Posts filed under Louisiana

A Prayer for Louisiana As We Begin the Spring 2023 Legislative Session

The below was sent by Jeff Landry for the start of the 2023 Louisiana legislative session:

Lord, 

As we begin this new legislative session, we pray for guidance as lawmakers, representatives, and leaders. 

There are many obstacles upon our path — as our State’s sovereignty is threatened by unjust laws, our voices are suppressed, our cities ravaged by violence and crime, and our children tempted to trade their innocence for a difficult life path. 

We know that these are challenges that we can only overcome by joining together, Parish by Parish, to rebuild and restore our communities, which will help us revive our State. With Your guidance, may we weave a deeper understanding of these problems and receive clarity about the solutions we need. 

Lord, please grant us the wisdom of discernment and fine-tune our instincts for truth. Please give us the courage to do what we know to be right, and the strength to weather the consequent storm. Please help us all commit to the betterment of our State through our decisions and with our actions, while showing respect for our differences of opinion and the sovereignty of each individual. 

Please help us persevere as we make Louisiana a safer and more prosperous place for our children, families, builders, workers, and creators. Help us connect our children with a love of learning so that they might pursue dreams of a fulfilling career, while protecting their innocence from selfish motives. 

Please grant us the ability to listen to our intuition rather than our egos, to reflect upon and honor our gifts, and to work with our innate humanity so that we might become the best that we can imagine. Through this, please bring us justice in the court system, fair laws within the Legislature, peace within our communities, and deep love for each other. 

While we know the prayers of our mothers and grandmothers are still protecting us, we pray that you help us live by their example and create a better future for us all. This is our year to change our course, and we pray that we are able to seize the moment and not let this beautiful opportunity pass us by. 

In Your Name we pray,

Amen 

Posted on April 11, 2023 and filed under Jeff Landry, Louisiana.

Family Statement on the Passing of LOGA Founder Don Briggs

"On behalf of the entire Briggs Family, I would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of prayers, love and support we’ve received in response to the loss of our father and friend, Don Briggs. He passed away in his home in Lafayette, LA, this morning."

"Don was a man of deep faith who left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. His faith and passion for Louisiana drove him to a life of service that spanned more than 30 years and had a positive impact on the lives of millions. While his passing is a loss, his remarkable life and service to the community will be celebrated and remembered in our hearts forever."

"The family is not receiving visitors or meals at this time, but we continue to welcome your prayers and support. As soon as funeral arrangements are made, we will make the information available. In the meantime, any other condolences or inquires can be sent to giffordb@mac.com."

Editor's Note: To learn more about Don Briggs' life and accomplishments, visit: https://www.loga.la/our-team#:~:text=Don%20Briggs&text=Don%20is%20a%20native%20of,ever%20since%20%E2%80%93%20over%2045%20years.


Posted on April 4, 2023 and filed under Louisiana, Oil and Gas.

LOGA Founder Don Briggs Passes Away at Age 82

BATON ROUGE, LA (April 3, 2023) - The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association is heartbroken to announce that LOGA Founder and President-Emeritus Don Briggs passed away at his home in Lafayette, Louisiana on Monday, April 3, 2023. He was 82 years old.

LOGA President Mike Moncla issued the following statement:

“Louisiana has lost a giant. Don Briggs was a titan in Louisiana’s oil and gas industry for over 50 years. Aside from starting LOGA from the ground up, Don was a dedicated father, a devoted husband, and a fierce friend to so many. Our hearts are broken, but we are comforted by the fact that Don is strolling down the streets of gold in Heaven with Jesus today. We wish to extend the Briggs family our most heartfelt condolences.”

Posted on April 4, 2023 and filed under Louisiana, Oil and Gas.

CANDIDATES FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL TO SPEAK AT RONALD REAGAN NEWSMAKER LUNCHEON THURSDAY, MARCH 30

CANDIDATES FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL TO SPEAK AT RONALD REAGAN NEWSMAKER LUNCHEON THURSDAY, MARCH 30 — The three Republican candidates for Attorney General in this fall’s election will speak at a special meeting of the Ronald Reagan Newsmaker Luncheon at 12 noon Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Café Américain, 7521 Jefferson Hwy. in Baton Rouge.

Louisiana Solicitor General Liz Murrill, Baton Rouge attorney Marty Maley, and Rep. John Stefanski of Crowley will address Capital area Republican leaders and answer their questions.

