Tucker Carlson did an interview with Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) over the weekend about Jan. 6 and he asked him about the question Higgins had pursued with FBI Director Christopher Wray in 2022: How many FBI agents/informants were involved on Jan. 6?
Governor Jeff Landry Assumes Office
Takes immediate action to maintain education standards, issues call for required special session, and formerly establishes the office of the First-Lady
Baton Rouge, La–Today, Governor Jeff Landry took action to maintain education standards, he issued a court required call for a redistricting special session, and he formally established the office of the First-Lady
Today’s Executive Order, the Veto of Graduation Appeals Process, will ensure that students are adequately prepared for post secondary education and the workforce by meeting minimum standards of proficiency in core subjects. (EO attached)
“Ensuring our children have a quality education is a top priority. Today’s Executive Order will maintain our education standards,” said Jeff Landry.
Today’s required call for a special session will redistrict the congressional districts of Louisiana along with the districts of the Louisiana Supreme Court, and make other election related changes. (Call attached)
“The courts have mandated that the state of Louisiana redraw our congressional districts. Redistricting is a state legislative function. That is why today, I followed the court order and made the call to convene the legislature of Louisiana into a special session on redistricting,” said Jeff Landry.
Today’s Executive Order to fund the office of the First Lady mirrors the actions of former Governor John Bel Edwards. It will establish and formerly recognize her office as part of the Office of the Governor. (EO attached)
“Our First-Lady, Sharon Landry, will be an incredible ambassador to Louisiana. I am proud to fund this important office, and I look forward to seeing the work she will do for folks across the state,” said Jeff Landry.
The executive orders can be found here:
Louisiana’s 57th Governor, Jeff Landry, Holds Inaugural Ceremony
Photo source: WWL-TV
Baton Rouge, La–Today, Jeff Landry held his Inaugural Ceremony where he took the oath of office to become Louisiana’s 57th Governor. He will assume office at noon on Monday, January 8th.
Jeff Landry’s Inaugural Address as prepared for delivery:
To the cherished people of our beautiful state, honored guests, our heroic Veterans, elected officials, family and friends.
Welcome home!
I am deeply humbled. Humbled first by the grace of God, humbled by your presence here today, humbled by the continual prayers that shower our loved ones, and humbled by the friendships we share.
It is fitting and appropriate that we stand today before this capitol, the sun having set on the past and where a new Louisiana day dawns.
This magnificent capitol stands as a monument to the history of our beloved state.
Sculpted in the stone, wrought in the steel, captured in the décor are the symbols of our great history.
The awe of this structure is inspiring at the thought of common people, those living and those gone, whose toil and suffering built it.
Not as a delusion of self-aggrandizement, but as a reflection of their hopes and dreams.
Carved in this stone is the story of Louisiana, from Native Americans, to French and Spanish Explorers, to the thousands that came from other lands, to those removed to this place by forces of the past.
This is our home. This is your home.
These revered and illustrative chronicles reveal just how the world has found Louisiana to be.
The embodiment of a spirited people that will take you in.
A people that will share their table with you. A people who will rush to console you. A people who will fight for their beliefs. A people who will not rest when you need help. A people of immeasurable love and unrivaled determination.
In the battlefield of life and in the straight face of adversity… it is Louisiana’s perseverance that stands as a measure of inspiration.
From the fishermen and the shrimpers that know no toll of hour, nor individual safety, as they wrought their catch.
To the millions of our toughest that spent the largest portion of their life in our fields and forests.
To those brave and rugged souls that risked life and limb decade after decade in and around ship-yards, drilling rigs, and plants.
To the thousands of service workers, cooks, waiters, hotel maids that humbly serve others day after day and night after night… because this is their building too.
As we reflect together before this Capitol, let us remind ourselves that the grandeur of this structure shall never equal our worth as a people, as a culture of peace, of sharing, of patriotism, of family values, of honor and courage.
For ours is a culture of joy, of love, of kindness, of resilience, of diversity, and of unbridled hospitality.
The beautiful and unique people of Louisiana are the originators of welcome. Bienvenue.
Hospitality may have been invented in the South, but it was perfected in Louisiana.
Again, Welcome Home!
Whenever and wherever people meet crisis, they look to the people of Louisiana, who for over 300 years, have always come back.
Have always measured up.
Have always stemmed the rough tides and stood down the angry winds.
Only to crawl back, swim back, fight back, get up, stand up, and to never ever forget who we are and why we are here.
We know far too well why those who leave our state for other opportunities, shall always hear the whisper of the live oak to come back home!
The everlasting love of our culture tugs at their heart,
it speaks to their soul.
Coming home to Louisiana feeds their soul and their endearing longing to be here—— home where they belong.
To the ladies and gentlemen of our Legislature, Senators and Representatives from each of our 64 different and unique Parishes, representing the 4.6 million great citizens of this beautiful State.
I stand before you, and beside you, with the complete and total realization that the people of Louisiana have designated this Capitol as the hallowed place where their voices are to be heard together; in equal and fair measure; and in its’ broadest format.
We are mere proxies in the living illustration of the people’s chosen representative government.
It is here that we come together, so that their lives are governed evenhandedly. So that their hard-earned money is spent judiciously; so that their institutions are compelled to serve them, and not disenfranchise them; so that theirgovernment fulfills the missions contrived by them; and so that their children are promised the perpetual legacy of opportunity.
