Why does the NCAA support allowing biological males to compete against biological females?
— John Kennedy (@SenJohnKennedy) December 17, 2024
Why don't they grow a spine? pic.twitter.com/4CzFwirnEk
Letter: Conservatives in Louisiana Support KOSA
Photo source: The Hilltopper
As a parent, I am deeply concerned about the growing risks they face online, and that’s why I joined over 20 other Louisianans to support the Kids Online Safety Act through the petition below. This critical legislation takes important steps to hold tech companies accountable for the safety of young users, providing stronger protections against harmful content, cyberbullying, and online predators.
In today’s digital age, children are increasingly exposed to dangers that can harm their mental and emotional well-being. Social media platforms and other online services often fail to properly protect young users from inappropriate or harmful material, and many are designed to keep kids engaged for longer periods, which can have negative consequences on their health. KOSA prioritizes transparency from online platforms and gives parents the tools they need to better protect their children. I believe this bill is an essential step in ensuring that our kids can safely navigate the internet without being exposed to the many harmful elements that exist online.
As a parent, I want to feel confident that the platforms my children use are not only fun and educational but also safe and responsible. The Kids Online Safety Act offers a much-needed solution by implementing age-appropriate safeguards and giving parents more control over their children’s online experiences. I believe that protecting children’s safety online is a responsibility we all share, and I urge our lawmakers to take swift action in passing KOSA to safeguard the future of our children and families.
Kathy Willard
Kennedy highlights simple way to save taxpayer dollars: “Stop sending the money to dead people”
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) explained how much money the federal government has wasted in payments to dead Americans in a speech on the Senate floor. Kennedy called on his colleagues to support his bill, the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased Americans Act, to help the federal government prevent improper payments to dead Americans.
Key excerpts from the speech are below:
“I want to talk about dead people and the fact that they're getting money from the federal government. In fiscal year 2023 alone—this is just one year—our government sent $1.3 billion—not $1.3 million—we sent $1.3 billion in checks to dead people.”
. . .
“We need to go pass this bill. I mean, this makes no sense whatsoever. . . . You don't have to be Euclid to figure out that this is just fraud. It's abuse. It's low-hanging fruit, and it's so easily solved.
“All we have to do is direct the Social Security Administration on a permanent basis—not a three-year trial basis, on a permanent basis—to start sharing the list of dead people with the Department of Treasury and everybody else in the federal government who wants it. And then everybody's on the same page, and we know who's deceased, and we can stop sending the money to dead people who cash the checks.”
Background:
Kennedy and Carper's Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act became law in December 2020. The bill mandates the sharing of the Social Security Administration's Death Master File with the Department of the Treasury’s Do Not Pay working system for three years. The three-year exchange runs from December 27, 2023 to December 27, 2026.
The federal government sent $1.3 billion to dead people in fiscal year 2023 alone, according to the Office of Management and Budget. From 2004 to 2022, the federal government spent roughly $2.9 trillion on improper payments, including payments to deceased Americans.
In 2021, Kennedy wrote this op-ed for CNBC sounding the alarm on billions of dollars in erroneous payments made by the government to deceased Americans.
In 2019, Kennedy questioned U.S. Government Accountability Office Comptroller General Gene L. Dodaro about improper payments to deceased people.
Watch Kennedy’s full speech here.
Full text of the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act is available here.
It's Time for a Louisiana JD Vance - Will Blake Miguez Make A Senate Run In 2026?
So far, the names you hear most frequently as potential opponents for Bill Cassidy in 2026 are State Treasurer John Fleming, who has already announced he’s running, Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta, and Congressman Clay Higgins.
Any one of them, in a head-to-head matchup with Cassidy, is more than capable of knocking off the incumbent. Let’s face it, Cassidy has made his name poison with the people of Louisiana and particularly among the state’s Republicans.
That makes Cassidy’s re-election fairly problematic.
Read more: Will Blake Miguez Make A Senate Run In 2026?