The primary election for Governor, Attorney General, other statewide offices, the legislature, and parishwide officials is set for Saturday, Oct. 14. The Reagan luncheon is sponsored by the Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish, which is expected to make an endorsement in the Attorney General’s race soon. The parish chairman is former Rep. Woody Jenkins. The meeting is open to the public, and reservations are not necessary. Lunch is $25 payable to the restaurant at the door and is complimentary for members of the working media.

Liz Murrill is Louisiana’s first Solicitor General.  A native of Lafayette, she has been married more than 30 years and has four sons.  She has practiced law for more than 30 years and has argued five cases before the U.S. Supreme Court defending the people of Louisiana.  She has handled a total of more than 200 cases before the Supreme Court, where she has a 98 percent success rate. She is pro-life and winner of the Louisiana Right to Life Leadership for Life Award.  She has defended Louisiana’s pro-life laws before the U.S. Supreme Court.  She is pro-Second Amendment and has a lifetime concealed carry permit. She has filed multiple briefs supporting the Second Amendment before the Supreme Court. She received her law degree from LSU where she was Editor in Chief of the Louisiana Law Review. She also earned a Master of Laws degree from Pepperdine Law School.

Martin K. Maley, Sr. prosecuted criminals and has been practicing law in Louisiana for over 32 years. He earned his Juris Doctor degree in law from Southern University Law Center in 1991 and began working as a Staff Attorney at the Louisiana District Attorneys Association. For 17 years, his duties as a Staff Attorney took on various roles: drug prosecution, civil drug asset forfeiture, white collar crime, DWI prosecution, training law enforcement at all levels, legislative support services, and general counsel and research services to the district attorneys and assistant district attorneys across the state. Formerly, he was a felony trial prosecutor in the 18th Judicial District, handling all types of serious felony matters. He served in that role for 11 years. Marty Maley has been a civil trial attorney since 1991 and owns and operates a civil law firm with offices in Baton Rouge, Port Allen, and Napoleonville.

John Stefanski is an attorney who received his law degree from Loyola in New Orleans.  He has served as a Republican member of the Louisiana House of Representatives since 2018 and serves as chairman of the House and Governmental Affairs Committee.  In that capacity, he was instrumental in the reapportionment of Louisiana’s Congressional seats.  He says he will fight crime and defend Louisiana families from federal and state overreach and corrupt politicians.  He has represented the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s office, Assessor’s office, and Clerk’s office as their attorney. In the upcoming legislative session, he plans to author tough legislation to update Louisiana law to take violent criminals and Fentanyl off the streets. 

The Ronald Reagan Newsmaker Luncheon is normally held at 12 noon on the second Tuesday of the month at Café Américain. For further information, email WoodyJenkins2020@hotmail.com.

PHOTOS (left to right): Attorney Marty Maley, Rep. John Stefanski, and Solicitor General Liz Murrill

Posted on March 30, 2023 and filed under Louisiana.

LA Policy Review: Medicare Advantage is the GOOD Policy Our Seniors Deserve

Good policy is a measure that serves the needs of a large group of individuals. Here in Louisiana, nearly 460,000 individuals—over half the state’s Medicare eligible population—join over 30 million people around the country in enjoying Medicare Advantage. With 95% of seniors satisfied with their coverage, Medicare Advantage is the good policy they are looking for to access quality and affordable health care. That is why we at the Louisiana Policy Review are proud supporters of the program.

Medicare Advantage is a health care option for Americans 65 and older who are looking for more options in their health care. Medicare Advantage offers the same coverage as original Medicare, along with a series of additional benefits that provide enrollees with a more comprehensive experience. For many seniors, that includes expanded prescription drug coverage and a cap on out-of-pocket expenses. Benefits also include coverage for vision, dental, and hearing. This allows enrollees to enjoy a well-rounded approach to their health care.

An important aspect of Medicare Advantage plans is preventative care. Seniors enjoy this focus because it keeps them out of the hospital and at home with their families, living life the way that they want. Whether it is a preventative test or screening, Medicare Advantage plans are designed to keep seniors healthy and happy.

For people who live in rural areas, like certain populations in Louisiana, Medicare Advantage has a significant impact on their ability to receive high quality care. By providing choice in health care, Medicare Advantage supports rural health centers. More than 4 million rural Americans receive their health care coverage through Medicare Advantage and enjoy services such as telehealth.

The impact of Medicare Advantage is undeniable. However, in their recent advance rate notice, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed cutting funds for the program. The Biden Administration must do the right thing and reconsider these changes. The health care of our seniors is too important to risk.