The place is here, the time is now, and the challenge is ours.
And may we be mindful of the fact that – how – we carry out our public service, is what separates politicians from statesmen.
Our people did not send us here to quarrel over the senseless, the personal, the trivial, or the political.
Our problems cannot find resolution whenever political divide becomes the antitheses to solution.
Our people did not send us here to settle scores or engage in battles created by secretly funded manipulators that profit by dividing Americans.
Instead, the people sent us here to repair and reform their government and to unleash innovation and production, so their future and the future of their children are made better.
They sent us here not as politicians seeking the next vote, but as Statesmen seeking the next generation.
For the people of this state are hopeful and anxious.
They demand leadership that will place the greater good of this state above personal agendas, delusional entitlements, and special interests.
Our people seek government that reflects their values.
They demand that our children be afforded an education that reflects those wholesome principles, and not an indoctrination behind their mother’s back.
The most important voice in a child’s education should be that of their parents.
It is only through education without indoctrination, that a child finds his or her true potential.
No one knew this better than my mother. She taught as a profession. She taught as a calling. She taught with leadership and courage. And Mom taught by example.
Over 50 years ago, at the height of desegregation, she took her first teaching job at Loreauville High teaching English, French, and girls’ physical education.
At that time women’s sports was aspirational at best, second class at worst.
She was the only female coach, but she was undeterred.
She saw sports as a way to bring people closer, to create bonds and camaraderie that would extend beyond the racial barriers she was determined to help tear down.
Her determination established the school’s first women’s basketball program.
She and her students created a program, literally, out of “whole cloth”, because she and her girls sewed their own uniforms.
She fought for court time for her girls, many of whom had never touched a basketball.
But her instinct told her that if she taught these girls the value of teamwork and commitment it would provide a foundation to succeed in life.
And oh, what a struggle the first season was; the team lost their first game by more than 100 points and lost every game on the schedule.
But Mom was determined to keep them motivated and enthusiastic, so she changed the objective; instead of focusing on winning the next game, the goal was to score a certain number of points.
And with each game they would set a new level of points to score, so that game by game, point by point, they improved, they learned, and they developed character.
From nothing to something, from seemingly an utter failure; those girls created a program that would earn the district title and a playoff berth in just four short years.
May I take a moment to recognize these wonderful ladies who were as much a part of shaping me as my Mom. Thank you very much for being here. I know my Mom believed in you.
That is the calling of a great teacher. That is what great teachers do. That is what we must all do now for their sake.
We must commit ourselves to the crisis that is evolving in some of our schools and restore the peace of mind that our parents enjoyed when they sent us to school each day.
We must honor our teachers by letting them teach and safeguard our schools from the toxicity of unsuitable subject matter, so that the sanctity of the student and the teacher is restored.
The people of Louisiana deserve a government just as great as they are.
I fully appreciate that in governing, a difference of opinion must exist for there to be deliberation.
And it is our duty to deliberate respectfully and productively to deliver solutions our people seek.
It is in that spirit that I welcome your thoughts; I value your opinions; I respect your ideologies; and I sincerely invite your ideas.
To the Legislature; I ask you to help me help you, and together help them — for our failure is not an option.
To my fellow citizens; I pledge to you an open door. I welcome anyone and everyone to the table of thought with an open ear.
I have learned by listening to the voices of those that long to be heard.
I sadly hear the victims of crime whose compelling voices have gone un-heard for far too long, squelched by the misguided noise of those who had rather coddle criminals than live in peace.
I mince no words about the consequences that I feel are wholly appropriate for those who commit violent crime in our state.
For it comes from listening to the innocent victims of the senseless, uncivilized, and outrageous violence that too many have suffered. Families ripped apart; loved ones taken from us by people with no conscience who do not deserve the privilege of freedom.
Those victims speak out for justice and it is our duty to act, so that others are spared that same burden of pain.
Today I recognize and honor two extraordinary, brave, and relentless citizens: Miss Michelle Anglin and Mr. Cortez Collins. Michelle and Cortez, please stand.
Michelle and Cortez could easily be your sister, your brother, your neighbor; raising their child with love and nurture as the beacon of hope and the light in their lives.
Michelle and Cortez lost their light when their children were taken from them by senseless violence.
More sadly, they represent many other parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins in our state, that wake up every morning from the nightmare of losing a loved one to cruel, unconscionable, and senseless violence.
We owe no higher obligation as public servants than to fix this. To fix it now and to fix it for good.
To Michelle and Cortez, I say may God rest his hand on your heart, and I pledge to do all I possibly can to make our state safer, and to bring an end to the misguided and deadly tolerance for crime and criminals that plagues us.
To the men and women who protect us, who stand firmly on that thin blue line.
Our appreciation is expressed today in the rows of flags that have been placed on these sacred grounds and this profoundly empty chair. We know too well the sacrifice you give every day, and the risk you endure to protect us from those who will not follow the laws of society.
Our police officers, our correctional officers, and our deputies deserve our gratitude, our respect, and our support. For I have stood in their shoes and my love and support for them shall never waiver.
The concern of our families for their own safety in their own neighborhood has been heard loud and clear and will beaddressed by whatever legal means necessary from this day forward.
There is no greater gift we can give to a person than to provide the opportunity for their labor. To enable their own self-sufficiency and in doing so, we revel in the thriving of our economy.