Governor Landry Signs Executive Order Creating Fiscal Responsibility Program
Baton Rouge, LA- Today, Governor Jeff Landry signed an executive order establishing a Fiscal Responsibility Program which will monitor state spending and ensure our government operates in the most efficient and effective manner. The Program will be led by Fiscal Responsibility Czar, Steve Orlando, and will be comprised of a minimum of nine members. These include Senators Hodges, Miguez, Boudreaux, and Stine, who were appointed by the President of the Senate. Also included will be Representatives McFarland, Fisher, Tarver and Berault, who were appointed by the Speaker of the House. Executive Order attached.
Fiscal responsibility has been a top priority for Governor Landry. As the Louisiana Attorney General, Governor Landry started a “Fiscal Responsibility Project” and in just the first year, he recognized approximately $1 million in savings. As a member of the U.S. Congress, he returned over 10% of his office budget and asked for it to be used to pay down debt.
“In Louisiana, we always strive to have a government that is of, by, and for the people. A government that runs efficiently and effectively is a government that best serves her people. Throughout my time in the U.S. Congress and as the Louisiana Attorney General, I have prioritized finding ways to cut out fiscal waste and end government bureaucracy. My time as Governor is no different,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “I look forward to the work Steve Orlando and the rest of the members will accomplish, as we seek to build a government in Louisiana as good as her people.”
Landry Announces Meta Selects North Louisiana as Site of $10 Billion Meta Artificial Intelligence Optimized Data Center
Project is expected to result in 500 or more direct new jobs, more than 1,000 indirect jobs and 5,000 construction workers at peak.
Expansive technology campus will occupy 4 million square feet on the 2,250-acre former Franklin Farm mega site.
This project is expected to be the largest private capital investment announcement in the state’s history.
Entergy worked with Meta to address energy needs, and Meta will match its electricity use with 100% clean and renewable energy.
Meta has committed to invest more than $200 million in local infrastructure improvements, including roads and water systems.
RICHLAND PARISH, LA. – Today, Governor Landry joined Secretary of LED Susan Bourgeois in announcing Facebook and Instagram parent company, Meta, will build a massive $10 billion artificial intelligence data center in northeast Louisiana, a transformational investment that cements the state’s status as a major innovation hub and puts this picturesque rural community on the leading edge of a global digital revolution. This facility is the largest of more than 20 Meta data centers around the world.
“Today, Louisiana begins a new chapter. Today, we are delivering new jobs and economic growth on a scale unimaginable before we took office,” Governor Jeff Landry said. “Meta’s investment establishes the region as an anchor in Louisiana’s rapidly expanding tech sector, revitalizes one of our state’s beautiful rural areas, and creates opportunities for Louisiana workers to fill high-paying jobs of the future. I thank Meta for their commitment to our state, and to the State Legislature for positioning Louisiana to win this project by passing new tax reform legislation that attracts capital investment and improves Louisiana’s business tax climate.”
“Meta is building the future of human connection and the technology that makes it possible. And this data center will be an important part of that mission,” said Kevin Janda, Meta Director of Data Center Strategy. “Richland Parish in Louisiana is an outstanding location for Meta to call home for a number of reasons. It provides great access to infrastructure, a reliable grid, a business-friendly climate, and wonderful community partners that have helped us move this project forward. We’re thrilled to be a new member of the Richland Parish community and are committed to investing in its long-term vitality.”
LED expects the project, one of the largest private capital investments in the state’s history, to spark new economic activity and investments throughout northeast Louisiana as multiple industries benefit from the billions of dollars invested. Meta makes a concerted effort to source labor and materials locally, and partners with local schools and organizations to advance STEAM education and digital skills that can be used to compete in the digital workforce.
“This project is an example of what Louisiana can accomplish when economic development partners play offense rather than waiting for good projects to come to them,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “Louisiana has been actively positioning itself as a hub for AI innovation, with plans to support startups, grow a skilled workforce, and shape forward-thinking policy. Meta’s historic investment is just the beginning of a bold strategy to drive economic growth through AI, expand and diversify the state’s tech sector, and prove to the world that when Louisiana says that we are ready to compete on the global stage, we mean business.”
