Governor Jeff Landry Introduces Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

A tremendous step forward for fiscal responsibility.

Baton Rouge, LA— Ahead of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget, Governor Jeff Landry addressed his annual budget plan. This budget was built on the goal of flat funding for this fiscal year when compared to the last year and continues the trend of decreasing the overall amount of money that our government spends. Specifically, the budget to be presented Thursday, based on the goal of flat funding, will show that with Total State Funds (State General Fund, Fees and Self-Generated Revenues, and Statutory Dedications): 

- We decreased total state funds by $1 billion, when including carryforwards 

- We decreased total state funds by over $400 million, excluding carryforwards 

Federal funds increased because of efficiencies in the RESTORE program. This comes as a result of the work we continue to pursue in improving state government operations. 

Governor Landry’s address can be found HERE. 

Full Text Below: 

Hi everyone, Governor Jeff Landry here.  

With the help of the Legislature, during my first year as Governor we have made MAJOR progress.  

We’ve introduced the largest single jobs and economic development project in the history of our state with the Meta investment in North Louisiana.  

We changed our criminal justice system to focus on the victims more than criminals. 

Our education reforms are giving us the best test scores in a generation. 

We provided the largest tax cut in our state’s history! 

And that work will continue with a YES vote from you on Amendment TWO in the statewide election on March 29th 

Your vote is a vote to gain a permanent tax cut, a permanent teacher pay raise, and a permanent government growth limit. 

All of this is in addition to the fiscally responsible budget passed during my first year in office.  

As we begun to reign in runaway government spending—spending $2 billion dollars less than the previous year. 

Now, this week, my administration will further this work in presenting a Fiscal Year 2026 budget.  

This budget was built on the goal of flat funding for this fiscal year when compared to the last year and continues to the trend of decreasing the overall amount of money that we spend. 

This is a tremendous step forward for fiscal responsibility. 

This new budget will allow us to use any new revenue on non-recurring expenditures, such as continuing to lower the personal income tax rate even further OR by making investments in critical state infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water, and sewer systems. 

This was accomplished by finding efficiencies including…. 

Savings of over $11 million in the Louisiana Department of Health 

Over $1 million of savings in the Department of Energy and Natural Resources  

$2.3 million worth of savings in the Division of Administration  

There is still more work to be done. 

That is why I have created a fiscal responsibility program, and I have appointed a Budget Czar to review government expenditures and seek even greater efficiencies.  

I conducted a similar review as the Attorney General and we achieved significant savings.  

I expect we will again achieve great results. 

I continue to be focused on turning our State around - working with my team, the Legislature, and our people to make Louisiana a great state with a growing economy and strong revenue. 

To accomplish this, we must continue making these structural reforms. 

I believe our budget once again sets us on the right path toward fiscal responsibility and shared prosperity.  

I look forward to working with our Legislature to achieve these goals. 

It is going to be a great year! 

LA FREEDOM CAUCUS SUPPORTS AG MURRILL AND WOMEN'S HEALTH

Illegal Access to Abortion Pills Threatens Women and the Rule of Law

BATON ROUGE—The Louisiana Freedom Caucus stands in resolute support of Attorney General Liz Murrill in her courageous and principled decision to pursue legal action against a New York doctor accused of illegally distributing abortion pills to women in Louisiana. We commend Attorney General Murrill for her leadership and commitment to justice. Her actions send a clear message: no one is above the law in Louisiana.

“Louisiana has enacted clear laws reflecting the will of our people to protect preborn life and regulate the practice of medicine within our borders,” said Rep. Beryl Amedée, Chairwoman of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “These laws are not suggestions; they are binding statutes, democratically established to ensure the safety of women and the preservation of human life and dignity.”

“This case raises profound ethical questions about the unfettered distribution of abortion pills,” said Sen. Valarie Hodges, founding member of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “As we have seen in Louisiana from women being hospitalized due to these drugs, there is a direct and serious risk to women’s health which our laws were designed to mitigate.”

“Attorney General Murrill’s decision to prosecute is a necessary stand against a growing trend of external actors attempting to undermine our state authority,” said Rep. Julie Emerson, founding member of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “Louisiana will not bow to external pressures or tolerate illegal schemes that threaten our people.”

