GOV. LANDRY AND LOUISIANA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICIALS TRAVEL TO SOUTH KOREA TO CULTIVATE BUSINESS AND DIPLOMATIC TIES

BATON ROUGE, La. – Governor Jeff Landry arrived in Seoul, South Korea to lead a series of meetings with business executives and government leaders of one of the state’s most important trading partners and foreign direct investors. The trip, the governor’s first overseas economic development mission since taking office in January, is designed to strengthen relationships with major South Korean companies currently doing business in Louisiana or considering future investments in the state. South Korea is Louisiana’s 11th largest export market, and fourth largest import market; the total combined value of imported and exported goods in 2023 was $4.55 billion. Korea is also the world’s third largest liquefied natural gas importer in the world, which includes exports from Cheniere and Cameron LNG facilities in south Louisiana.

Among the state officials joining the governor are Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois, LED Chief Business Development Officer Paige Carter, LED Director of Business Development Jacob Ellis, Transoceanic Development CEO Greg Rusovich-who serves as Chairman of the Louisiana Board of International Commerce, and Senator Eddie Lambert

“Business success begins with building strong relationships. I promised Louisiana that we would focus on the businesses and industries that built this state, and South Korea has a long history of business relationships with Louisiana. We look forward to our work this week with Secretary Bourgeois to enhance those relationships and bring more jobs and investment back to our state," said Gov. Landry

“The logistical advantages of doing business in Louisiana have placed the state at the epicenter of world trade for centuries,” LED Secretary Bourgeois said. “Our leadership in energy innovation, coupled with the expansion of our port network and container terminal capacity, have created unique advantages in the intense competition among states vying for new foreign investment. By proactively enhancing alliances with important trading partners like South Korea, the governor is positioning Louisiana to win.”

Governor Jeff Landry Issues Call for Tax Reform Special Session

Baton Rouge, LA—Today, Governor Jeff Landry called the Louisiana Legislature to convene for a special session focused on rebuilding our outdated tax system and growing our economy.  The special session will begin on November 6th and end no later than 6:00 PM on November 25th. The Tax Session Call is attached.

“This special session fulfills the promise we made to the people of Louisiana to rebuild our economy and make Louisiana a place where people want to raise a family and create jobs,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “Throughout this special session, we have the opportunity to give teachers a permeant pay raise, put more money in every worker’s pocket, eliminate the tax on prescription drugs, and provide much needed tax relief for seniors. I am eager to enact this new playbook and finally make Louisiana a beacon of hope—inviting families and businesses back home. It’s time we move Louisiana Forward.”

The call to convene can be found here.

Governor Jeff Landry Announces Major Win for Independent Pharmacies

Will give pharmacies more options and create improved access to life saving medications 

Baton Rouge, LA–Today, Governor Jeff Landry announced the approval of an emergency contract that will improve reimbursement rates for independent pharmacists and will give Louisianans better access to prescription medications. Independent pharmacies will have the choice to be reimbursed under the old terms of the contract or they can be reimbursed using the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) model. 

“Under this emergency contract, pharmacists will have a choice.  Independent pharmacies will have the opportunity to remain in their current contracting arrangement or opt in to the newly created arrangement available only to independent pharmacies. No longer will our local pharmacies continue to lose money as they try to serve their community. This is a major win for local pharmacies and the people of Louisiana,” said Governor Jeff Landry. 

Background:

Under a previous contract negotiated under the former governor (that did not receive Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget approval), many independents could no longer service Office of Group Benefits (OGB) members because they were losing money to fill prescriptions.  This created pharmacy deserts in some of the rural areas of the state, and it impacted patient choice. Since January, at the direction of Governor Landry, the administration including Heath Williams, the newly appointed Office of Group Benefits CEO, have been working on innovative solutions that will help Louisianans have better access to prescription medications while also aiding struggling hometown independent pharmacies across the state.

The Conservative Case for KOSA

Photo source: CNN

In a time where technology permeates every facet of our lives, ensuring the safety of our children online is paramount. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) stands as a critical legislative effort to protect our youth from the dangers lurking on the internet. 

Just this past week, Moon Griffon did an interview highlighting the importance of this bill. He spoke with Brandon Guffey, a state representative from South Carolina, about the bill and how the issue affected him personally. 