To power the data center, which at its largest point extends more than one mile from front to back, Entergy will add clean, efficient power plants to its system to meet growing power demands, including from the data center. Meta has pledged to match its electricity use with 100% clean and renewable energy and will be working with Entergy to bring at least 1,500 MW of new renewable energy to the grid through its Geaux Zero program. In addition, Meta has committed to contribute up to $1 million a year to Entergy’s “The Power to Care” low-income ratepayer support program, a figure that will be matched by Entergy Louisiana.
“This partnership underscores Entergy Louisiana’s commitment to powering progress and driving innovation,” Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May said. “By supporting this transformational investment, we are not only delivering the energy needed today, but also building the infrastructure that will support a brighter, more sustainable future for all of Louisiana. Together, we’re laying the foundation for economic growth that will benefit generations to come. We could not be more proud to play a critical role in this monumental endeavor.”
In addition to Meta’s commitment to match its electricity usage with clean and renewable energy, the company prioritizes water stewardship in its operations, including minimizing water use at its data centers. Meta has pledged to restore more water than it consumes at this data center by investing in water restoration projects in Louisiana.
To support both the construction and eventual operation of the data center, Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) has committed $250,000 in Workforce Rapid Response funding to Delta Community College to develop programs and expand capacity. Delta will scale up its construction trades programs to meet the initial construction needs, and partner with peer institutions experienced in developing and delivering curricula for data center operations.
“The parish is excited about the project we look forward to assisting in every way,” Richland Parish Supervisor Joey Evans said. “I am so proud of the collaboration and cooperation among our state, regional, parish and local partners. The manner in which the communities of Rayville, Holly Ridge and Delhi came together to make this project a reality speaks volumes about our parish’s ability to rise to any challenge.”
Meta expects construction to continue through 2030 with site work beginning in December. The company has also committed to invest more than $200 million in local infrastructure improvements, including roads and water systems.
The company is expected to take advantage of a new Louisiana incentive program, established by Act 730, that offers qualifying projects a state and local sales and use tax rebate on the purchase or lease of data center equipment. Meta is also expected to participate in the state’s Quality Jobs program.
“This project will create a transformational change for the residents of the entire Northeast Region,” Grow NELA President and CEO Rob Cleveland said. “Meta chose northeast Louisiana because of the availability of reliable, low-cost energy; access to flat, developable land and a business-friendly environment led by Governor Landry. This project opens the floodgates for data center development in Louisiana, and we are prepared for what’s ahead.”
Trump’s Energy Shakeup Will Spare Carbon Capture
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
US President-Elect Donald Trump is promising plenty of 180-degree pivots when it comes to energy. Yet one priority of the current administration is likely to stick.
Carbon capture and storage has bipartisan support, with advocates touting it as an important tool for paring pollution. Under outgoing President Joe Biden, the Environmental Protection Agency has put CCS at the center of efforts to curtail power-plant emissions.
But greenlighting the infrastructure necessary to transport all that trapped carbon dioxide away from power stations and refineries — and then lock it underground — has proved anything but easy.
LANDRY: Congress Should Reauthorize the Farm Bill
Governor Jeff Landry Concludes Historic Tax Reform Special Session
Fulfilling Campaign Promise of Growing Louisiana’s Economy
Baton Rouge, LA – Today, Governor Jeff Landry marked the close of the special legislative session on Tax Reform. When Governor Landry ran for office, he promised the people of Louisiana that he would work to achieve a government as good as the people of Louisiana. As Governor, he has focused on fixing crime, improving our education system, and rebuilding our economy. This special session, he achieved his goals of putting more money in people’s pockets, making Louisiana more competitive, ensuring citizens pay less money to government, fixing the fiscal cliff—providing our teachers a much-deserved pay raise, and simplifying our tax code—eliminating special interest loopholes.
Governor Jeff Landry gives end of session address
When I took office, I promised you that I would fight for bold reforms, that I would challenge the status quo, and that I would never rest until Louisiana was a place where opportunity and prosperity were available to all.
We worked on public safety and we have seen tangible results. We worked on education with reforms that place the parent and teacher at the front of the line.
We promised you that we would work on Louisiana’s economy.
To do that, we knew that we have to overhaul our outdated and bloated tax code—giving people and businesses an incentive to come to Louisiana.