“By holding this doctor accountable, AG Murrill is not only enforcing the law but also safeguarding the well-being of Louisiana women who deserve care, not exploitation,” said Rep. Dodie Horton, founding member of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “The actions of this New York doctor represent a flagrant violation of those statutes and an affront to the rights of Louisianans to govern ourselves.”

“This case is a vital defense of the sanctity of life, state sovereignty, and the integrity of our legal system,” said Rep. Kathy Edmonston, founding member of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “If a doctor in New York can choose to flout Louisiana’s laws, what prevents similar overreach in other areas of public health, safety, or justice?”

“Freedom does not mean breaking the law, nor does it justify endangering lives,” said Rep. Kellee Hennessy Dickerson, member of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “As Louisiana legislators, we have the Constitutional responsibility and duty to protect our residents from those who would treat our citizens as pawns in their ideological game.”

LAGOP Endorses Constitutional Amendments

The Republican Party of Louisiana has endorsed the following constitutional amendments for the March 29th election:

Amendment 1: Out-of-State Lawyer Discipline/Specialty Courts
A vote for allows the Louisiana Supreme Court to discipline out-of-state lawyers for unethical legal practices committed in this state, and additionally allows the Legislature to establish trial courts with limited or specialized jurisdiction with a 2/3 vote. 

Amendment 2: Tax Reform/Budget
A vote for enacts substantial revisions to the tax and budget sections of Louisiana's Constitution including decreasing the maximum income tax rate to 3.75%, establishing an additional tax deduction for citizens over age 65, creating a new limit on government spending, eliminating several state savings accounts and funding a permanent teacher salary increase through payment of state retirement debt. The amendment also provides optional local property tax exemptions for certain business inventory while retaining the homestead exemption, the special assessment level which prohibits increases in the assessed value of property owned by certain qualified property owners and exemptions for certain disabled veterans and religious organizations. 

Amendment 3: Juvenile Crime
A vote for allows the Legislature to determine which felony crimes result in a juvenile being tried as an adult.

Amendment 4: Judicial Elections
A vote for requires using the earliest election date available to fill a judicial vacancy.

Governor Jeff Landry Signs Extradition Warrant for New York Doctor

Baton Rouge, LA— At the request of Attorney General Liz Murrill and District Attorney Tony Clayton, Governor Jeff Landry has signed the extradition warrant for New York Doctor Margaret Carpenter. A grand jury in West Baton Rouge Parish indicted Carpenter for the charge of Criminal Abortion by Means of Abortion-Inducing Drugs, a violation of La. R.S. 14:87.9(A) and (B)(1), committed on or about April 5, 2024. Extradition warrant attached.

Governor Landry addressed the case, and his video can be found HERE. 

Promises Made, Promises Kept: Justice Coming for Crime Victims

Baton Rouge, LA— Today, Governor Jeff Landry is announcing that the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections has finalized and implemented an updated protocol that allows for the sentences of those on Death Row to be carried out. 

This Protocol for Executions of Death Sentences includes procedures for the nitrogen hypoxia method recently approved, in a bipartisan fashion, by the Louisiana Legislature. This allows Louisiana to keep its promises made to the victims of these horrific crimes and to the communities whose citizens unanimously agreed to impose the most severe punishment on those criminals. 

“For too long, Louisiana has failed to uphold the promises made to victims of our State’s most violent crimes; but that failure of leadership by previous administrations is over,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “The time for broken promises has ended; we will carry out these sentences and justice will be dispensed.” 

“These capital punishment cases have been reviewed at every judicial level, have had decades of unsuccessful appeals, and the death sentences affirmed by the courts,” continued Governor Landry. “I expect our DA’s to finalize these cases and the courts to move swiftly to bring justice to the crime victims who have waited for too long.” 

“I anticipate the national press will embellish on the feelings and interests of the violent death row murderers, we will continue to advocate for the innocent victims and the loved ones left behind,” concluded Governor Landry. 

A brief summary of Louisiana’s updated protocol, which builds upon Alabama’s constitutionally approved method, may be found attached to this release. 