Guffey has become a prominent advocate for the Kids Online Safety Act following the tragic suicide of his 17-year-old son, Gavin. In July 2022, Gavin Guffey became a victim of sexual extortion after being manipulated by an online scammer on Instagram. This scam led to Gavin's untimely death, which has deeply impacted his family and driven his father to take action against Big Tech.

He joined Moon Griffon last week to speak about his story and how KOSA could save children like his son Gavin.  

Listen to Moon’s Interview Here: 

Other conservatives from across the country has stood up and supported KOSA as well!

Kellyanne Conway, a strong conservative advisor for President Trump said of the bill: "Increasingly, children are vulnerable to online distortion and exploitation due to social media use. Social media can be a force for good, but also lurking there are traffickers, drug dealers, and other bad actors." 

Mercedes Schlapp echoes this sentiment, stressing the accountability of Big Tech: "Big Tech must be held accountable for refusing to protect children from online harms. It’s past time for social media platforms to prioritize the safety of children by adding stronger privacy settings and preventing the promotion of harmful content to minors."

The Conservative Case for KOSA

1. Protection from Exploitation and Abuse: The internet, while a tool for education and connectivity, has become a breeding ground for predators. KOSA aims to curb the exploitation of minors by implementing stringent privacy settings and giving parents more control over their children's online activities. As Morgan Ortagus, a former State Department spokesperson, states, "By requiring social media platforms to enable strong private settings by default, our minors will be better defended against the exploitation attempts visible every day on these platforms."

2. Safeguarding Mental Health: The mental health crisis among teenagers, exacerbated by social media, is a pressing concern. Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti points out, "Algorithmic social media platforms have devastated teen mental health." KOSA addresses this issue by ensuring platforms prioritize the mental well-being of young users.

3. Bipartisan Support Reflects Urgency: Former Governor Mike Huckabee notes, "Protecting America’s children is not a political issue, but a public safety concern that transcends the normal horizontal political spectrum of left/right." The bipartisan nature of KOSA underscores its importance and the universal agreement on the need for such protections.

4. Holding Big Tech Accountable: Harmeet Dhillon, a staunch advocate against Big Tech’s overreach, asserts, "The Kids Online Safety Act will put rules into place to prevent these platforms from exploiting vulnerable kids and will give families a remedy against the CEOs who offer false apologies but enable these practices for profit and ideological reasons." KOSA ensures that Big Tech companies are no longer immune to the consequences of their inaction.

KOSA represents more than just a legislative act; it embodies a commitment to pro-family and pro-America values. The Kids Online Safety Act is a crucial step in safeguarding our children online. . 

Louisiana has a unique opportunity with the amount of power concentrated in Washington DC that hails from the bayou. It’s time for our leaders in Washington to step up and support the Kids Online Safety Act now!

Op-ed: Senator Bill Cassidy’s Leadership in Carbon Capture is a Game-Changer for Louisiana’s Economy

Louisiana is on the verge of a transformative economic boom, thanks to the leadership of U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy. Carbon capture, a critical component of our future energy infrastructure, is not just a tool for environmental protection—it is also poised to attract billions of dollars in new industrial investments to the state. With over $20 billion in announced carbon capture projects in Louisiana, the state stands to gain approximately $90 million in permanent jobs and $80 million in local tax revenue. Sen. Cassidy’s efforts have positioned Louisiana as a leader in the low-carbon economy, creating a win-win scenario for both the environment and economic development.

Carbon capture is an essential part of decarbonizing industries, and Louisiana is uniquely situated to take advantage of this opportunity. The state's geography, with its extensive industrial base and geology suitable for carbon sequestration, makes it a natural hub for this technology. As industries and governments worldwide look for ways to reduce carbon emissions, Louisiana is ready to serve as a model for the future. 

Sen. Cassidy has been instrumental in bringing federal resources to the state, securing significant funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This funding has enabled several major carbon capture projects to move forward. For example, the Direct Air Capture (DAC) hub, known as Project Cypress, located in Southwest Louisiana, will receive up to $603 million in federal funding. This project alone is expected to create 2,300 jobs and remove one million metric tons of CO2 annually from the atmosphere​.