As we shape policy and seek solutions to the challenges of energy, exploration, production, conservation practices, and the protection of our precious environment.
We shall seek and we shall heed, all of the science, not just the selective slices spoon-fed to us by those seeking to profit, in many cases, from the taxpayer funded subsidies that disregard the health, the safety, and the employment security of our citizens; hiding the truth about the real environmental footprints created by the lust for wealth by a chosen few and their reckless proposals.
It’s time our policy makers consider all the facts without regard for the purchased influence that seeks to destabilize the economic security of our families and the energy policy of our state and nation.
We are mindful that America is a nation of small businesses.
As a small business owner myself, I understand, I appreciate, and I fully support any Louisiana citizen with the courage to risk their precious capital to pour their heart and labor into an idea, working tirelessly to make a dream a reality. You are the people who built this country. For you generate revenue for state and local governments, and pave the way to prosperity for all Louisiana citizens.
The health and welfare of our families has been politicized to the point of endangerment and disregard for the dignity of our elderly and our suffering. All the while the price we pay goes up, while the outcomes go down. Medical needs are changing as rapidly as the methodology of providing the services for those needs.
It is our public and our moral obligation to stay ahead of those changes and to develop more efficient, more expedient, and more conscientious practices in our hospitals, in our clinics, and in our nursing homes.
Home health care and telemedicine expand medical access to more and more Louisiana citizens and elevate their quality of life.
It is my further belief that our medical professionals, our doctors, our nurses, our therapists, our EMTs, our first responders, and all those who work to care for others, are among our very finest.
They carry the burden of healing others. They are a constant and unfailing inspiration. For they are the ones that provide comfort and hope.
The health care policy decisions we make as a government cannot and will not be advanced without the benefit and input of their invaluable knowledge and their inspirational compassion.
Exactly 208 years ago at this very time, the most powerful armed force in the world were mobilizing around the city of New Orleans to conquer Louisiana, to hopefully rescind the Louisiana Purchase, and to claim our rivers, our cities, our towns, and our settlements to serve their King.
Tomorrow morning marks the anniversary of that fateful sunrise attack.
The untrained and outnumbered Louisiana militia of 1,000 men, were logistically no match for the superior British force of 6,000 highly trained and perfectly equipped soldiers.
Those Louisianians represented the magnificent diversity and courage of our state that exists today.
They were men of all colors, ethnicities, backgrounds, status, and religions.
There was the wealthy few, the working poor, many were farmers, shop keepers, enslaved men who were readily armed and fought valiantly, some were fishermen, boat builders, clergymen and pirates side-by-side, shoulder to shoulder.
The bravery of Louisiana that day, stunned the world with a crushing defeat of King George’s army. It is a story of courage, of optimism, of how a group of people with extremely different opinions; set aside their differences, embraced one another’s courage, and demonstrated to the world the power of unity.
Theirs is a story of defeating fear and adversity— with courage and diversity.
This story is our story.
We are the same Louisiana people of that fine hour.
Then as now, we love to love, and we love to argue. More importantly, we still love when we finish arguing.
It is that indomitable spirit so deeply rooted in the DNA of Louisiana that motivates us, that reminds us that we can do anything, that we can solve any problem, that we can count on one another, that whatever befalls one of us rallies all of us.
That is what we do in Louisiana. That is who we are.
If America is a melting pot, Louisiana is the gumbo that fills the pot.
To the people of Louisiana, there is something quite extraordinary about you.
What kind of people could make mosquito infested marshes and swamps their productive, beautiful, and thriving home? What kind of people could fabricate industry along the bayous, rivers, and a turbulent gulf? What kind of people could tame the wilderness and the vast forests?
What kind of people could lead the world in the energy sector and provide the technical force that lifted the world from mud and poverty? What kind of people could master the land and produce an agricultural abundance to feed the world?
What kind of a people could master the violence of our sea and rivers to create commerce and trade?
Only you, the amazing and wonderful people of Louisiana.
Only you, could turn your exile into a garden of Eden and a place where the entire world celebrates the unique culture we have created.
There is no place like Louisiana and nowhere are there fabulous people like you.
I love Louisiana. If I had a hundred lives to live, I’d live them all in Louisiana.
Again, welcome home!
The rich historical examples of our great state fighting back, bouncing back, and coming back, again and again, is what motivates me every day, from this day forward, with all that I am, with all that I have, to serve the greatest people on earth.
May God bless each one of you and our beloved state of Louisiana.
And, again, welcome home!
Kennedy in The Ouachita Citizen: To raise real wages, President Biden’s New Year’s Resolution should be to rein in federal spending
“To fix a problem, you have to get to the source, and Washington’s spending spree caused this inflation.”
MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) penned this op-ed in The Ouachita Citizen explaining how Washington’s out-of-control spending helped fuel inflation that far outpaced real wage growth during the past two-and-a-half years. Kennedy urges President Joe Biden to work with fiscal conservatives to regain control of federal government spending in the new year.
Key excerpts from Kennedy’s op-ed include:
“If recent polling is any indication, the American people are hoping President Biden’s New Year’s resolution will be to stop promoting bad policies that drive up prices and lower their quality of life.