Today, we have taken the first huge step.
Today we have made generational change in this State. We now stand at the threshold of a new era for Louisiana, having just concluded a historic tax reform session.
If you are sailing to get somewhere, it is always easier if you are sailing with the wind to your back.
If you find yourself ,like this State, with the wind in your face you no longer can sail the same way.
Our State has been trying decade after decade to sail with the wind at our face.
Our only way to get ahead is to change our position so that the wind is at our back. And if you are sailing is not an easy maneuver, and it is most difficult on the first turn.
I am happy to announce to the people of our great State, that our Legislature, for the first time in decades, maybe 100 years, has made that difficult turn.
And for that I and each of you should be grateful.
We came into this session wanting to accomplish FOUR major things…
To give everyone in Louisiana a tax cut, so you spend less of your money to fund this government.
We wanted to make our state more competitive, so we can attract more jobs and have higher wages.
We wanted to the fiscal cliff, and provide our teachers a much-deserved pay raise.
And we wanted to simplify our tax code, eliminating special interest loopholes and give us a more sustainable budgets.
And today I am happy to say that with our new “Louisiana Forward” playbook, Louisiana will now be ON the playing field!
We ensured citizens are paying less money to government by lowering income taxes, nearly tripling the standard deduction, and FULLY eliminating income taxes for the working poor.
For every hard-working Louisianan, this tax package means one thing: more of your hard-earned money will stay in your pocket.
Whether you are a young family just starting out or a senior citizen enjoying the fruits of a lifetime of labor, you will feel the relief of a tax code that works for you—not against you.
But that’s not all.
We made Louisiana more competitive by abolishing the corporate franchise tax, sending a resounding message to the world that Louisiana is now open to new businesses, to new industries, and to new opportunities.
We fixed the fiscal cliff by cutting state debt. In turn, we were able to give our teachers a permanent pay raise— a much-deserved win for our unsung heroes.
We gave an extra tax cut for our seniors, ensuring that those who have spent a lifetime building Louisiana’s future can retire with dignity and peace of mind.
And we have FINALLY made the state budget more sustainable by collapsing rates—and creating simpler rates across the board.
Of course, we still have much work to do.
But today is a HUGE step in the right direction!
My thanks go out to the members of the legislature who worked hard to get these much-needed reforms passed.
Our great staff,
As well as Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson and his team!
We’ve shown what happens when we put partisanship aside and work together for the greater good of Louisiana.
This administration does not follow the status quo of empty promises.
When we make a promise to the people of Louisiana, we fulfill that promise.
This tax package is a
WIN for the people of Louisiana.
A WIN for the businesses in Louisiana,
And A WIN for those looking for a reason to call Louisiana home.
Together, we are building a Louisiana that works for everyone--where opportunity isn’t just a dream, but a reality for every person, every family, and every business.
A Louisiana where the best days are still ahead of us.
It is time to Come Back Home!
Louisiana is ready for you!
LA FREEDOM CAUCUS ISSUES STATEMENT AT CLOSE OF THIRD EXTRAORDINARY SESSION
BATON ROUGE—The Louisiana Freedom Caucus released the following statement upon the adjournment of the Third Extraordinary Session of the State Legislature.
“It is the primary purpose of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus to bring fiscal responsibility to the state of Louisiana. That’s a very tall but important order,” said Beryl Amedée, Chairwoman of the House Freedom Caucus. “We will be dedicating all of our efforts between now and the fiscal session next April of 2025 to identify and bring bills forward to force efficiency and cut waste and fraud in our bloated budget.”
“Under Governor John Bel Edwards, our budget doubled in size to over $50 billion dollars,” Amedée continued. “For a state with a dwindling population of 4.5 million people, this is an obnoxious number. Nearly half of our budget is federal funding. We must be prepared for the reality of what that dependency means in a time when President Donald Trump seeks to greatly reduce federal spending.”
LA FREEDOM CAUCUS CONDEMNS 5TH CIRCUIT COURT RULING AGAINST 67 LA SCHOOL DISTRICTS
BATON ROUGE—The Louisiana Freedom Caucus released the following statement on the decision by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals to let stand the injunction against the January 1, 2025 implementation of the 10 Commandments law passed earlier this year by the state legislature.