In addition to Project Cypress, Louisiana is home to numerous other carbon capture projects, such as the $46.8 million in grants for CO2 storage initiatives in the Louisiana Chemical Corridor and offshore storage hubs near Monkey Island​. These projects are not only creating immediate jobs but also laying the foundation for a long-term economic boom as companies look to invest in cleaner, more sustainable technologies.

His leadership has also fostered collaboration with academic institutions like Louisiana State University (LSU), ensuring that the state remains at the forefront of energy innovation. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is partnering with LSU and several other leading state universities, including the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, McNeese State University, and Southern University, on a groundbreaking initiative to explore the use of carbon capture technologies and hydrogen as alternative fuels. 

This research provides $160 million in critical funding to develop next-generation, low-carbon technologies. Recently, FUEL connected Louisiana industry to NewLab entrepreneurs throughout the country in an effort to spur innovation and drive business growth through carbon capture. FUEL’s goals extend beyond technology and research. A portion of the grant funding will go to supporting job creation through workforce development programs that can reach all corners of our state.

The importance of carbon capture for Louisiana’s economy cannot be overstated. Not only are these projects creating thousands of good-paying jobs, but they are also generating innovation, new business ventures, and significant ripple effects throughout the state economy. As the global economy shifts towards low-carbon markets, industries that rely on carbon capture will continue to grow, bringing even more investment and opportunities to the state—including increasing demand for low-carbon steel, sustainable, lightweight plastics, and power for data centers. 

Louisiana’s future as an energy leader is bright, and much of that success can be attributed to Sen. Cassidy’s efforts. His work to secure federal funding and promote carbon capture technology has set Louisiana on a path to economic growth, ensuring we remain relevant in the increasingly global energy market. Thanks to Sen. Cassidy’s vision and leadership, Louisiana is poised to lead the way in the energy transition, creating a cleaner, more prosperous future for all.

Governors' Coalition for Energy Choice Expands with Two New Members

Baton Rouge, LA — The Governor’s Coalition for Energy Choice, spearheaded by Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu to address high energy costs and mitigate energy cost inflation across the United States, is pleased to welcome Governor Tate Reeves of Mississippi and Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama to the coalition, further strengthening its reach and impact. The coalition now includes twelve governors from the following states: Louisiana, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Indiana, Wyoming, Arkansas, South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Virginia.

The Governors' Coalition for Energy Choice will assist state leaders in developing smart energy policies to benefit working families, businesses, and communities.

The coalition's goals include:

1. Guaranteeing continued energy choice—that resources of all types remain available to consumers

2. Reducing permitting and other regulatory barriers

3. Restricting expensive energy mandates

4. Focusing on the affordability and reliability of energy infrastructure

5. Promoting positive management of energy resources and the environment

“Affordable energy is too important to the future of our country to accept anything less than full-on American energy independence,” said Gov. Tate Reeves. "I look forward to collaborating with fellow governors to ensure Mississippians, and all Americans can enjoy the freedom to choose their energy now and in the future.”

“Governors Landry and Sununu are leading an important bipartisan effort to help ensure energy policies put families and consumers over politics, and I am glad to join their coalition,” said Gov. Kay Ivey.

"We're thrilled to welcome Governor Reeves and Governor Ivey to our coalition," said Gov. Jeff Landry. "Their expertise and commitment to affordable, reliable energy will be invaluable as we work together to shape energy policies that benefit all Americans."

Governor Landry Honors Hurricane Francine Heroes

Baton Rouge, LA—Today, Governor Landry honored several Louisiana citizens who went above and beyond to serve their communities during Hurricane Francine. Each of the hurricane heroes received a commendation recognizing their heroic work during the storm. Those in attendance were Miles Crawford-a nurse at University Medical Center, Hunter Hughes and Zachary Hooge from Watson, and the Fisher Middle High School Football team from Lafitte, La.  

“In the worst of times here in Louisiana, we always see communities come together to support each other. These folks today represent the best of Louisiana, and I am honored to officially recognize them for their actions,” said Governor Jeff Landry. 

Miles Crawford rescued a man trapped inside his vehicle by floodwaters in New Orleans.

