Kennedy condemns Democrat attack on SCOTUS: “I do not believe most of my colleagues think this bill is about ethics.”

 “I do not believe that we should try to undermine the integrity of the institution of the Supreme Court of the United States because we're unhappy with one of its opinions.”

 Watch Kennedy’s comments here.

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) helped block the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2023, a Democrat bill that would erode the Supreme Court’s independence, threaten the constitutionally mandated balance of powers and surrender the power of the judicial branch to bureaucrats.

Kennedy’s remarks are below:

“I do not believe most of my colleagues think this bill is about ethics. This bill is about abortion. In June of 2022, the United States Supreme Court decided the Dobbs case. It returned the issue of abortion to the American people through their states. 

“While the Supreme Court was deliberating that case, my colleague and my friend, Senator Schumer went over to the Supreme Court, and, on the steps of the Supreme Court building—I was there; I remember it like it was yesterday—this is what Senator Schumer said, I quote, ‘I want to tell you, Gorsuch, I want to tell you, Kavanaugh’—not ‘Justice Gorsuch,’ not ‘Justice Kavanaugh’—‘I want to tell you, Gorsuch, I want to tell you, Kavanaugh, you have released the whirlwind, and you will pay the price. You won’t know what hit you,’ Senator Schumer said, ‘if you go forward with these awful decisions,’ close quote.

“What we’re seeing today with this legislation, in my opinion—but most senators agree with me—is part of the promised whirlwind, and I do not believe that we should try to undermine the integrity of the institution of the Supreme Court of the United States because we’re unhappy with one of its opinions.”

Watch Kennedy’s full remarks here.

Kennedy details lasting toll of Bidenflation on Louisianians: “It hurts deeply”

“[Inflation] hurts, and it hurts deeply. . . . And the worst part of this is that President Biden has no plan to get it down. None.”

Watch Kennedy’s comments here.

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) spoke on the Senate floor to explain how persistent inflation has depleted personal savings accounts and driven many Louisianians into credit card debt. Kennedy noted that inflation has cost the average Louisiana family $22,166 since President Biden took office.

Key comments from Kennedy’s remarks include:

“I realize there is a yawning disconnect between what President Biden says and what my people in Louisiana are experiencing. There is. President Biden says that the economy is just fine. He says the economy is just wonderful. And I’ll tell you what my people say. My people say, ‘With respect, Mr. President, you need to put down the bong because, in our state, we are paying more to live worse. And we're not going to be able to retire because of you, Mr. President, until four years after we’re dead.’”

. . .

“Our median household income is about $58,000. That's mom and dad both working. Two children. $58,000. It's about $4,800 a month. President Biden's inflation is costing my people an extra $900 a month. That's not a year. $900 a month. $11,000 a year. My average family's making, once again, $58,000 a year. They've got to find, all of a sudden, an extra $11,000 a year. Since President Biden has been president, his inflation has cost the average family in Louisiana an extra $22,000.”

. . .

“The prices of consumer goods and in my state, on average, are up 20% since President Biden took office. Some are up a lot more, some are up a little less, but the average is 20%.

“Credit card debt is up 46%. The average credit card balance in Louisiana is now $5,800. When you're making $58,000 a year for a family of our, $5,800 is a lot. Delinquent credit card debt is up 11%, the highest in 12 years. We have had a record number of people who have had to take early withdrawals from their retirement accounts.”

. . .

“The average electricity bill in Louisiana is up 28% since President Biden took office. Gasoline in Louisiana: up 53%. Eggs: 69%. Bread: 28%. Coffee: 28%. Rice: 29%. Flour: 30%. Milk: 15%. Ice cream: 22%. Chicken per pound: 27%. If you're a mom and dad, and you’re both working, and you have maybe two car notes—certainly one car note—and a mortgage and two children, how can you afford this? You can’t!”

. . .

“It hurts, and it hurts deeply. President Biden’s inflation in my state is a cancer on the American dream. And it didn't have to be this way. We tried to tell him. We tried to tell him. Not only we—when I say many of my Republican colleagues—many of my Democratic friends did as well. Jason Furman, Economic Advisor to President Obama, I remember clearly, Dr. Furman—now at Harvard—said, ‘With all due respect, Mr. President, you spend this kind of money, you’re going to have inflation.’ And we did. And the worst part of this is that President Biden has no plan to get it down. None.”

Watch Kennedy’s full speech here.