“Some at the White House, however, believe the American people have nothing to complain about. For the last part of 2023, President Biden’s team has been wielding cherry-picked statistics about gross domestic product (GDP) growth or job numbers hoping to convince Americans not to believe their ‘lying eyes’—or their empty wallets. The Biden administration seems to think that if they celebrate ‘Bidenomics’ as if it were good policy, the American people will join the party.
“Unfortunately for President Biden, Americans may be poorer under his tenure, but they can still afford to pay attention. They’ve watched prices climb for two-and-a-half years, and they know wages aren’t keeping up.”
. . .
“Families deserve the full truth about the economy, and here it is: Most of these high prices are here to stay. The rate of inflation has slowed down—and that’s good news—but all that means is that prices aren’t rising quite as quickly as they did last year.
“To fix a problem, you have to get to the source, and Washington’s spending spree caused this inflation.”
. . .
“As January approaches, the Biden administration should make a simple New Year’s resolution: Work with fiscal conservatives in Congress to cut spending. That’s the only way working Americans will get consistent relief from the pain of rising prices.”
Read Kennedy’s full op-ed here.
LOGA Responds to Tyler Gray’s Appointment as DNR Secretary
BATON ROUGE, LA (January 3, 2024) - Today, Louisiana Governor-Elect Jeff Landry announced the appointment of Tyler Gray as Louisiana’s next Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources. In response, LOGA President Mike Moncla issued the following statement:
“This appointment marks the start of a new era for our state’s oil and gas industry.
Not only is Tyler Gray extremely intelligent; he knows our industry backwards and forwards.
Tyler has worked closely alongside LOGA over the years, and we know that he will be an incredible asset for our industry.
I’d like to thank Governor-Elect Landry for making such a fantastic choice to move Louisiana’s oil and gas industry forward with this appointment.”
KENNEDY: Biden as Popular as Herpes in Louisiana
GURVICH: 2023 - Historic Year for the LAGOP
As we prepare to close out 2023, Louisiana Republicans and fellow conservatives can take pride in a series of extraordinary election wins resulting in victories in all statewide offices, increased Republican super-majorities in both houses of the legislature, and down-ballot wins throughout the state. In Jeff Landry, we now have the right man to fix the country's most bloated and inefficient state government, and he will have the legislative support to achieve the necessary reforms.
This has truly been a historic year for the LAGOP, and we have much to be thankful for during this holiday season. Allow me to express my gratitude for the foresight, strategic initiative, unity of purpose, and hard work during this campaign cycle, to our candidates, and to the ladies and gentlemen of the Republican State Central Committee, our parish executive committees, the Louisiana Federation of Republican Women, our Pachyderm clubs, college Republicans, activists, supporters, etc. Thank you for a job well done!
But in politics no victory is ever final, and 2024 will be a pivotal year in the future of our country. We will soon be engaged in an epic battle for the presidency and control of Congress, and we must win this battle or lose the America that we know and love. Louisiana Republicans and conservatives must remain committed to our cause and united in our efforts if we are to make our contribution in this critical contest. Much will be asked of us in the coming year, but I have no doubt that we will see this trial through to victory.
But the time for politics in 2023 has passed as we enter the high holiday season. It is time for friends and family, for reflection, for giving thanks to God. On behalf of the officers and staff of the LAGOP, I wish everyone, regardless of party affiliation or ideology, a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a very Prosperous New Year!
Louis Gurvich, Chairman
Republican Party of Louisiana
OPINION: Reduce Costs at Pharmacies
Patients like me who rely on prescription drugs to manage a range of symptoms and health care conditions are tired of getting gouged by increasingly high out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy. Our elected officials in Congress must do something this year to help reduce these burdensome costs and protect patients in Louisiana and throughout the nation.
The most effective thing Congress could do to help bring out-of-pocket prescription costs down would be to reform the harmful practices and policies enforced by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). These insurer-owned groups have proved time and time again that they do not have the best interests of patients in mind as they only care about boosting their profits whenever and however they can.
Sadly, that even includes an all-too-common practice in which PBMs will negotiate with drug manufacturers to secure significant discounts or rebates on certain medications. However, instead of passing those discounts down to patients to help them lower their out-of-pocket expenses, PBMs will generally just absorb the savings to inflate their already massive profit margins.
That is why Congress must pass PBM reform legislation before the end of the year. Senators Cassidy and Kennedy can do their part by supporting and helping to advance both the Delinking Revenue from Unfair Gouging (DRUG) Act as well as the Modernizing and Ensuring PBM Accountability Act. Vulnerable patients shouldn’t have to pay more out of pocket just so these greedy PBMs can keep raking in the profits.
Shayne Benedetto
President signs into law Kennedy bill to require FCC to expand 5G access to rural Americans by releasing previously auctioned spectrum
“I’m grateful to see my bill signed into law so that more Americans have the tools they need to do their jobs and grow their businesses.”
MADISONVILLE, La. – President Joe Biden signed Sen. John Kennedy’s (R-La.) 5G Spectrum Authority Licensing Enforcement (SALE) Act into law. The legislation will require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to release previously auctioned spectrum to expand 5G broadband access to rural communities.
“Louisiana’s job providers depend on wireless communications as they support rural economies. My 5G SALE Act will provide crucial broadband access by giving the FCC the authority to finish transferring previously auctioned spectrum to companies that offer 5G coverage. I’m grateful to see my bill signed into law so that more Americans have the tools they need to do their jobs and grow their businesses,” said Kennedy.