Posted on March 23, 2023 and filed under Louisiana, Heathcare.

Energize the Vote: Industry Day 2023 Announces Gubernatorial Panel

Hear from gubernatorial candidates as they share their vision for Louisiana's Energy Future

The Grow Louisiana Coalition, in partnership with the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association, the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, H2theFuture and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Louisiana, has announced a gubernatorial panel as part of this year's Energize the Vote: Industry Day 2023 on Wednesday, May 10, at the Capitol Park Museum.

As we kick off the start of the election season, it is crucial to understand each gubernatorial candidates' ideas for Louisiana's industry. This year's election cycle holds major implications for Louisiana's energy industry - including oil and natural gas, new energies, carbon capture and storage, and more. Candidates will be asked about their plans to grow industry in our communities to protect our nation's energy security and independence.

About Energize the Vote: Industry Day 2023

In addition to the panel, Energize the Vote attendees will have the opportunity to mingle with local and state leaders, industry employees, friends and family to learn how this year’s elections could impact the energy industry and livelihoods for hundreds of thousands of residents across the state.

We are hosting this free event with our valued partners, the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association, the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, H2theFuture and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Louisiana at the Capital Park Museum in Baton Rouge. RSVP and join us on May 10 for a rally-style event - including the gubernatorial forum - held 2 - 4 PM, before a networking happy hour, which runs until 6 PM.

RSVP: Energize the Vote: Industry Day 2023 Announces Gubernatorial Panel

Posted on March 21, 2023 and filed under Louisiana, Oil and Gas.

Republican Party Of East Baton Rouge Parish Endorses Atty. Gen. Jeff Landry For Governor

BATON ROUGE — Crime is the No. 1 issue facing East Baton Rouge Parish followed closely by transportation, and those two issues were pivotal in helping the Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish decide to endorse Attorney General Jeff Landry for Governor, according to parish Republican chairman and former Rep. Woody Jenkins.  The election is Oct. 14.

Observers believe the Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish is the most influencial local Republican Party in the state and that its endorsement is second only to the Louisiana Republican Party in its impact.  This endorsement effectively closes the door on other Republican candidates who may choose to challenge Landry, Jenkins said.

Jenkins issued the following statement on behalf of the Republican Party: “Jeff Landry grew up in St. Martinville in the heart of Cajun country.  His roots in our state go back nearly 300 years.  He is truly a man of the people.  He began by working in the sugar cane fields and joined the Army National Guard while still in high school.  His 11 years in our military included service as a decorated veteran of Desert Storm.”

“Jeff Landry began in law enforcement as a St. Martin Parish sheriff’s deputy, which gave him first-hand experience fighting crime on the streets. Along the way, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Louisiana in environmental and sustainable resources with a minor in biology.  He then began his own oil and gas environmental service company.  He also served as executive director of the St. Martin Parish Economic Development Authority.  These experiences helped him understand the effect of overregulation on the oil and gas industry, which is so vital to the Louisiana economy.”

“With a strong desire to protect individual rights under the Constitution, Jeff worked his way through the Loyola University Law School, working during the day and going to school at night.  He graduated with his Juris Doctor degree in 2004.  He practiced law until his election to the United States Congress from Louisiana’s 3rd District in 2008 and served two terms in Congress, where he was considered one of the most conservative members.”

“In 2015, he was elected Louisiana Attorney General, a position which allowed him to earn a place of honor in state history as a result of his stand for the Constitution during the lockdown of the state beginning in March 2020.”

“Attorney General Jeff Landry was the only statewide elected official in Louisiana who stood up against Gov. John Bel Edwards’ illegal, unconstitutional orders locking down our cities, ordering businesses to close, shutting down churches across the state, closing schools, ordering millions of our citizens to wear worthless masks, and trying to force people to get vaccines they did not want.”  

“General Landry not only spoke out against these blatant violations of the U.S. Constitution and the Louisiana Constitution, but he sprung into action.  He went into court, filing numerous suits and friend of the court briefs to fight violations of the First Amendment, Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Assembly, the Right to Property, and the Right to Privacy.  Moreover, many of those suits have been successful, ending vaccine mandates not only in Louisiana but nationwide.  In fact, he has successfully sued the federal government for violating the Constitution more than any Attorney General in the United States.”  

“As Attorney General, he has continued fighting crime.  He created the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation to carry the fight against crime to a higher level and the Louisiana Solicitor General’s office to handle major litigation in cases that impact Louisiana as they made their way to the U. S. Supreme Court.”