Gov. Landry Announces Unprecedented Partnerships to Revitalize Metro New Orleans for Improved Quality of Life and Special Events—Including Super Bowl LIX

New Orleans, La—After a series of meetings dating back to the transition, Gov. Jeff Landry has formed historical partnerships between the State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans to revitalize the infrastructure of Metro New Orleans. In order to undertake this project, Gov. Landry has directed the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), the Division of Administration (DOA) and Louisiana Economic Development (LED) to work closely with Mayor Cantrell, CAO Gilbert Montero, the New Orleans Department of Public Works and associated city agencies, SWBNO, LSED, ASM, Downtown Development District, New Orleans Convention Center, French Quarter Management District, Jefferson Parish, Office of the Lt. Gov. and others.  

“New Orleans is a first-class city, and we need to ensure that we are putting our best infrastructure and economic development foot forward as we welcome thousands of visitors for Super Bowl LIX. The story of New Orleans is the story of Louisiana, and the Super Bowl creates a catalyst for great things to happen,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “The world will be watching us, and we must take advantage of that spotlight. I appreciate everyone who has worked hard to make these partnerships possible, and I look forward to the economic development they will bring not just to the City of New Orleans, but to the entire State of Louisiana. It’s time the world truly sees everything that makes Louisiana great!”

Leadership:

“Super Bowl LIX will be the most-watched event in America for the year, and one of the most-viewed in the world – so it is an unparalleled opportunity, as well as responsibility,” said Michael Hecht, President & CEO of GNO, Inc.  “Critical infrastructure improvements and compelling economic development programs will show a New Orleans and Louisiana that are world-class, one-of-a kind , and powerfully attractive to both visitors and businesses.  Moreover, the Super Bowl gives us the chance for beautification, repair, and building that will benefit residents for years to come.”

"The New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, led by the New Orleans Saints and Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, and Chaired by Entergy's Marcus Brown, are deeply appreciative of Governor Landry’s support, and providing his office’s direct involvement in ensuring that the needed infrastructure improvements and the State’s economic development efforts are successful," said Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation CEO Jay Cicero. "The Governor is ‘all in’ and his senior staff has been working for months with the Host Committee on the planning and implementation needed to take the best advantage of the unprecedented opportunity that the Super Bowl presents. We welcome the Governor’s appointment of Michael Hecht as the State’s coordinator of the State’s economic development and infrastructure efforts for the Super Bowl."

Economic Development:

LED will work in close partnership with GNO, Inc., and other economic development stakeholders around the state to create a Super Bowl business networking hub that features an interactive showcase of Louisiana’s economic assets, opportunities, diversity and growth trajectory. The on-site experience will be accompanied by an aggressive strategic messaging and marketing campaign that targets business influencers and national media. 

“The eyes of the business world will be on Louisiana during Super Bowl week, and we will capitalize on that international spotlight to amplify Louisiana’s vision for economic development, competitive advantages for investment, and commitment to innovation and growth,” said Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “The Super Bowl is all about winning, and we will make sure corporate America leaves New Orleans with the lasting impression that this governor is Positioning Louisiana to Win.”

City/State Infrastructure Projects:

“Starting with the NFL Hand-Off event with Commissioner Goodell, the City of New Orleans appreciates the Leadership of Governor Jeff Landry, Saints Owner Gayle Benson and the full Louisiana Super Bowl support team,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “We look forward to continuing our unified partnership to achieve the “greater good” championship approach that will represent the State of Louisiana and City of New Orleans to score a winning gameplan for Super Bowl LIX.”

"DOTD is committed to upgrading and enhancing New Orleans's infrastructure through a strong collaborative effort with Governor Landry and supporting agencies,” said DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue. “As the world's spotlight hits Louisiana, we will be proud to showcase the results of this significant partnership. DOTD has a strong team that is energized and ready to work alongside the city of New Orleans and the surrounding parishes to show the NFL and the world that Louisiana is an ideal place for the Super Bowl and other world-class events.”

Specific projects include: 

1. The relighting of the Crescent City Connection(CCC). The CCC’s decorative lighting system was destroyed by Hurricane Ida which created a safety hazard for both shipping and motorists. DOTD’s electrical contractor has already begun the relighting process by removing the existing system and will replace it with a modern LED type presentation. Traffic delays are anticipated as a result of this work, but the planned lane closures will conclude by the end of August of this year.   

2. The refurbishment/improvement of highway lighting from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to the CCC. Jefferson Parish, the City of New Orleans and DOTD have embarked on a comprehensive effort to restore or replace Interstate highway lighting from the airport to the CCC, as well as on key sections of Interstate 10 stretches from the Twin Spans to the downtown New Orleans area. 