“Only five of Louisiana’s 72 school districts filed a lawsuit against the state in an attempt to bar the implementation of a law that would require posting the 10 Commandments in school classrooms amid other materials,” said Beryl Amedée, Chairwoman of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “This decision disenfranchises the other 67 school districts.”
“Given the amount of Marxist propaganda covering the walls in some of our public schools today, the legislature passed a law to give space to an historical document reminding our students of the Judeo-Christian principles that undergird the founding of our great nation,” Amedée continued. “We did not require the removal of any of the rainbow of indoctrination materials currently there but mandated space for the 10 Commandments to inform our students of vital elements of our American history.”
Murrill joins coalition urging Congress to pass Kids Online Safety Act
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has joined the AGs of 30 other states in calling upon Congressional leadership to pass the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, which she calls crucial legislation that protects children from online harm, before the end of the year.
In a November 18 letter, the coalition emphasized the urgent need to address the growing crisis of youth mental health linked to social media use, with studies showing minors spend more than five hours daily online.
Read more: Murrill joins coalition urging Congress to pass Kids Online Safety Act
Senate passes Kennedy, Cassidy-backed bill to name Rayville post office after Luke Letlow
“Luke Letlow dedicated his career to improving the lives of Louisianians, and our state is very grateful for his life and contributions. Now that the Senate has passed our bill to rename the post office in Rayville after Luke, his memory will live on for years to come in Richland Parish.”
WASHINGTON – The Senate today passed a bill that Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) supported to designate the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 103 Benedette Street in Rayville, La., as the "Luke Letlow Post Office Building." Kennedy helped lead the Senate version of the bill.
“Luke Letlow dedicated his career to improving the lives of Louisianians, and our state is very grateful for his life and contributions. Now that the Senate has passed our bill to rename the post office in Rayville after Luke, his memory will live on for years to come in Richland Parish,” said Kennedy.
Luke Letlow served Louisianians throughout his years of work in the congressional and gubernatorial offices of Bobby Jindal and later as the chief of staff to former Rep. Ralph Abraham (R-La.).
In 2020, Letlow was elected to represent Louisiana’s Fifth Congressional District but passed away from complications due to COVID-19 just five days before being sworn into office. He left behind his wife, Rep. Julia Letlow (R-La.), and two children, Jeremiah and Jacqueline.
“Luke’s death at too young of an age due to COVID robbed his family, Louisiana, and our nation of a man who served others his entire professional life. This post office naming memorializes his work, his life, and the tragedy of COVID,” said Cassidy.
Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) introduced the House’s legislation with the support of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Reps. Letlow, Clay Higgins (R-La.), Garrett Graves (R-La.) and Troy Carter (D-La.). The House passed H.R. 7423 in a bipartisan vote.
Governor Landry Requests a Fiscal Responsibility Program in State Government
Baton Rouge, LA – Governor Jeff Landry sent a letter to President Henry and Speaker DeVillier asking them to join him in creating a "Fiscal Responsibility Program". The program will first begin by examining the current services state government is mandated to perform and probe for the most efficient, modern ways to provide those services. This project will also explore whether those services should still exist and what other services our government might perform to give the best possible service at the lowest, most reasonable cost. LETTER ATTACHED.
"Together, we can take bold steps to make our state more competitive. By identifying new savings, eliminating waste, and streamlining government operations, we can build a leaner, more effective government,” said Governor Landry. “This will create the space for even more substantial tax reductions in the future. I look forward to working with our legislative leaders on this critical issue."
Kennedy urges Pres. Biden to oppose U.N. plastics agreement harmful to Louisiana manufacturing
“Any agreement that includes provisions harmful to American manufacturing and jobs, or that unnecessarily drives up the costs to American consumers of food, electronics, vehicles, and other critical products, will not receive Senate ratification . . .”
MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and colleagues in writing President Joe Biden to reject the United Nations (U.N.) Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee’s global plastics pollution agreement, which would harm Louisiana and America’s manufacturing development.