Hunter Hughes and Zachary Hooge, two 16-year-olds from Watson, LA helped their community by fixing generators before Hurricane Francine made landfall.

The Fisher Middle High School Football team in Lafitte helped deploy over 60,000 sandbags over the course of two days to protect homes and businesses from rising water.

HEALTH FREEDOME COALITION: Public Comment Requested as Louisiana's Select Committee on Homeland Security Convenes to Review the State's Response to COVID-19

Next week begins the first in a series of legislative hearings to review Louisiana’s response to COVID-19. Following the passage of State Representative Chuck Owen’s HR133, a resolution requesting the hearings, the House Select Committee on Homeland Security will convene on September 25 and 26 with discussions focused on the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and the state’s medical licensing boards. The agendas for Wednesday, September 25th and Thursday, September 26th include testimony from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), the Louisiana Department of Health, the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, the Louisiana Hospital Association, and the Louisiana Nursing Home Association.

The government’s response to covid was an attack on our civil liberties which subsequently threatened the health, economy, and security of our state. As such, the House Select Committe on Homeland Security has been assigned the task of evaluating the state’s response to covid and offering effective policy changes so that public health is never again used as a means of undermining our state’s security. Chairman Jay Gallé and Vice Chair Chuck Owen along with Representatives Beryl Amedée, Josh Carlson, Raymond Crews, Kathy Edmonston, Peter Egan, Brett Geymann, Danny McCormick, and Phillip Tarver have been entrusted to ask tough questions to ensure that harmful policies are addressed. Many of these legislators fought covid overeach for years while others stepped into public office because of the government’s response to covid.

These hearings are an opportunity to examine all aspects of covid policies implemented by LDH in regard to public health including isolating loved ones in long-term care, social distancing, universal masking recommendations, and vaccine mandates.

The public, including healthcare workers and those affected by policies implemented in healthcare settings like hospitals and long-term care facilities, are invited to comment publicly or submit written testimony.

Future hearings will review covid policies in education and executive orders from the governor’s office.

Statements may be filed with the House Select Committee on Homeland Security via e-mail at hschs@legis.la.gov.

Kennedy commends Louisianians for their strength during Hurricane Francine: ‘My people are tough as a pine knot’

“My people are tough as a pine knot, but they're also compassionate—and we made it through.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) spoke on the Senate floor to praise the people of Louisiana for their perseverance during Hurricane Francine. Kennedy also explained what types of federal aid Louisiana will receive to help facilitate cleanup efforts in the state.

Key remarks from Kennedy include:

“I am sorry to report that last week my people in Louisiana were hit by yet another hurricane: Hurricane Francine. It was a Category 2. It was right on the line between a Category 1 and a Category 2. We had winds of 100 miles an hour. We had nine to 10 inches of rain. We had a vicious storm surge.

“My people did what they always do: They got ready for it, they reacted to the storm with grace and with pressure. My people filled sandbags, and we checked on our neighbors and we listened to our local officials. We said prayers for our first responders. My people are tough as a pine knot, but they're also compassionate—and we made it through.

“Some have said, ‘Well, compared to past hurricanes, Francine was not as bad as some in the past.’ And that's true. It could always be worse, but that is cold comfort for the thousands of Louisianians who sustained damage from that storm surge and those ferocious winds and that rain.

“And I want to assure my people that, as we have in the past, we will persevere, and we will make it through. I have never, in my years in the Senate, voted against providing relief for any of our sister states and my fellow senators who have asked for it, who have been the victim of a natural disaster—and I never will.

“That's the first role of government is to protect people and property. And I will never vote against aid for one of our sister states that, through no fault of its own, is struck by nature. I say that because I will be asking the American people to help Louisiana one more time. We won't ask for a penny more than we need. The help that I will seek will be in the form of personal assistance and housing, for example, infrastructure assistance and mitigation grants.

“I want to thank President Biden, Governor Landry, with whom I toured by helicopter the damage last week. Governor Landry asked for a disaster declaration for the president, and President Biden was quick to agree. I want to thank him for that.”

Watch Kennedy’s full speech here. 

Sen. John Kennedy Gives Statement on Hurricane Francine

I flew home early yesterday to be with the people of Louisiana as we ride out Hurricane Francine.