3. Verizon, AT&T, and Cox (working collaboratively with Entergy) are undertaking significant improvements to bring 5G wireless and data to the entire downtown New Orleans area. As is the case with many of these improvements, these will remain in place long after the Super Bowl; thus enhancing quality of life across the metro area. 

4. The DOTD is currently overseeing a project to repair structural issues at the Senator Ted Hickey Bridge, which is located adjacent to the Lakefront Airport near Hayne Blvd.  The repairs are anticipated to be completed by September of this year, weather permitting.  The repairs are needed after the bridge was recently struck by a marine vessel.  

5. Poydras (Convention Center Blvd - S Claiborne), Poydras (S Galvez to S Claiborne), N. Maestri Place (St Charles Ave to Camp Street), S. Maestri Place (St Charles Ave to Camp Street), Chartres Street (Canal Street to Esplanade Ave), Frenchman Street (Esplanade Ave to Royal Street) and Dumaine Street have been identified as needing substantial repairs and improvements. This work has commenced or will commence soon. 

6. All catch basin and culvert clearing  in the downtown area will be addressed by both DOTD and the Sewage and Water Board New Orleans.  Sub-surface water leaks will be repaired by S&WB of New Orleans.  

7. Elevated Interstate barriers walls and substructure bridge piers in the Downtown area will be power washed. Roads and bridges in the area will continue to be swept for litter and other large debris within and adjacent to the highway right-of-way.    

8. The Department of Health, Louisiana Department of Fish and Wildlife and City of New Orleans Health staff will be conducting sweeps to ensure food safety and to remove ‘pop up bars’ and unlicensed food service operators. The agents will continue to confiscate and remove unpermitted animals out of the French Quarter.

9. A comprehensive cleaning/power washing throughout the downtown area-roads, bridges, facades, sidewalks etc. 

A weekly status meeting with all city and state stakeholders has been established to drive and coordinate Super Bowl efforts. 

Kennedy on Biden’s border executive order: “You can cut the hypocrisy with a knife.”

“President Biden is in trouble politically. He's polling right up there with fungal infections. Part of the reason for that is that he gave in to the loon wing of his party, and he dissolved the southern border. Now, five months before an election, he has to appear to be willing to do something about it. Hence, this executive order.” 

Watch Kennedy’s full remarks here. 

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today joined colleagues to explain the why the Biden administration’s new executive order will not secure the southern border.

Key remarks from Kennedy are below.

“President Biden is in trouble politically. He's polling right up there with fungal infections. Part of the reason for that is that he gave in to the loon wing of his party, and he dissolved the southern border. Now—five months before an election—he has to appear to be willing to do something about it. Hence, this executive order.”

. . .

“For three years, we have watched President Biden push on a door that has been clearly marked ‘pull.’ He’s mismanaged Congress, Covid, the national debt, the economy, inflation, crime, Afghanistan, Iran, the war in Gaza, the war in Ukraine and now, of course, the border. And every time I think the president has hit rock bottom, he has managed to find a shovel and continue to dig. Hence, this executive order. And I think that's what the American people see.”

. . .

“The president's border policies have allowed 8 million people to come into our country illegally. . . . For three years, President Biden told us all, ‘There is no crisis at the southern border,’ for reasons clearly stated on the teleprompter. And his plan to deal with the crisis at the border was to pretend that there wasn't a crisis at the border.”

. . .

“When the American people figured that out . . . the Biden administration shifted strategy. It then said, ‘Well, we know there’s a crisis at the border, but we don't have any authority to fix it.’

“That didn’t work either, because the American people aren’t cell-deep stupid. So now, he has decided to tell you that he has been born again. He has had an epiphany. He is now a border hawk, and that’s what he wants you to report. Look, you can cut the hypocrisy with a knife.”

. . .

“This is one of the most cynical things that I have ever seen. . . . an attempt to do [this] five months before an election. It is insulting. It is cheap. It is contemptuous. The American people see that.”

View Kennedy’s full remarks here.

Louisiana Set to Pass Bill Giving Judges Option to Order Surgical Castration for Sex Offenders

Photo source: RedState

Louisiana could be the first state to give judges the option to order surgical castration as part of the sentencing for serious sex offenders. The state legislature passed a bill that is awaiting Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry’s signature. The punishment would be optional for judges to apply to either men or women if they have been convicted of an aggravated sex crime against a child under 13. 