“We are very impressed by Jeff Landry’s opposition to Shawn Wilson’s bizarre $1.6 billion plan for Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge.  This $1.6 billion plan would tear down I-10 from the bridge to the I-12 split, take 16 years to complete, and reduce traffic on the Interstate to one or two lanes for years.  This would virtually destroy the Baton Rouge economy. Everyone should oppose this plan because it circumvents the public bid law and wastes enormous resources needed for projects across the state. We favor a reasonable plan for $100 million that would simply add one lane on each side of the Interstate, while keeping our economy running.”

“As President of the National Association of Attorneys General, Jeff Landry has been a strong and influential leader.  He has used those outstanding connections to form alliances with attorneys general from other states in his suits against the overreach of the federal government.”

“Jeff Landry has the conservative philosophy, the character, and the courage to help Louisiana fulfill its potential, creating a prosperous, safe, moral, and compassionate place to live, work, and raise a family.”

“Republican Parish Executive Committee members interviewed Jeff Landry for 90 minutes and were very favorably impressed by his grasp of the important issues facing the state and his vision for the future.  He fully responded to the party’s questionnaire with answers that showed his commitment to conservative principles.”

“The Republican Party believes Jeff Landry is the best candidate for Governor and one of the finest candidates for any office we have seen in years, and we fully support him,” Jenkins said.  “We will be campaigning for him at the grassroots level in East Baton Rouge Parish and do everything in our power to help him be elected.”

Posted on March 14, 2023 and filed under Jeff Landry, Louisiana.

Boysie Bollinger and Joe Canizaro Endorse Jeff Landry for Governor

Lafayette, La. — Today, Jeff Landry announced he has secured the endorsement of Boysie Bollinger and Joe Canizaro in his race for Governor of Louisiana.

"It has been our honor to lead and work with various Republican efforts and candidates over the last several decades.  Louisiana has made some great strides and elected some great leaders, but there is still so much to do.  We both love and call Louisiana home, but have watched family and friends leave her behind to seek better opportunities elsewhere.  The Gulf South is booming and primed to become a major hub of growth in our country.  There is no reason why Louisiana can’t be a part of this boom; we just need a good team to get us there. This is why we both enthusiastically are supporting Jeff Landry for Governor,” said Bollinger and Canizaro.

“Jeff has worked hard and built a strong statewide organization of grassroots and GOTV efforts.  He has and continues to vigorously raise the much needed funds this race will take putting us in the best position to elect the next conservative Governor.  But past the election and what we think will be his victory; Jeff has the courage and determination to effect real reforms to turn our state around and start a rebirth of jobs, industries, and opportunities in Louisiana.  Together with our congressional delegation and the state legislature, we have a great team and Jeff is the right person to lead us into a great future," continued Bollinger and Canizaro.

Posted on March 8, 2023 and filed under Jeff Landry, Louisiana.

GRAVES: Louisiana's Future

Good morning,

Thank you for your support and encouragement.

Louisiana is at a crossroads. This Governor’s election is going to be the most consequential in our lifetime. We are one of the most blessed states in the country. We have more strategic advantages - our resources, people and culture - than virtually any other, yet our citizens are burdened with some of the greatest disadvantages: crime, traffic, taxes, insurance, education, flooding and lost opportunity. Nearly half of our state budget is Medicaid, the federal healthcare safety net program for the poor — one-half of the entire budget. And, we are losing our best and brightest to Texas, North Carolina, Georgia and others.  There is no excuse for our situation.

The next Governor will not succeed by being just a great executive. The next Governor must be a leader who unites all the state’s community leaders, our job creators, and elected representatives around a bright, bold vision and plan for the state’s great comeback story - so that we’re all rowing in the same direction. All of us.

Our next Governor must capitalize on our strategic advantages, take courageous action and lead this state in a direction where the need for a lifetime of social welfare programs and poverty are replaced with hope, opportunity, upward mobility and living our dreams.

For nearly two years now, Carissa and I have been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement by you and so many others to play the prominent role in Louisiana’s transformation. And we have told everyone we talk to that we are praying about it and will follow God’s wisdom to serve in the best manner in which to contribute to this important task. The question is where can we be most helpful to our citizens. After much prayerful consideration and hundreds of conversations, it is clear that the best service we can provide to Louisianans and the next Governor is by building upon our wins in the U.S. Congress.

The role you’ve enabled me to play now is to support a Governor who will lead and unite our state - a Governor with a bold, hopeful vision of Louisiana’s promise that is equal to her potential. 