“We write to express great concern that just as talks at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) enter their final phase, the administration has changed the U.S. negotiating positions to address plastic pollution. It is unfortunate the administration appears to have succumbed to pressure from extremist environmental activists and now supports constraints on manufacturing and the development of target lists that identify chemicals and plastic products to be banned around the world in the potential treaty. We will not support a treaty that proposes global lists to restrict the production or use of chemicals, plastics, or plastic products or that requires new domestic authority,” the senators wrote.
“Throughout the negotiating process, the United States positioned itself to broker an agreement that not only seizes upon a historic opportunity to end plastic pollution in the environment, but one that also bolsters American manufacturing by supporting innovative new product designs and recycling technologies. Such an agreement could usher in a beneficial ‘circular economy’ for plastics. This last-minute change in U.S. policy could sabotage years of positive collaboration and progress in brokering a treaty that ends plastic pollution, unlocks innovation, and, importantly, that could be ratified by the U.S. Senate,” they continued.
The senators also explained that the agreement would commit the U.S. to domestic policy changes that could affect federal and state laws, and, for that reason, should be submitted to the Senate for advice and consent under Article II of the Constitution
“Any agreement that includes provisions harmful to American manufacturing and jobs, or that unnecessarily drives up the costs to American consumers of food, electronics, vehicles, and other critical products, will not receive Senate ratification . . . With the final round of negotiations taking place later this year, we recommend you focus on securing a treaty that the U.S. can actually join, one that will result in a lasting solution to end plastic pollution, and one that would strengthen our innovative economy,” they concluded.
Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) also signed the letter.
The full letter is available here.
Congressional Bill Could Slash Credit Card Rewards, Impacting Holiday Shoppers and Small Businesses
The holiday season is a time for family gatherings, festive celebrations, and, of course, shopping. As American consumers gear up for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the gift-giving season, many are increasingly relying on credit card rewards systems to make their purchases go further. From earning cashback on everyday spending to taking advantage of travel points for holiday trips, credit card rewards programs offer valuable opportunities to stretch budgets, save money, and even enhance the overall holiday experience.
One of the most straightforward benefits of credit card rewards is cashback. Many credit cards offer cashback on all purchases, but some provide enhanced rewards during the holiday season or for certain types of spending, such as at department stores, online retailers, or grocery stores. Cardholders can also earn more cashback on certain types of other spending, such as travel, dining, or online shopping, which tend to increase during the holidays. Consumers who use cashback credit cards can accumulate rewards quickly from everyday holiday spending, helping to offset costs for gifts, travel, food, and decorations. This cashback can then be used to pay down credit card balances, reducing interest payments, or can be redeemed for statement credits or gift cards to put back into the holiday budget.
The holiday season can be financially stressful for many consumers. Credit card rewards systems help alleviate some of that stress by providing flexibility and extra spending power. Consumers can use the rewards they’ve earned throughout the year to offset some of their holiday expenses, reducing the financial burden of gift shopping, hosting parties, or taking a family vacation.
Credit card rewards programs have become an invaluable tool for American consumers looking to stretch their budgets during the holiday season. From earning cashback on purchases to redeeming points for gifts or travel, credit card rewards help ease the financial burden of the holidays. It is also a tool for small, family-owned businesses who rely on these rewards systems to draw in customers during the holiday season. However, this tool may be under threat with possible new legislation from Capitol Hill.
Congress is poised to pass the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) as part of a larger end-of-year legislative package. While this bill is presented as a win for consumers, aiming to reduce credit card processing fees and increase competition among card networks, the reality is far more complex. If enacted, the Credit Card Competition Act could harm consumers, particularly during the holiday season when spending spikes. Because of new pressures introduced by the CCCA, credit card companies may have to cut money-saving saving programs to offset the costs of lower processing fees. For consumers looking forward to the benefits of holiday shopping, it’s essential to consider the full impact of this bill before it becomes law. The Credit Card Competition Act may sound good on paper, but it could leave shoppers with fewer choices, higher costs, and a more frustrating holiday shopping experience.
It is crucial that Congress oppose this bill, and begin to promote competition by removing the regulations that hinder it—not create more.