Read more: Louisiana Set to Pass Bill Giving Judges Option to Order Surgical Castration for Sex Offenders

Governor Landry Wraps First Session with Big Wins for Louisiana

Delivers on policy promises

Baton Rouge, LA – Today, the Louisiana Legislature ended the 2024 Regular Session with major wins delivered to the people who live, work, and visit our State. The Governor received approval on all of his priority bills that address the insurance crisis, public safety, our education system, the economy, health care, and more. Watch Governor Landry’s message by clicking here. 

Governor Landry Delivers End of Session Message

“Since January, our Administration has been working diligently to create a government in Louisiana that is as good as her people. I am proud to say we have delivered on our promises this session—a promise of a safer, healthier, and more prosperous state. I want to thank the entire Legislature for their hard work. Our work throughout this session has proven that failure is no longer an option in the State of Louisiana,” said Governor Jeff Landry. 

Major Wins to be Enacted by Governor Landry:

Insurance

HB 315: Extends prescription on tort actions.

HB 120: Repeals the sunset on the Louisiana fortified homes program.

HB 611: Phases out the 3-year-rule, allowing more competition in the insurance market.

SB 295: Provides an open invitation for insurance companies to do business in Louisiana.

SB 323: Streamlines the insurance claim process.

Public Safety

HB 720: Adds the crime of distribution of fentanyl where the fentanyl or packaging of the fentanyl is designed to resemble branded prescription medication or its generic equivalent.

SB 377: Prohibits the possession or concealed carrying of a firearm by any person who was adjudicated at age 15 or 16 of a felony-grade delinquent act, until that person turns 22 years old or has been accepted into the United States Military or Louisiana National Guard. Similar legislation was previously vetoed by John Bel Edwards.

SB 105: Increases the penalty for the crime of attempted possession of a firearm by a felon.

HB 208: Increases penalties for strangulation in domestic violence cases.

HB 541, HB 138, and HB 12: Expands the crime of nonconsensual disclosure of a private image to include when an identifiable victim is engaged in a “sexual performance” and includes images stolen from someone’s phone. 

HB 451: Provides for the crime of retail theft. Similar legislation was previously vetoed by John Bel Edwards.

HB 173: Creates the crime of approaching a police officer lawfully engaged in duty. Similar legislation was previously vetoed by John Bel Edwards.

HB 268: Maintains the confidentiality of the First Family’s security details and of public employees’ personal information.

SCR 21: Memorializes Congress to support the nation of Israel.

SB 184: Increases penalties for aggravated flight from an officer. 

SB 220: Allows impounding of vehicles used in drag racing.

HB 206: Provides mechanisms for district attorneys to seek release on supervised probation for dangerous but no longer mentally-ill insanity acquitees. 

SB 388: Creates crime of unlawful entry into Louisiana by illegal aliens.

HB 776: Updates and expands DWI law to include impairment by any drug or substance.

SB 431: Creates the Criminal Justice Priority Fund to review applications and provide priority funding for urgent criminal justice needs such as: new regional juvenile justice facilities, crime labs, upgrades and integration of criminal justice data systems, and repairs/upgrades to adult detention facilities.

Education

SB 313: Creates the LA GATOR Education Scholarship Account program for parental choice in K-12 education.

HB 320: Repeals certain student instruction and teacher training requirements. 

HB 121: Requires parental approval for preferred pronouns to be used in the classroom. Similar legislation was previously vetoed by John Bel Edwards.

HB 46: Prohibits any mandate of the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of enrollment or attendance at any public or nonpublic school. Similar legislation was previously vetoed by John Bel Edwards.  

HB 122: Provides relative to discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools. Similar legislation was previously vetoed by John Bel Edwards.

HB 78: Authorizes initial proposals for charter schools with corporate partners to be made to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education as Type 2 charter school proposals.

HB 267: Provides relative to numeracy education to students in kindergarten through third grade.

HB 244: Expands the purpose of the Steve Carter Literacy Program to include educational services in math.

HB 588: Provides relative to the membership of the Workforce Investment Council.

HR 281: Creates a study group to study K-12 education and submit a report by December 1.

HB 143: Authorizes the state superintendent to provide for a chief operating officer to make recommendations relative to the financial practices of local school systems failing to comply with the MFP's minimum instructional expenditure requirement.

Economy

SB 494: Restructures Louisiana Economic Development.

SB 60 and HB 716: Creates universal recognition of occupational licenses. 

HB 5: Accepts cash at public events at public postsecondary education institutions.