We’ll get through this together. pic.twitter.com/GaTKDRioXM

— John Kennedy (@SenJohnKennedy) September 11, 2024

We've secured an emergency declaration from FEMA ahead of Hurricane Francine's landfall. Becky and I are praying for Louisianians as we all prepare for this storm. https://t.co/c5hCMrDcMX

— John Kennedy (@SenJohnKennedy) September 11, 2024

Kennedy in the Ouachita Citizen: Failed Biden-Harris border policies leave Louisiana less safe

“They opened the border in hopes of getting more votes, and they left Louisianians and Americans to fend for themselves against the most vicious criminals lurking among the masses.”

MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today penned this op-ed in the Ouachita Citizen arguing that the failed border policies of the Biden-Harris administration have left Louisianians less safe. Kennedy detailed several examples of crime in Louisiana that could have been prevented by a secure border.

Key excerpts of the op-ed are below:

“Some of the most violent gangs in the world are looking for new turf, and the Biden-Harris administration’s open border policies have made the United States a destination.

“All over the country, law enforcement officers are responding to crimes committed by members of foreign criminal organizations such as El Salvador’s MS-13 and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gangs. These men are the worst of the worst, and some have already begun to appear in Louisiana.”

. . .

“From day one, President Biden and his border czar Kamala Harris have embraced the radical policies of the loon wing of their party, and they rolled out the welcome mat for more than 10 million unvetted foreign nationals to enter the United States.

“They promised to give health care coverage to illegal immigrants during their campaigns. They made illegal immigration easier with nearly 300 executive orders during their first year in office. They ended Title 42. They destroyed the Remain in Mexico policy. They disparaged our border patrol officers. They gave migrants phones, flights and hotel rooms. I could go on.

“Someone writing a how-to guide for illegal immigrant recruitment couldn’t have dreamed up this bad policy playbook.”

. . .

“It’s hard not to conclude that the Biden-Harris administration created this mess intentionally. They opened the border in hopes of getting more votes, and they left Louisianians and Americans to fend for themselves against the most vicious criminals lurking among the masses.

“Louisianians have had enough of the Biden-Harris administration’s border betrayal, and they won’t forget it.”

Read Kennedy’s full op-ed here.

Rep. Geymann commentary: Carbon capture, sequestration efforts in La. important

In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, carbon capture and storage (CCS) is more than just a buzzword—it’s a critical component of our future. As the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, I am dedicated to ensuring a positive economic impact in our state. By advocating for a robust energy sector and positioning Louisiana ahead of our competitors in the industry, we can achieve this goal. Louisiana’s leadership in CCS efforts not only highlights our commitment to the energy sector and its workforce but also ensures our continued relevance in the global energy market. CCS is the natural evolution of the oil and gas industry. By embracing this transition and committing to doing it safely, we are securing jobs for our current workforce and creating new opportunities for future generations.

Read more: Rep. Geymann commentary: Carbon capture, sequestration efforts in La. important

Kennedy in the American Press: Biden-Harris administration’s anti-energy policies terrible for Louisiana

“Apparently, President Biden and Vice President Harris would rather see LNG exported from the Kremlin than Louisiana.”

MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), the ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, penned this op-ed in the American Press detailing how the Biden-Harris administration’s anti-energy policies have harmed Louisiana. Kennedy also explained how he has helped push back against these damaging policies.

Key excerpts of the op-ed are below:   

“If there were a contest to design the worst possible energy policies for Louisiana, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris would win by a mile.

“Their administration’s breathtakingly dumb energy agenda is killing Louisiana jobs, driving up prices, and draining America’s emergency fuel reserves.

“In January, for example, the Biden-Harris administration followed the advice of TikTok activists and paused all new permits for liquified natural gas (LNG) export terminals. The permit prohibition has jeopardized several Louisiana facilities and thousands of jobs, including those at the Calcasieu Pass 2 export terminal in Cameron Parish.

“The LNG permit pause also makes it more difficult for our allies to get American natural gas. Under this administration’s watch, Russia recently surpassed the United States to become the European Union’s top LNG supplier. Apparently, President Biden and Vice President Harris would rather see LNG exported from the Kremlin than Louisiana.”

. . .