Province of Alberta Joins Renamed Governors' Coalition for Energy Security, Gov. Landry Announces
BATON ROUGE, LA – Today, Governor Jeff Landry (LA) announced that the Province of Alberta, Canada, has joined the newly renamed Governors' Coalition for Energy Security (GCES), bringing the organization’s membership into the international arena and boosting the combined strength of the 14 U.S. states already represented. Launched in September as the Governors' Coalition for Energy Choice to help Americans tackle the high costs of energy and accelerating energy cost inflation, the joining of the Province of Alberta highlights the shared interest of all members in ensuring affordable, reliable and cleaner energy for their people.
Premier Danielle Smith joins the organization founded by Governors Landry and Chris Sununu (NH), as well as 12 other colleagues who joined: Governor Mark Gordon (WY), Governor Eric Holcomb (IN), Governor Kay Ivey (AL), Governor Brian Kemp (GA), Governor Bill Lee (TN), Governor Kristi Noem (SD), Governor Tate Reeves (MS), Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (AR), Governor Kevin Stitt (OK) and Governor Glenn Youngkin (VA).
“Our mission as an organization has not changed but Alberta’s welcome arrival to our group sparked a conversation about what our core mission is, and that is ensuring energy security in all its forms,” Gov. Landry said. “We welcome Premier Smith and the insights she will bring to enhance and protect energy options, lower energy costs, and increase reliability.”
"I am honored to join the Governors Coalition for Energy Security and would like to extend my sincere thanks to Governors Landry and Sununu for the invitation. Alberta plays a vital role in North American energy security, serving as the largest supplier of crude oil and natural gas to the United States. With 200 billion barrels of recoverable oil, 200 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas, significant natural gas liquids, and ample pore space for carbon capture, Alberta’s contribution is set to grow even further as we look to work with the Trump Administration and other US partners to increase our pipeline capacity to our greatest friend and ally, the United States. We are proud to collaborate with this coalition of allied States in advancing energy security, reliability, and affordability for Americans and Canadians,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.
The goals of the GCES remain unchanged and they are to ensure families and businesses have the right to choose the energy they need, to minimize permitting and other regulatory barriers, limit expensive energy mandates, focus on affordability and reliability of energy infrastructure, and to coordinate to positively manage energy resources and the environment.
Chairman Derek Babcock's Statement on the Historic Tax Session in Baton Rouge
Dear friends,
A year ago, we elected a conservative Governor and Legislature to put Louisiana on a new path. In less than a year, the Governor and Legislature have already cut the state budget by over $2 billion. Last week, the Legislature convened to debate and discuss the largest tax reform plan since the 1970s. Similar tax reform measures have benefited other states; for example, North Carolina has seen a $11,000 increase in median household income.
I applaud the Governor and our Legislature as they continue to meet, refine, and improve this historic tax plan. This plan is projected to be the largest tax cut in Louisiana history and will provide guardrails to limit the size and scope of state government for the present and into the future. If you haven't already, I encourage you to watch the governor's press conference and read more about the plan at the links below.
It is a great time to be a Republican in Louisiana, and I'm excited to finally have a governor and a legislature working together to move Louisiana forward!
Jeff Landry Opening Address to Special Session on Tax Reform
CCA Louisiana and Chevron Build New “Super Reef” in South Timbalier
Along with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Danos and Reef Maker,
the new reef will improve marine habitat and fishing
Coastal Conservation Association’s REEF Louisiana Program, in partnership with Chevron, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Danos, and Reefmaker-Walter Marine, completed construction on the South Timbalier Block 63 Reef this week.
This project is made of 36 “Super Reefs” designed by Reefmaker. The pyramid-shaped structures are comprised of concrete, steel rebar and limestone rocks. They are built to mimic natural reefs and support many varieties of marine life. There are windows on each side of the panels, allowing for turtle and diver escape, alike. The western section of the South Timbalier 63 reef will consist of twenty-four 8-foot-tall pyramids whereas the eastern part of the reef will be built with twelve 15-foot-tall pyramids.
Read more: CCA Louisiana and Chevron Build New “Super Reef” in South Timbalier