HB 588: Provides relative to the membership of the Workforce Investment Council

SCR 11: Urges the Congress of the United States to amend federal law to allow states to provide for the consolidation of federally funded workforce development services with federally funded social safety net services.

SB 332: Repeals the Occupational Licensing Review Commission.

HB 972: Allows the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to grant certain temporary permits and licenses.

HB 488: Provides relative to block chain and digital asset regulation.

Healthcare

SB 165: Puts restrictions on physician’s non-compete agreements.

SB 148: Addresses maternal wellness and postpartum depression.

SB 133: Rejects the World Health Organization’s authority over healthcare and protects state sovereignty. 

SB 276: Creates the crime of coerced criminal abortion, and adds Mifepristone and Misoprostol to the Controlled Substances Act.

HB 961: Creates the inmate mental health pilot program.

HB 853: Creates the office of surgeon general within the Louisiana Department of Health.

HB 558: Provides relative to the Local Healthcare Provider Participation Program. 

HB 972: Requires the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to grant licenses to qualified international doctors.

Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans

HB 965, HB 525, HB 593, and SB 305: Improves deficiencies in the billing, operations, and drainage process of the SWBNO.

Government Reform

SB 498: Provides for special charitable trusts.

HB 799: Creates the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion Advisory Commission.

HB 810: Streamlines the Department of Energy and Natural Resources.

SB 357: Authorizes the legislature to terminate emergency declarations.

HB 768: Limits custodian personal liability for failure to comply with public records requests.

HB 806: Provides for the enactment of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board.

SB 462: Provides for gubernatorial appointments.

HB 906: Makes revisions to the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act.

SB 497: Amends provisions concerning the selection of members of the Board of Ethics.

HB 114: Provides for an expanded annual canvass of registered voters.

HB 738: Streamlines the Department of Transportation and Development.

HB 767: Requires certain public record requestors be Louisiana citizens.

LA FREEDOM CAUCUS SUPPORTS DONALD TRUMP

BATON ROUGE—The Louisiana Freedom Caucus issued the following statement in support of President Donald Trump following the illegitimate outcome of his political persecution.

“We all watched the Soviet Union-style communist show trial unfold in New York City with sadness and disgust as today’s Democratic Party engineered yet another Big Lie in an attempt to take out their political opponent. Yet they keep making Donald Trump stronger as his support continues to increase while they continue to abuse their power at every level.

“What has come from this trial is the exposure of the lengths these desperate Democrats will go to hold on to their corrupt power. They will stop at nothing, up to and including the complete destruction of the Rule of Law. This is stunning proof this administration cannot be trusted with the reigns of power again. We all look forward to November and, between then and now, we will redouble efforts to make sure this travesty of justice does not stand on Election Day.”

Historic Louisiana Gator Scholarship Bill Heads to Governor’s Desk

Baton Rouge, LA- Today, Senate Bill 313 which creates the Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) program passed the legislature and now heads to Governor Landry’s desk. It begins the phase-in of Education Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) for K-12 schools by the year 2025. ESAs empower parents and students across our state to choose a learning environment that best fits their family’s needs and aligns with their values.

“I made a pledge to enact bold change that improves our education system. Today, with the legislature’s help, we did just that. The LA Gator Program puts parents in the driver’s seat and gives every child the opportunity for a great education. When parents are committed to the value of their child’s education, government should never get in the way,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “Thank you to Senator Rick Edmonds and Representative Julie Emerson for your hard work and perseverance in passing this historic legislation. School choice is now a reality in the state of Louisiana!”

“Very few things equal the lightbulb coming on in the eyes of a child, or the smile of a parent over the success of their children. The Gator Scholarship Program checks both boxes,” said Senator Rick Edmonds.

“This bill will give parents even more freedom in how their children are educated. Each child is unique and learns differently, and our LA GATOR scholarship will allow the money to truly follow the students to the educational environments that best fit their needs. It’s a great day for parental rights and freedom in Louisiana,” said Representative Julie Emerson.

LA FREEDOM CAUCUS CONDEMNS BIGOTED SENATE AND HOUSE RESOLUTIONS

BATON ROUGE—U.S. Congressman Clay Higgins joins the Louisiana Freedom Caucus standing in opposition to SR152 (and its HR323 mini-me in the House), an ill-informed, bigoted attempt to smear Louisiana School Superintendent Cade Brumley and Prager University, a 501(C)(3) non-profit educational organization, founded by Dennis Prager, one of the most preeminent Jewish voices in America today.

