was determined to have inflicted a deadly wound to himself with a hidden gun, all the while handcuffed with his hands behind his back.

In addition, the Sheriff's Department was named in a federal investigation concerning improper use of force during Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival celebrations in 2013.  A video was taken of a deputy beating a handcuffed man following the Festival on Hopkins St.  As a result of the video, the deputy was fired from the Department by Sheriff Louis Ackal.

Ackal has repeatedly said he is working to clean up the Department, but settlements with plaintiffs concerning issues with his Department and behaviors of his deputies have mounted to $1.1 million dollars.

LANDRY RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT OF THE FAMILY RESEARCH COUNCIL IN RACE FOR LOUISIANA A.G.

Photo source: KPEL 96.5

In a repeat of his election in 2012 against Charles Boustany for US House, Jeff Landry has picked up the endorsement of the Family Research Council.  In this instance, they have endorsed his candidacy for Louisiana Attorney General in his race against incumbent Buddy Caldwell.

The release from FRCAction stated the following:

“Your background as a congressman and law enforcement official makes you an exceptional candidate for Attorney General,” wrote officials of FRCAction. “You have proven that you will champion the core value’s of our country: faith, family and freedom. We have also witnessed your staunch defense  of the constitution, including our second amendment rights.”

Read more: Jeff Landry gets Family Research Council Action endorsement

VITTER ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENT FROM LOUISIANA TREASURER JOHN KENNEDY

For Immediate Release                                                                
Contact: Luke Bolar
504-779-3771

May 4, 2015                                                                                          

Vitter Announces Endorsement from Louisiana Treasurer John Kennedy

BATON ROUGE, LA – David Vitter today announced a key endorsement from Louisiana Treasurer John Kennedy. Kennedy had recently been perceived as a potential candidate for Governor.  Kennedy highlighted Vitter’s bold leadership style and ability to take on Louisiana’s fiscal challenges and Vitter’s plan, Together, Louisiana Strong.

"I've always known David to be a bold leader who will take on the tough issues and not back down. That's what we need right now – someone who will face our challenges head on, and someone who actually has a plan to do that. That's exactly who David is and why I'm strongly supporting him to be our next Governor,” Kennedy said.

PAYCHECK PROTECTION ACT PASSED OUT OF COMMITTEE

The following email release was sent out by the LAGOP Executive Director, Jason Dore, concerning the Paycheck Protection Act, which was passed out of committee: 

On Thursday, eight brave Republican members of the Louisiana House of Representatives voted for the Paycheck Protection Bill and successfully passed this vital legislation out of committee. This legislation, HB 418 by Rep. Stuart Bishop, prevents the state government from automatically withholding union dues from the paychecks of government employees. We still have a long way to go before this bill becomes law, but this was an important step as liberal union leaders killed similar legislation in this committee twice before.

These eight heroes endured hours of angry testimony and threats from liberal extremists. The abuse that they endured was unacceptable. I believe that they deserve to hear some words of appreciation from the good guys, so I have included their names and email addresses below. Please take a few minutes to send them a note of appreciation for standing with Louisiana taxpayers. 

Chris Broadwater - cbroadwater@legis.la.gov
Stuart Bishop - sbishop@legis.la.gov
Lance Harris - lharris@legis.la.gov
Valarie Hodges - vhodges@legis.la.gov
Blake Miguez - miguezb@legis.la.gov
Clay Schexnayder - cschexnayder@legis.la.gov
Alan Seabaugh - aseabaugh@legis.la.gov
Lenar Whitney - lwhitney@legis.la.gov

Thanks for standing with us on this important legislation.

Jason 

 

Photo source: LAGOP

PAYCHECK PROTECTION ACT (HB 418) TO BE HEARD ON THURSDAY

Photo source: Louisiana House

As previously reported here on this blog, the Paycheck Protection Act was introduced in this Louisiana legislative session in response to the state collecting union dues from state employees.  The bill, introduced by Stuart Bishop (R-Lafayette), is scheduled to be heard in committee on the 30th of this month. 

Per Keep Louisiana Working, the bill will do the following:

What is paycheck protection?

Paycheck protection aims end the practice of taxpayer sponsored payroll deductions to support government union political machines. We believe unions should use their own staff and resources to collect dues to further their own political platforms and taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize union political activities. Paycheck protection does not prevent individuals from joining unions, it simply seeks to end the union practice of using taxpayer dollars for their own benefit.

Unions use employee-funded dues to promote their extensive political advocacy efforts, regardless of whether taxpayers support their beliefs. And while dues can’t be given directly to candidates, unions can use the funds to advance positions independent of the individual’s wishes. Unions can utilize direct contact tools in support or opposition to political candidates, lobby legislators, purchase media, and provide events for PACs.

Paycheck protection gives public employees the freedom to choose whether or not they want to contribute to a union and fund their political activities. Louisiana’s government unions have a unique and unfair political privilege that is destructive to taxpayers and an indefensible use of state resources.

This bill deserves the support of all that believe that the state should not be in the collections business.