The Senate passed Kennedy’s legislation this September, and the House of Representatives passed Kennedy’s legislation earlier this December.
The 5G SALE Act will temporarily grant the FCC auction authority it needs to complete spectrum transfers, which will allow broadband services to provide greater 5G network coverage to Americans in rural areas.
Background:
In 2022, the FCC auctioned off roughly 8,000 licenses to grant companies access to America’s broadband spectrum. These licenses are the only way companies can legally use the radio waves that deliver 5G to customers. These wavelengths are therefore highly valuable.
During the period between when companies paid for their licenses and when the FCC should have parceled the licenses out, Congress failed to reauthorize the FCC’s ability to auction off licenses altogether. The FCC left each company that bought spectrum in that auction waiting to receive its transfer. Despite payments being complete, the FCC said it no longer had the authority to grant those licenses.
Kennedy’s legislation granted the FCC a one-time, temporary authority to issue licenses purchased in auctions that were held before March 9, 2023 (when the FCC’s Congressional authorization ended).
Prior to the bill’s passage, Kennedy questioned FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing about the commission’s lapsed authority to transfer spectrum licenses already sold at auction.
Full text of the 5G SALE Act is available here.
Kennedy, Alphonse the alligator wish Louisianians a Merry Christmas
“I, along with my wife, Becky, my son, Preston, and our beloved dogs, Lily Grace and Charlie, want to wish you and your family peace and hope and joy during this Christmas season. God bless you all, and Merry Christmas—from both me and Alphonse!”
View Kennedy’s full remarks here.
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today looked back on another year shared with Louisianians and sent a special Christmas message to everyone in the state.
“God has blessed me in so many ways, but getting to call Louisiana ‘home’ is one of the blessings I love most,” said Kennedy, alongside Alphonse the alligator, who is also a native Louisianian.
“There is no question that no state can outmatch Louisiana during the holidays. None. Zero. Nada. Our people are merrier, our meals are tastier, our music is more joyful, and no one knows—no one—how to have more fun with the ones they love than the good people of Louisiana. Even when times are tough—and I know they’re tough right now for many Louisiana families—Louisianians always find a way to pull together and give thanks for the blessings in their lives,” he continued.
“Our people make everything good about Louisiana better.”
“So, I, along with my wife, Becky, my son, Preston, and our two beloved dogs, Lily Grace and Charlie, want to wish you and your family peace and hope and joy during this Christmas season,” said Kennedy.
“God bless you all, and Merry Christmas—from both me and Alphonse!”
EXPANDED LA FREEDOM CAUCUS WILL BE ‘TIP OF THE SPEAR’ FOR GOV. ELECT-LANDRY’S CONSERVATIVE AGENDA
BATON ROUGE—The Louisiana Freedom Caucus will expand in the upcoming legislative session and wholeheartedly supports conservative leadership from incoming Governor-Elect Jeff Landry. For far too long, liberals and self-serving politicians have been literally choking the life out of our beloved Louisiana. This has only intensified over the past eight years through the abuse of power by soon-to-be former Governor John Bel Edwards and his myrmidons who suffered staggering losses in the recent elections. They are now trying to spin Edwards’ legacy to distort the realities Louisianans are facing as a result of his failed liberal policies.
There is no clearer indicator of this failure of governance in Louisiana than the exodus of our people. As summed up and solidly referenced on Census.gov, according to the latest available Louisiana numbers, between 2016 (pop. 4,678,135) and 2022 (pop. 4,590,241) the United States grew 3.2 percent in the same time frame, Louisiana’s Republican-run southern neighbor states were blessed with a 5.2 percent increase in residents while Louisiana lost 1.9 percent—88,000 people—as they hit the exits in search of better economic opportunity, better schools and less crime.
This is unacceptable. The people of Louisiana have given Governor-Elect Landry a conservative mandate and the strong support of our Freedom Caucus members will be key to its successful execution.
“Jeff Landry is no stranger to the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. His outside the box thinking is crucial to quickly turn around our state and provide what government is supposed to provide for its people: a Louisiana where our streets are safe, we educate our children in the fundamentals, we protect life and liberty, we stop spending money we do not have on things we do not need and we get over-burdensome government regulation out of the way of our state’s entrepreneurs. We believe Governor Jeff Landry’s vision will serve to hand the blessings of liberty and prosperity to Louisiana’s future generations,” said Beryl Amedée, Executive Officer of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus.
“The Louisiana Freedom Caucus looks forward to being the tip of the spear in bringing our new governor’s conservative agenda across the finish line,” Amedée added.
MELANCON: Building Communities Through Energy Investments
Photo source: Wikipedia
As Hurricane Idalia barreled toward the Gulf of Mexico earlier this year, communities up and down the coast braced for the worst. While some of our communities are still recovering from 2020 storms, this season isn’t over, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates the season to bring 12 to 17 storms.
Four years ago, Hurricane Laura swept through southwest Louisiana, resulting in more than $17.5 billion in damages. One year later, Hurricane Ida caused more than $64.5 billion in damages to our homes, businesses, and livelihoods in the Gulf Coast. Ida power outages in Louisiana approached 1 million, and some went without power for more than two weeks. In Lake Charles, residents and businesses still are recovering from these dangerous storms.