“The audacity and sheer ignorance of this attempt by our Democrat colleagues to smear one of the leading Jewish voices in America as antisemitic is a testament to the Democratic Party’s shoot, ready, aim method of operation that has left them on life support in Louisiana,” said Beryl Amedee, Chairman of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “Prager University is renowned for teaching American exceptionalism, and our imperfect founding, yet they also teach that our American ideals and values are superior to those who wish to enslave America to communism. We at the Louisiana Freedom Caucus welcome the balance that the PragerU/LDOE partnership brings to school curriculum to counter the hate-America agenda of the Left that is rampant in our country today.”

"Senator Fields should respect the people of Louisiana enough to research actual facts before he orchestrates the introduction of a Resolution that somebody else wrote. He's way out of his depth here. PragerU is deeply committed to Constitutionalist principles. Cleo Fields apparently opposes those principles," said Rep. Clay Higgins, member of the House Freedom Caucus.

Richard Burr: Insurance coverage for obesity allows patients to benefit from science

We are living in a time of tremendous health care innovation - from the use of generative AI to precision medicine. Treatments are being developed that meaningfully change the trajectory of life-altering or threatening diseases, including curative gene therapies.

But science only goes so far. Policymakers, governments and health insurance companies should keep pace with scientific advancement so Americans can afford these innovative treatments as they become available.
Read more: Richard Burr: Insurance coverage for obesity allows patients to benefit from science

Senator Carter and Louisiana Democrats believe standing for the flag is against American values.

Standing for the Flag is Un-American!? from Nick Strong on Vimeo.

Senator Carter and Louisiana Democrats believe standing for the flag is against American values. He said as much in today's Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing.

BILLS CREATE TWO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN LAFAYETTE

BATON ROUGE, La. – State Senator Gerald Boudreaux’s bills creating two economic development districts in Lafayette gained final passage today and now head to the Governor’s Office for his signature.  Senate Bills 480 and 481 allow the Lafayette Economic Development Authority and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to attract new businesses and create jobs within the newly established taxing districts.

SB 480 repeals the North Lafayette Redevelopment Authority encompassing those duties and powers within the work of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) so it can move forward with an action plan to revitalize distressed areas of the parish. Senator Boudreaux testified that this bill gives LEDA the ability to leverage proven economic and community development strategies to help citizens understand how to redevelop neighborhoods while also supporting small/minority businesses. 

“This legislation effectively re-energizes several efforts to improve north Lafayette and encourages all stakeholders to work collaboratively in making progress quickly towards our collective goals,” said Senator Boudreaux. 

Additionally, SB 481 enables the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to foster economic development on its university owned property.  The campus envisions the possibility of adding an additional hotel as well as a performing arts center as a result of this legislation.  Supporters of the action say it could also create a wide range of community amenities and allows the university to make infrastructure improvements to assets of the college.  Similar legislation was passed for Louisiana State University and Southern University in 2023.

“At the end of the day, the university will now be able to leverage its taxes to responsibly develop its properties in service to the entire Lafayette community,” said Boudreaux.  “Supporting UL-Lafayette grows one of our most cherished institutions and makes our city a great place to live and work,”

The 2024 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature began on March 11, 2024 and must adjourn no later than 6:00 pm on Monday, June 3rd.  For more information on legislation being considered during the session, go to www.legis.la.gov.  

Kennedy introduces bill to expand opportunities for Louisiana’s small businesses to win government contracts

“The DOE and SBA Research Act would help ensure the government is doing all that it can to expand contract opportunities to Louisiana and America’s best job providers—small businesses. The Senate should send this common-sense bill to the president’s desk quickly.” 

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Small Business Committee, today introduced the DOE and SBA Research Act to require the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to collaborate on ways to create more opportunities for small businesses to win government contracts.

The House of Representatives has passed the companion bill, which Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) and Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) co-led.

“The DOE and SBA Research Act would help ensure the government is doing all that it can to expand contract opportunities to Louisiana and America’s best job providers—small businesses. The Senate should send this common-sense bill to the president’s desk quickly,” said Kennedy.

The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program helps ensure that small businesses get the training they need to better access government contracting opportunities.

Specifically, the DOE and SBA Research Act would require the DOE and SBA to submit a report to Congress describing the coordination efforts, potential opportunities to expand technical capabilities and collaborative research achievements made to further small business opportunity in the federal marketplace.

Full text of the bill is available here.