“My work in Congress will help mitigate some of the damage the Biden-Harris administration has caused in Louisiana, but the best way to get out of this hole is to stop digging.

“Louisianians and indeed all Americans are beginning to understand that the voting booth is the only place they can go to restore common sense and stop the Biden-Harris administration’s awful energy policies.”

Read Kennedy’s full op-ed here.

Governor Landry Orders Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Firefighter Corey Comperatore

Baton Rouge, LA- Today, Governor Jeff Landry signed an Executive Order to fly flags at half-staff for Corey Comperatore who was killed at a Pennsylvania rally for Donald J. Trump. The flags of the United States and the State of Louisiana shall be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol and all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on July 18, 2024. Executive Order is attached.

On July 13, 2024, former fire chief Corey Comperatore lost his life when he shielded his family with his own body when shots rang out from the rooftop of a nearby building. He dedicated his life to serving his country as a United States Army Reserve soldier and a fire chief at the Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department. He will be laid to rest today, July 18, 2024, in Freeport, Pennsylvania, with friends and family honoring his legacy. 

“Exercising our First Amendment rights should never come at the cost of the ultimate sacrifice, even when attending a political rally. Mr. Comperatore is a hero, and Louisiana is proud to honor him today and every day for his selfless acts,” said Governor Landry.

LA Voters End Schizophrenic Gov't, So Can Other Red States

By Michael Reagan - Newsmax

Saturday, July 6, 2024

Up until this legislative session Louisiana suffered from a strange phenomenon found in some red states.

Louisiana had a solidly Republican legislature, but was saddled with a Democratic governor. This problem is easier to solve than the more common red state conundrum: A conservative legislature with a RINO (Republican In Name Only) governor.

Louisiana voters came to their senses and elected a solid conservative in Republican: Gov. Jeff Landry.

What a difference that has made!

As noted left-adherent Barack Obama observed, "Elections have consequences."

And as The Washington Times concluded, "Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, with the help of his solid Republican majorities, signed off on a laundry list of legislation that spells out a Republican agenda that could ping the national GOP’s radar."

This development brought some measure of joy to your authors.

Now we can point to someone other than Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., as an exemplar of using government for conservative ends.

Here a just some of the laws passed and signed by Landry that return a measure of sanity to living in Louisiana:

• $3 billion cut from the state budget

• Universal school choice

• Constitutional carry

• A ban on vaccine mandates

• A ban on ranked choice voting

• A ban on sanctuary cities

• State police can now arrest illegal immigrants

Other improvements made to the Bayou State include:

Public (read government) schools are forbidden to teach DEI (Diversity Equity Inclusion) indoctrination, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Teachers must also use pronouns that match the sex on a student’s birth certificate.

Local governments are banned from passing firearms restrictions exceeding state law.

Protesters demonstrating outside private residences can be fined.

Liability is limited for people in fear of their lives when rioters illegally block a road.

Major expansion of RICO and racketeering law applied to organized riots.

Two abortion-inducing drugs will be classified as controlled substances.

Men pretending to be women, and vice versa, are banned from using facilities that do not match their birth certificate sex.

That’s quite a return on a vote in a single election.

Landry, though, didn’t do all this on his own. "Last October, Louisiana elected a conservative governor and the Louisiana Freedom Caucus doubled their size in the legislature," the Louisiana Freedom Caucus tweeted.

Over 27 new laws were authored by members of the Freedom Caucus and passed by the legislature.

Making a red state red is a two-step process.

Elect a genuinely conservative governor and fill both houses of the legislature with equally conservative members, while expelling the Chamber of Commerce 'conservatives' that have plagued red states for so long.

That’s what Louisiana and Florida have both done.

"Andy Roth, president of the State Freedom Caucus Network, wrote on X above the list of new legislation Friday, 'I’m officially declaring it now — Louisiana is the new Florida!'"

As we wrote earlier, this should be the goal for conservatives.

Make your red state as red as possible.

Create a cultural environment so hostile to leftists that they move to the nearest blue state.

Louisiana and Florida are starting down this path.

Readers outside those states need to ask their state leadership what’s holding them back?

DIRECT LINK:

https://www.newsmax.com/reagan/landry-red-states/2024/07/06/id/1171451/

Kennedy wishes Louisianians a Happy Fourth of July

“We have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to be proud of this July Fourth.” 