Fortunately, energy operations were able to pick up and fuel local communities and economies, providing much-needed resources during times of need. The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association estimates the energy industry provides $73 billion to our state’s GDP, and supports nearly 250,000 jobs. That’s upwards of $4.5 billion of direct state and local tax revenue that provides critical operating resources for local governments, especially during hurricane season.
The natural gas industry has played a key role in helping to rebuild our communities following devastating weather events. For example, after Hurricane Laura, natural gas companies pledged $1 million, in addition to volunteer time, to rebuild local communities and waterways. They also accelerated tax payments to state and local governments to help with recovery efforts. After Hurricane Ida, these companies coordinated with local food banks and charities to provide fuel and shelter in Greater New Orleans and Acadiana to support immediate needs.
As we look ahead, we must recognize the importance of grid resiliency and community when these major weather events occur. Fortunately, the natural gas industry has stood with us to provide strength and resources in our time of need.
Charlie Melancon, former member of Congress and Louisiana Secretary of Wildlife and Fisheries, and the Spokesman for Louisiana Energy Export Partners (LEEP) Coalition.
Kennedy, Budget Committee Republicans urge Whitehouse to use hearings to address economic challenges
“We implore you to direct the Committee’s agenda to the impending budgetary and fiscal crisis facing our nation—issues at the heart of this committee’s jurisdiction. There’s no time to spare.”
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, joined Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) in urging committee chairman Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) to hold hearings that address the nation’s economic challenges after two credit agencies, Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings, reported a negative outlook on U.S. creditworthiness.
A Penn Wharton Budget Model study also found that the window to take corrective fiscal action is closing rapidly and that, once it closes, no amount of tax increases or spending cuts could avoid a government default.
“Our current national debt is $33.7 trillion. This is equivalent to over 123 percent of U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Moreover, we continue to add to our unprecedented national debt at a record clip. The United States Treasury Department recently reported that the federal government ran a fiscal year 2023 deficit of $1.7 trillion. At 6.3 percent of GDP, the FY 2023 deficit was larger than all but six deficits recorded since 1946. Furthermore, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that over the next decade deficits will persist at levels previously uncommon outside of war or recession—totaling nearly $19 trillion in deficit spending through 2033,” wrote the senators.
“Under your chairmanship, the Senate Committee on the Budget has dedicated significant time and attention to climate issues, holding 12 separate hearings on climate change this year alone. We implore you to direct the Committee’s agenda to the impending budgetary and fiscal crisis facing our nation—issues at the heart of this committee’s jurisdiction. There’s no time to spare,” they continued.
“Tough conversations on our nation’s fiscal health need to be had to preserve our nation’s economic strength. If we want to be the global leader in the economic marketplace, then we need to lead from the front with strong fiscal responsibility,” the lawmakers concluded.
Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) also signed the letter.
The full letter is available here.
OPINION: Unwrapping a Potential Threat to Small Businesses and Consumers This Christmas
Creator: Joe Raedle | Credit: Photographer: Joe Raedle/Getty I
For many small businesses, the holiday season is an opportunity to increase revenue and reach a larger customer base. Up to 25% of a small business’ revenue comes from the holiday season.
As for consumers, this means using a credit card. However, they could be much less likely to reach for one should the points and rewards systems offered cease to exist.
For every credit card swipe, the retailer pays a "swipe fee" of 2-3%. The money goes to credit card companies and the banks that issue the cards to cover their processing and security costs.
Congress is considering the Credit Card Competition Act, a bill requiring dual-mandated networks for businesses to choose from. The intention is to reduce swipe-fee costs for businesses and consumers, but the reality isn't quite so.
This act would increase the cost for credit card companies to fight fraud due to the exhaustive resources required by the dual-mandated networks– meaning that point rewards could be on the chopping block, even for big card companies like Visa and MasterCard. This bill also requires that networks give away card security technology for free– eliminating all chances of security advancement in the near future.
The CEO of the Credit Union National Association, former congressman Jim Nussle, issued a statement earlier this year calling it "reprehensible that at a time when hard-working Americans are already feeling the financial pinch from inflation, big box bullies are pushing for financial breaks that would risk both the data security and access to credit for consumers and small business owners.”
While the legislation has bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate, this threat to your hard earned money could be coming by the end of the holiday season. Nearly 10,000 small businesses in Louisiana closed this year, and more could be on the way if this bill were to pass as it is written.
If you are opposed to the Credit Card Competition Act of 2023, contact Senator Kennedy and tell him to oppose Durbin’s bill.
Alton Phillips
Monroe, LA
Kennedy: Biden must show world U.S. stands with Israel
As you may have seen, Sen. Kennedy spoke on the Senate floor about the need for Pres. Biden to stand with Israel.
You don't need to read a treatise on the Middle East to know that only monsters—monsters with black hearts—would put a baby in an oven and flip on the switch, as one first responder reported. That's not nuance. That’s evil.
Kennedy, Merkley introduce bill to end involuntary facial recognition screenings, protect Americans’ privacy
“Every day, TSA scans thousands of Americans’ faces without their permission and without making it clear that travelers can opt out of the invasive screening. The Traveler Privacy Protection Act would protect every American from Big Brother’s intrusion.”
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today joined Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) in introducing the Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2023 to safeguard Americans from facial recognition screenings that the federal government is implementing at airports across the country. The bill would repeal the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) authorization to use facial recognition and prevent the agency from further exploiting the technology and storing traveler’s biodata.