LAGOP Endorses Incumbent Republican Members of Congress

BATON ROUGE, LA— The Executive Committee of the Republican Party of Louisiana has voted unanimously to endorse all of Louisiana's incumbent Republican members of Congress for re-election in their existing congressional districts:

• Steve Scalise CD 1 

• Clay Higgins CD 3

• Mike Johnson CD 4

• Julia Letlow CD 5

• Garret Graves CD 6

"As we’ve seen over the last two years, every single vote in the U.S. House of Representatives is critical to holding the majority and passing our conservative agenda," Republican Party of Louisiana Chairman Derek Babcock said. "We know that losing just one seat in Louisiana this fall could make the difference between keeping Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House and Steve Scalise as Majority Leader or having to hand over power to Hakeem Jefferies and the Democrats in January," he said.

"With so much at stake for both our state and nation on the ballot this year, the Republican Party of Louisiana is uniting behind our incumbents in Congress and working to ensure that we send all of them back to Washington,” Babcock said.

Leading from the front: Louisiana’s opportunity on carbon capture technology

Louisiana has a proud history of being the standard bearer for American energy. And the global shift toward low-carbon energy practices presents a colossal opportunity for our state – and more specifically, CENLA. Central to this transformation is the advancement of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology, a critical solution in the battle against climate change and a significant driver for economic growth. 

While our neighbors in Texas and Mississippi are rapidly advancing in this arena, it is imperative that Louisiana not only keeps pace with these states, but avoids unnecessary roadblocks, to ensure we remain an energy leader and don’t lose out on the billions in investments being committed across the region today. 

Read more: Leading from the front: Louisiana’s opportunity on carbon capture technology

OPINION: Congress Should Work with FDA on Smoke-Free Alternatives

Though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating tobacco products, the agency is floundering when it comes to building a larger market of smoke-free alternatives. As a former smoker, I believe it’s time for Congress to step in and ensure the FDA is fulfilling its mission to support the “development of innovative tobacco products that may be less dangerous than cigarettes.”

Despite a federal law that mandates the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) to review and decide on pre-market tobacco product applications (PMTAs) within 180 days, this process can take years. Since 2009, the CTP has authorized fewer than 50 applications out of the 26 million it has received. In the meantime, thousands of lives are being lost as innovative, smoke-free products continue to get stuck in this regulatory quagmire.

The FDA and CTP both need to establish a more predictable and transparent regulatory process to support the advancement of less harmful tobacco alternatives. Many companies are investing millions of dollars into their products and the FDA’s regulatory process, only to be left in the dark about if or when any of these innovative products will get authorized. All this does is hamper innovation and slow the introduction of smoke-free alternatives that promote public health.

Congress should work with the FDA to update the agency’s internal processes to expedite the introduction of new, smoke-free alternatives—and Senator Cassidy and Rep. Letlow should help lead the charge.

Don Willard
Concordia Parish

Governor Landry Declares State of Emergency Following Deadly Storms

Baton Rouge, LA- Governor Jeff Landry signed a State of Emergency Declaration for the severe storms and tornadoes which took place May 14-17 across the state. This declaration will permit state resources to assist in the recovery process for affected parishes. Emergency declaration attached.

“Today, we issued a State of Emergency to ensure those parishes affected most by the deadly storms are able to get the help they need for a full recovery. We continue to remain in contact with local officials and will do all we can to deploy the necessary assistance and resources,” said Governor Jeff Landry.

The State of Emergency can be found here.

Kennedy, Cassidy demand Biden admin withdraw rule that would transfer $147 billion in student debt to Louisiana taxpayers

“. . . taxpayers are being forced to take on the debt of nearly 28 million borrowers.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) joined Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) and colleagues in urging the Biden administration’s Department of Education (DOE) to withdraw its proposed rule that would transfer an additional $147 billion in student loan debt to American taxpayers. If implemented, the rule would bring the total debt transferred to Americans to as much as $1 trillion. 

In April, the DOE published its proposed rule, which would amend regulations in the Higher Education Act of 1965 to waive student loan debt for tens of millions of borrowers.

“The Biden administration describes this regulation as ‘targeted relief,’ yet the Department’s own estimates show the opposite. This is even broader than the Department’s first attempt: at an estimated price tag of $147 billion, taxpayers are being forced to take on the debt of nearly 28 million borrowers,” the lawmakers wrote.