Watch Kennedy’s remarks here.   

MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today wished Louisianians and all Americans a Happy Independence Day.

Kennedy’s full statement is below:

“The United States of America is star-spangled awesome. The United States of America is the greatest country in all of human history, and the whole world knows it. When was the last time you heard of someone trying to sneak into China? The whole world wants to come here.

“We have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to be proud of this July Fourth. So, I hope you'll join Becky, Preston and me in celebrating this extraordinary country this Fourth of July. Have a safe and happy Fourth. God bless America.”

View Kennedy’s full statement here.

LA FREEDOM CAUCUS THANKS GOV. JEFF LANDRY FOR SIGNING 10 COMMANDMENTS BILL INTO LAW

BATON ROUGE—The Louisiana Freedom Caucus is grateful to Gov. Jeff Landry for signing the Ten Commandments bill into law. This is not only a religious document, but also the foundational document of the time-honored legal traditions of the entirety of Western Civilization.

“The Ten Commandments comprise the very foundation of our laws in America today. They are a vital part of the American creed,” said the bill’s author Rep. Dodie Horton, founding member of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “Given all of the junk our children are exposed to in the classrooms today, it is imperative that we put the Ten Commandments back into its historic position.”

“The Ten Commandments were the primary force in American education for nearly three centuries before a reckless 1980 court decision, Lemon vs. Kurtzman, blocked teaching this history in classrooms,” Horton continued. “The very first school textbook in America included the Ten Commandments and was published in 1690, the New England Primer. It was used throughout the United States and became the textbook of American education.”

“This law is the first of its kind in America since the 1980 Lemon case was rightly overturned. We have every confidence that it will survive legal scrutiny,” Horton said.

Governor Landry Signs “Dream Big” Education Plan into Law

Bold change now, to improve our education system 

Lafayette, LA- Today, surrounded by legislators, educators, school kids, and community leaders, Governor Jeff Landry signed into law monumental bills that will transform our education system and bring back common sense in our classrooms.  

Governor signed the LA Gator Scholarship Program into law, which ensures every child has the opportunity of a great education, regardless of where they live. Governor Landry’s Louisiana GATOR (Give All a True Opportunity to Rise) scholarships will allow parents to choose the school that best suits their child’s needs. GATOR Scholarships provide parents with a scholarship account that allows them to customize their child’s education. These scholarship accounts can be used for school tuition and fees, tutoring, educational therapies, textbooks and curricula, dual enrollment courses, uniforms, and transportation. 

Also signed into law today were common sense bills that prioritizes learning over government bureaucracy, returns our curriculum back to the basics, and allows our teachers to teach.  

HB 46, Rep. Edmonston: Removes Covid-19 vaccine requirement 

HB 47, Rep. Edmonston: School immunization communications 

HB 908, Rep. Amedee: Prohibits discrimination based off vaccination status 

HB 320, Rep. Owen: Let Teachers Teach 

HB 121, Rep. Crews: Requires parental consent for preferred pronouns 

HB 122, Rep. Horton: Let Kids be Kids 

SB 205, Sen. Miguez: Teacher compensation  

HB 334, Rep. Amedee: Chaplains 

SB 508, Sen. McMath: Tutoring  

HB 244, Sen. Hughes: Literacy 

HB 267, Rep. Carver: Numeracy  

HB 644, Rep. Dickerson: Home study 

HB 967, Rep. Riser: Teacher retirement 

HB 647, Rep. Romero: Teacher regulations 

HB 424, Rep. Phelps: Grading scale 

HB 940, Rep. Turner: Deferred maintenance  

HB 71, Rep. Horton: Ten Commandments 

SB 313, Sen. Edmonds: Education Scholarship Accounts  

“Today, we fulfilled our promise to bring drastic reform to our education system and bring common sense back to our classrooms. A strong education system leads to a strong economy and a strong state. Our historic Dream Big Package puts the focus back on our kids, and allows Louisiana to follow in the footsteps of our neighbors in the South. I am thankful to the legislature for their commitment to making the education system in Louisiana one that students, parents, and teachers can all be proud of,” said Governor Jeff Landry. 

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.