“Every day, TSA scans thousands of Americans’ faces without their permission and without making it clear that travelers can opt out of the invasive screening. The Traveler Privacy Protection Act would protect every American from Big Brother’s intrusion by ending the facial recognition program,” said Kennedy.
“The TSA program is a precursor to a full-blown national surveillance state. Nothing could be more damaging to our national values of privacy and freedom. No government should be trusted with this power,” said Merkley.
Despite the TSA calling its plan to implement facial scans at more than 430 U.S. airports voluntary, passengers are largely unaware of their ability to opt out. Moreover, TSA does not effectively display notices at its check points to inform travelers that they have such an option.
To rectify this, the Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2023 would:
Require explicit congressional authorization in order for the TSA to use facial recognition technology in the future.
Immediately ban the TSA from expanding its pilot facial recognition program.
Require TSA to end its pilot facial recognition program and dispose of facial biometrics.
Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) also cosponsored the legislation.
Text of the Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2023 is available here.
Can Ozempic be the Solution to Fighting Obesity and Reducing National Debt?
Mario Tama/Getty Images
Could helping fight obesity make a difference in reducing the national deficit?
One GOP congressman, Rep. David Schweikert of Arizona, says it could — so he wants to see drugs that help people lose weight become more accessible.
Ozempic, Wegovy and other “GLP-1 receptor agonists,” as they are called, have exploded in popularity in the United States. While Ozempic, perhaps the most popular, was created to help those with Type 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar, some doctors have prescribed it off-label to assist in weight loss. Medical experts, though, have warned against using these drugs for what they’re prescribed for.
The argument Schweikert has been making is that the Joint Economic Committee expects the U.S. to spend trillions of dollars on treating obesity-related illnesses such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes and even certain forms of cancer.
By curbing obesity, he says, the U.S. could use this money to make meaningful cuts to its debt and deficit over the next 10 years.
In addition, helping people shed the pounds can help put money back into the economy, Schweikert argues. Business Insider, for example, reports that airlines are saying they could save money on fuel with lighter passengers.
However, Schweikert told NewsNation’s Joe Khalil in an interview that it has been hard to attempt to tackle this issue because there’s such a stigma around obesity. While Schweiker acknowledges that what he’s saying could offend those who struggle with the condition, he insists we have to get past that.
“Once you actually start to see the potential positives here, the hell with the theater of people’s feelings,” Schweikert said. “In some ways, it’s ‘We love, we care, and we’re gonna try to make people’s lives better.'”
Source: Fighting obesity with Ozempic could cut national debt: GOP Rep.
LAGOP: Congratulations & Thanks to Those Who Made This Incredible Victory Possible
Saturday, November 18, 2023, was a historic day for Republicans and conservatives throughout the state. How historic was it? Well, that is ultimately a question for historians to answer many decades hence, but my guess is that folks will still be talking about this election in fifty years’ time.
Congratulations and heartfelt thanks are due all around, but it is hard to know where to begin- our wins were many, our defeats few. Going into the run-off, I expected we would do well, but I never imagined the magnitude of our victories. Our statewide officials who were not elected or unopposed in the primary, all received over sixty-five percent of the vote in the run-off! For only the second time in modern Louisiana history, all statewide elected officials will be Republican as of Inauguration Day, January 8, 2024.
In the Louisiana Senate, we picked up one seat and will have a twenty-eight to eleven Republican majority (71.8%). In the Louisiana House, we picked up two seats and will have a seventy-three to thirty-two Republican majority (69.5%). My read on the Republican legislators as a whole is not only that there will be more of them, but as a group they will be significantly more conservative.
Three more Republicans, in addition to the one elected on October 14th, were elected to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Don't forget that Governor Jeff Landry will get to nominate three more members to BESE, so we will have a solid conservative majority on this hugely important board.
The use of private funds in public elections (Zuckerbucks) was banned in our constitution, while the freedom to worship was recognized as a fundamental right worthy of the highest protection.
So let’s begin by thanking Jeff Landry for being a wonderful candidate for governor, whose big win in the primary (no other first-time candidate for governor has ever accomplished this feat), set the stage for our remaining statewide candidates’ successes last Saturday. Congratulations go out to our statewide run-off victors: Secretary of State-elect Nancy Landry, Attorney General-elect Liz Murrill, and Treasurer-elect John Fleming. Congratulations go out to our victorious Senators and Representatives, and to our successful parish and municipal candidates.
And I cannot forget to thank the many folks who serve the Republican Party of Louisiana, whether as members of the Republican State Central Committee or the various parish executive committees, the Louisiana Federation of Republican Women, the Pachyderm Clubs, College Republicans, etc. Last and most important of all, I wish to thank the Republican and conservative voters, without whom our victories would not have been possible.
Louis Gurvich, Chairman
Republican Party of Louisiana
Kennedy on diabetes in Louisiana: “We have a solution: Insulin”
“. . . diabetes costs America $327 billion a year . . . we know the problem, and we know the costs, and we have a solution: insulin”
Watch Kennedy’s full remarks here.
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) spoke on the Senate floor about the need to make insulin less expensive for Americans who suffer from diabetes by passing the Affordable Insulin Now Act, which Kennedy and Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) introduced.