In the coming days, the field for Governor will brighten. And Louisiana will have a generational opportunity to write America’s greatest comeback story. 

As the proud representative of the nearly 800,000 people I am honored to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, I am absolutely committed to Louisiana’s future and will work hard to ensure that Louisiana wins the next election this fall.

God Bless,
Garret Graves

Posted on March 7, 2023 and filed under Garrett Graves, Louisiana.

Sen. John Kennedy: America is Star Spangled Awesome!

"Today I want to talk to you about truth the honored unvarnished truth the truth is important without the truth we cannot order Society without the truth we cannot survive as human beings and without the truth we certainly cannot Thrive as human beings can you handle the truth I think you can the truth is that it is important to speak your mind so I do now that makes some people mad but I try not to worry too much about what anyone thinks of me except dogs I really like dogs and sometimes my friends will ask me they say Kennedy how do you sleep at night how do you sleep at night knowing that some people don't like you and I tell them with the fan on because I think I make the right people mad. What else is the truth the truth is that God is great beer is good and and the United States of America is Star Spangled awesome!"

Posted on March 3, 2023 and filed under John Kennedy, Louisiana.

And This Guy Wants to Be Louisiana's Next State Treasurer

As a staunch supporter of oil and gas, I thought that this line of thinking while running for State Treasurer in Louisiana was ludicrous. Democrat Dustin Granger is running on an anti-oil and gas and “climate change” agenda in a state known for their dependency and support on this vital industry.

The below video highlights his stance on this issue and his commitment to “investing in our future.”

In other words, he’s for big government, more taxation and more regulation on a Louisiana economy already on life support as a result of John Bel Edwards.

Posted on February 28, 2023 and filed under Dustin Granger, Louisiana, Oil and Gas.

Louisiana Senate District 22 Update

State Representative Blake Miguez (R-New Iberia) of District 49, who will officially announce his candidacy for Senate District 22 on March 17th, has reported $453,023 on hand as of December 30, 2022. The report shows Miguez received an average contribution of $593 from 426 donors, with 200 of those contributions being $100 or less. State Senator Fred Mills will be vacating the seat due to term limits.

Candidate Hugh Andre (R-Youngsville), reported $159,803 on hand for the same period with 154 donors averaging $967 per contribution.

Posted on February 27, 2023 and filed under Louisiana.

Former State Sen. Troy Hebert, Democrat Susan East Nelson, Joins Talk Radio Host Jim Engster

Photo source: Ballotpedia

Former State Sen. Troy Hebert, Jeanerette, joined Jim Engster on his statewide radio show this morning to discuss his run in 2007 against current Louisiana Attorney General and candidate for Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry.

Source: Troy Hebert, Susan East Nelson, Jim Engster

Posted on February 17, 2023 and filed under Jeff Landry, Louisiana.

LSU professor: Louisiana’s industrial emissions are an economic carbon capture opportunity

Photo source: h2thefuture.org

Carbon capture represents a significant economic opportunity for Louisiana, in part because the state already emits so much carbon dioxide, an LSU chemical engineering professor said Thursday.

“There’s a lot of byproduct CO2 that we just emit right now that if you had a way to sequester it here in Louisiana, it’s a pretty good situation economically,” said John Flake, the former chair of LSU’s chemical engineering department and a researcher with the H2theFuture “green” hydrogen initiative spearheaded by GNO Inc.

Flake made his remarks during a keynote presentation at TEC Next, a Baton Rouge industry technology and networking conference. The two-day event is hosted by the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance and the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and sponsored by ExxonMobil.

Read more: LSU professor: Louisiana’s industrial emissions are an economic carbon capture opportunity

Posted on February 17, 2023 and filed under Louisiana, Oil and Gas.

Firehouse BBQ is suing governor for damages

In 2020 Governor John Bel Edwards issued his emergency rules through the Department of Health, mandating folks wear masks indoors. Firehouse BBQ went toe-to-toe with the governor’s office over the masks and capacity limits, which held up in court after a judge let the business stay open. Fast-forward two and a half years later and the fight doesn’t end there.

“So, that’s what we’re trying to do. You know, get some kind of accountability to what happens in an emergency situation. Showing them, hey you can’t shut people’s businesses down, you can’t damage the public in this way. You have to have some kind of limits to it,” said the owner, Danielle Bunch.

Read more: Firehouse BBQ is suing governor for damages

Posted on February 14, 2023 and filed under Coronavirus, Louisiana.