“In addition to the fiscally irresponsible nature of this backdoor attempt to enact ‘free’ college, the administration continues to use borrowers as political pawns knowing full well these proposed actions are illegal. The Supreme Court [made] it abundantly clear that there is zero authority to write-off federal student loans en masse last June when the Department’s ‘Plan A’ was ruled unconstitutional,” they continued.

The lawmakers also raised concerns because the Biden administration dedicated resources to drafting a “Plan B” to cancel student loans for Americans who already attended college after “Plan A” failed in the Supreme Court, but it did not make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available to prospective college students.

“Failure to make the FAFSA available to these prospective students on time will have life-long consequences for many young Americans. We already know, as of March 29, FAFSA completion for seniors in high school is down by 40 percent. Those who do not file will likely not attend college next year and maybe never will,” they wrote.

The lawmakers concluded by urging the Biden administration to work with Congress to solve the higher education financing crisis.

Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) also signed the letter along with more than 90 members of the House of Representatives.

Full text of the letter is available here.

Kennedy asks FDIC Chair Gruenberg to apologize to employees: “Now I think you ought to resign”

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today asked Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chair Martin Gruenberg if he would like to apologize to his employees for the well-documented harassment and bullying that they endured under his leadership.

Kennedy also called on Gruenberg to resign so that a more qualified leader could step in to improve the culture at the FDIC.

“You ought to be ashamed of yourself. . . . I'm embarrassed to have to even read some of these allegations,” Kennedy said.

“These folks on the first row behind you—are they FDIC employees? Would you like to turn around and apologize to the female employees sitting behind you at the FDIC?” Kennedy asked.

Gruenberg then turned and issued a short apology to FDIC employees, after which Kennedy added, “And now I think you ought to resign.”

Background

• The FDIC recently published a report detailing the toxic culture that has unfolded at the agency under Chairman Gruenberg’s watch.

• More than 500 of the FDIC’s 6,000 employees reported instances of sexual harassment, racial or gender discrimination, verbal abuse or other inappropriate behavior.

• Several employees accused Gruenberg of threatening and verbally abusive conduct. Employees reported that Gruenberg has an explosive temper and often berated employees, including one instance where he threw the staff’s papers against the wall. One employee said, “In my entire career of 35 years, I’ve never had anybody treat me like that.”

• Gruenberg has been on the FDIC’s Board of Directors since August 2005. During that time, at least 92 employees reported instances of harassment or discrimination to the agency. Investigators found that the FDIC did not fire, demote or cut the pay of a single alleged harasser while Gruenberg was on the FDIC’s board.

• In 2021, President Joe Biden vowed to fire any appointee who disrespected his or her staff “on the spot.” The president also said he expects each appointee to similarly fire employees who disrespect their colleagues. Biden has not yet asked for Gruenberg’s resignation.

• Kennedy first called for Gruenberg’s resignation last year when revelations of his inappropriate conduct at the FDIC broke. He penned this op-ed in The Hill urging Gruenberg to resign so a new leader could address the culture problems within the agency.

Watch Kennedy’s full exchange with Gruenberg here.

HEALTH FREEDOM LOUISIANA: Now That Louisiana Has Acted Decisively Against the World Health Organization, Our Congressional Delegates Must Act!

Finally! 

What began over a year ago, finally came to fruition on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, when the Louisiana House of Representatives voted 69-22 to restrict the authority of the World Health Organization, along with the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, within the state including all state agencies.  More importantly, the legislation prohibits the state from enforcing or implementing any of these international organizations’ rules, regulations, fees, taxes, policies, or mandates. While not the first state to recognize the threat to sovereignty international organizations may hold, Louisiana is the first to restrict the state from acting on their mandates, thus acknowledging the imminent threat these international organizations, which are heavily influenced by dark money and foreign interests, pose to the safety, security, and economic stability of the state and its residents.

Now that the Louisiana Legislature has acted so decisively with the passage of SB133 by Senator Pressly, and as the votes on the WHO pandemic treaty and IHR amendments are only days away, join us in requesting that all members of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation sign on to Congressman Andy Biggs’ H.R. 79, the WHO Withdrawal Act.  This federal legislation directs the President to withdraw the United States from the WHO and removes all funding from the organization. 

Currently, the only members of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation to have signed on to this legislation are Speaker Mike Johnson and Congressman Clay Higgins which leaves U.S. Representatives Troy Carter, Garret Graves, Julia Letlow, and Steve Scalise who have not addressed this imposing threat. 

Contact your member of Congress and urge them to sign on to H.R. 79, the WHO Withdrawal Act, and ask them to stand with all Louisianans and against the World Health Organization.