The senator’s remarks also highlight findings from his and Warnock’s bipartisan report titled, “Insulin Deserts: The Urgency of Lowering the Cost of Insulin for Everyone.” The report states that there are 813 counties in America which are “insulin deserts,” places where 16% or more of the population is uninsured and 10% or more of the population has diabetes.
Key quotes from Kennedy’s remarks are below.
“In my state, 44% of my people are affected by diabetes directly, 14% are diabetic, another 30% are pre-diabetic, and Louisiana is not the only state with those kinds of numbers. Diabetics account for $1 of every $4 spent—one out of every $4 spent—on health care in the United States of America. Think about that.
“The average cost of hospitalization for a diabetic—which, if they can't pay for it, ultimately, we all pay—the average cost of hospitalization for diabetic patients is from $8,400 to $23,000 a year.
“And, medical costs, if you look beyond the quality-of-life issue and the moral issue of just helping people who are sick, if you look at it in terms of dollars and cents, diabetes costs America $327 billion a year—that's in medical costs and lost work and wages and lost productivity. So, we know the problem, and we know the costs, and we have a solution: insulin.”
. . .
“Insulin doesn't cost that much to make, and I don't begrudge the companies who sell insulin. I don't begrudge them making a profit, but it is bone-deep-down-to-the-marrow stupid for us to allow someone, whose diabetes can be managed by taking insulin, not to take that insulin because they can't afford it. That's immoral, and that makes no sense in terms of dollars and cents costs to the rest of the American people.
“And, Raphael and [my] bill would address that. It would say, ‘If you have private insurance, great, but if you don't have any insurance at all, if you're uninsured—and a lot of Americans become uninsured every year, maybe they don't stay uninsured, but they become uninsured—and you're diabetic, we're going to cap your out-of-pocket costs at $35 per 30-day supply. So, you have no excuse not to take your insulin to address your diabetes.’
“It’s the right thing to do. It's the smart thing to do, and, Raphael and [my] bill is paid for. We're not suggesting we go out and borrow more money.”
The Affordable Insulin Now Act of 2023 would:
Require private group or individual plans to cover one of each insulin dosage form (i.e., vial, pen) and insulin type (i.e., rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting or long-acting) for no more than $35 per month.
Require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to reimburse qualifying entities for covering any costs that exceed $35 for providing a 30-day supply of insulin to uninsured patients.
Be fully paid for by an offset, so it will not add to the deficit.
Watch Kennedy’s full remarks here.
Governor-Elect Jeff Landry Announces Head of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
Photo source: Wikipedia
Lafayette, La– Today, Governor-elect Jeff Landry announced that Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto will serve as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Aurelia will be the first black female to serve as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.
“We are proud to have Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto head the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. To bring someone to Louisiana with her caliber, her mind, and her pedigree, is incredible. With her extensive background in science-based policy and conservation, Aurelia understands the balance between protecting our environment and ensuring job creation,” said Governor-elect Jeff Landry.
“I am honored to have been selected by Governor-elect Landry to serve as the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Louisiana is unique in its natural resources, which attract many people to the State. I look forward to bringing my background and experience in science and conservation to serve the Governor and the great people of Louisiana,” said Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto.
Background:
Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto is an American conservationist who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). As the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Giacometto managed a $2.9 billion budget and 8500 employees from December 2019 to January 2021.
Her teams managed more than 850 million land and water acres, endangered species programs, international conservation efforts, and law enforcement. She increased access to four million acres of public lands for recreational purposes.
She engaged with landowners, for-and non-profit organizations, trade associations, and federal and state agencies others to implement policies for increased habitat and wetland management, modernize permitting programs, recovery of multiple endangered species.
Prior to that, Giacometto implemented science-based policy by applying her background in science and law when serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks in her first public service role.
Following her tenure in public service, she accepted the role of CEO at the International Order of T. Roosevelt (IOTR), a not-for-profit. During her term, IOTR focused on transforming conservation by performing in-the-field projects designed to fulfill corporate social responsibility initiatives enabling businesses to continue to operate while contributing to healthy ecosystems and wildlife populations.
In 2023, she founded Las Golden & Associates, which provides services in conservation and environmental stewardship to clients in variety of industries.
Furthermore, she advises on the precommercial development of coal-based carbon advanced products and works. With her late husband, she co-founded AVC Global, a track-and-trace company using blockchain technology to prevent counterfeit pharmaceuticals entering into markets in Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Today, she serves on the boards of Ramaco Resources, a publicly traded metallurgical coal company; Foundation of Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF); Protect the Harvest; Rubicon Institute; and Steamboat Institute.
She is a member of the Colossal BioSciences’ Advisory Board, Ducks Unlimited Conservation Policy Committee, and the National Rifle Association’s Hunting and Conservation Committee.
Prior to service at the Interior Department, Giacometto was the Assistant Corporate Counsel at Alltech, an all-natural international animal feed and agriculture corporation, where she was the legal contact for the Crop Science division.
Giacometto’s career began at Monsanto, now Bayer Corporation, a global leader in agricultural and chemical products. Her responsibilities grew from laboratory characterization of agricultural products that improved yields and increased health benefits to projects that improved crop resiliency against environmental impacts. Her work was critical to the federal regulatory approval process for global product commercialization. She managed the teams of the multi-million-dollar Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) to develop and deploy corn to farmers in five African countries with no cost of the technology.