LOUISIANA RIGHT TO LIFE: Protect ALL Babies: Every Life is Valuable!

Join us for our Lighting the Way in a Post-Roe Louisiana Webinar series!

Our fourth Lighting the Way in a Post-Roe Louisiana webinar is coming up on Tuesday, January 24th at 7PM! We will be diving into discussion with personal testimonies about the currently most argued circumstances that society seeks to justify abortion: Situations in which a baby receives a "medically futile" diagnosis, and when a baby is conceived after sexual assault. Even in these sometimes difficult and also horrendous situations, every life is valuable - we need to work as a society to provide support to mothers who endure these pregnancies, and we need to recognize the value of that innocent human child and protect their life.

Among others, Dustin Bertrand will be sharing his story of being conceived in rape and how he has come to understand the preciousness of his own life and the heroism of his mom. His life and his mom's life matters!

Right now, Louisiana legislation does not protect those who are "medically futile" and we seek to change this. Also, Louisiana legislation does protect those conceived in rape but pro-abortion advocates and some of our legislators want to roll back this protection. Join us for a deeper discussion and learn what you can do!

Stay tuned and check back on ProLifeLouisiana.org/postroewebinars for information on the series.

Read more: Lighting the Way in a Post-Roe Louisiana Webinar

Posted on February 8, 2023 and filed under Louisiana.

LMOGA: ExxonMobil, EnLink & CF Industries Announce Historic Partnership for Vermilion Parish

CF Industries has entered into the largest-of-its-kind commercial agreement with ExxonMobil to capture and permanently store up to 2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually from its manufacturing complex in Louisiana. 

CF Industries is investing $200 million to build a CO2 dehydration and compression unit at its Donaldsonville, Louisiana, facility to capture CO2 to be transported and stored by ExxonMobil in secure geologic storage the company owns in Vermilion Parish. 

The 2 million metric tons of emissions captured annually will be equivalent to replacing approximately 700,000 gasoline-powered cars with electric vehicles.

Read more: A small community with a big role

Posted on February 3, 2023 and filed under Louisiana, Oil and Gas.

LADEMOS Chair to "Hear Concerns and Answer Questions" About Potential Run for Governor

Posted on January 26, 2023 and filed under Democrats, Louisiana.

Hollis urges leaders not to allow optometrists at VA to perform surgeries

Eight years ago, I fought against House Bill 1065 in the Louisiana State Legislature - a bill that sought to authorize optometrists to perform eye surgery even though they are neither medical doctors nor trained surgeons. I argued that just as chiropractors do not perform surgery on bones and joints, optometrists should not be allowed to perform eye surgery.

I am disappointed to now learn the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently made changes signaling the consideration of new national standards that could allow optometrists in the VA network to perform surgeries on our nation's veterans.

This should not even be a conversation. 

Optometrists are not qualified to perform surgeries. The only medical doctors licensed and trained to perform eye surgeries are ophthalmologists.Ophthalmologists go through years of extensive training with clinical and surgical residencies. Surgical courses available to optometrists are optional and involve no actual procedures on live patients. Simply put, optometrists are neither qualified nor equipped to handle the intricacies of eye surgery.

Today, the Veteran Administration's policies allow only ophthalmologists to perform eye surgeries on veterans. This could change with the release of new national standards. This is completely unacceptable and puts our veterans at risk of receiving low-quality care and incurring the risk of severe complications.

Our veterans have earned the right to the highest quality of care from the VA and its providers. There are no substitutions for trained and qualified professionals, and our nation's warriors deserve the best.

I appreciate Senator Bill Cassidy's leadership on this issue and urge him, as a medical doctor and a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, to call upon the VA to maintain its long-standing policy of allowing only ophthalmologists to perform eye surgery on veterans. We must continue to give our heroes the quality of care they deserve.

Rep. Paul Hollis 

District 104

St. Tammany Parish

Posted on January 24, 2023 and filed under Heathcare, Louisiana.

LOUISIANA FAMILY FORUM: Pro-Life Warrior Announces for AG

Solicitor General Liz Murrill officially announced her candidacy for Attorney General this week. Her campaign team released this video:

When asked if she would take leave from the state Justice Department to run, Murrill indicated it was unlikely, stating, "I’m going to stay as long as it’s manageable because we have a lot of important work I’m quarterbacking." Also expected to qualify are District Attorney John Belton of Ruston and HGA Chair John Stefanski.

Posted on January 24, 2023 and filed under Liz Murrill, Louisiana.