Kennedy introduces resolution to repeal Biden admin rule targeting offshore oil and gas production

“By handcuffing Louisiana and America’s energy production, Pres. Biden hurt our national security and sent prices soaring. Congress must act quickly to reverse his lame-duck move to burden oil and gas producers with even more regulations.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, today introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval to reverse the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) rule that targets oil and gas production on the outer continental shelf.

On Sept. 3, 2024, the Biden administration published its rule requiring all new oil and gas leaseholders on the outer continental shelf to submit an archeological report to the BOEM before production can begin. The rule burdens lessees with conducting costly surveys for marine archaeological resources, such as shipwrecks or “cultural resources.”

“By handcuffing Louisiana and America’s energy production, Pres. Biden hurt our national security and sent prices soaring. Congress must act quickly to reverse his lame-duck move to burden oil and gas producers with even more regulations,” said Kennedy.

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) joined the resolution.

“The Biden administration was in hyperdrive to finalize regulatory strangleholds on U.S. oil and gas production, one of which is this BOEM cultural survey requirement.  With the new Congress, I truly hope we can effectively use the Congressional Review Act to overturn this Biden rule and return some commonsense to our nation’s energy policies,” said Hyde-Smith.

Previously, the BOEM regional director only required leaseholders to issue an archeological report if a project had the potential to impact archeological resources. The Biden administration’s rule, which went into effect on Oct. 3, 2024, now requires all new oil and gas leaseholders to conduct reports. Existing leaseholders on the outer continental shelf have 11 months to comply with the regulation. 

Kennedy’s resolution to reverse the Biden administration’s rule would help make sure that BOEM does not handicap oil and gas producers’ ability to provide affordable energy to Americans.

Text of the resolution is available here. 

LOUISIANA STUDENTS ACHIEVE THEIR HIGHEST NATIONAL RANKINGS ON THE NATION’S REPORT CARD

Louisiana 4th graders lead the nation in reading growth again, now ranked 16th in the country

(BATON ROUGE, LA) - Louisiana students have achieved some of the most significant academic progress in the nation, according to data released today as part of The Nation’s Report Card. Widely regarded as the gold standard of assessments, these latest results measure math and reading proficiency among 4th and 8th grade students in the U.S. Louisiana’s students earned the state’s highest national rankings across both grade levels and subjects.

Governor Jeff Landry joined Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley for a press conference announcing the results today at Magnolia Woods Elementary in Baton Rouge.

“This is a historic achievement for our state and underscores the dedication of teachers and a laser focus on fundamental academic skills,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “While we are obviously pleased, we are not completely satisfied as there is more work to accomplish.”

Unprecedented National Rankings

The Nation’s Report Card measures 4th grade math, 4th grade reading, 8th grade math, and 8th grade reading. Louisiana saw its national rankings continue to rise in each subject and grade level.

4th Grade Math

• 2024: 38th

• 2022: 44th

• 2019: 50th

4th Grade Reading

• 2024: 16th

• 2022: 42nd

• 2019: 50th

8th Grade Math

• 2024: 43rd

• 2022: 45th

• 2019: 49th

8th Grade Reading

• 2024: 29th

• 2022: 39th

• 2019: 45th

Louisiana Among National Leaders

• Louisiana 4th graders led the nation in reading growth for the second consecutive cycle of The Nation’s Report Card. (2022 and 2024)

• Louisiana 4th graders were top five in the nation for math growth.

• Louisiana is one of only two states where 4th graders exceeded 2019 scores in reading and math.

• Louisiana is one of 14 states to post gains in 8th grade math.

• Louisiana students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students outperformed the national average in both achievement and growth.

“These results demonstrate the power of a strong academic foundation and a relentless focus on academic excellence,” said Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Vice President Stacey Melerine. “I’m especially encouraged to see students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students outpacing their national peers for growth and achievement.”

Back to the Basics and a Commitment to Collaboration

Louisiana’s academic progress reflects the state’s emphasis on foundational skills and its investment in educators.

• Literacy instruction aligned to the Science of Reading: Louisiana implemented a comprehensive literacy plan rooted in phonics, transforming how reading is taught statewide and equipping educators with the training to help students thrive.

• Foundational math instruction: The state’s math plan emphasized mastery of basic math skills, providing students with the time and tools necessary for long-term success in advanced math.

• Special education guidance: Louisiana’s Special Education Playbook for System Leaders received national recognition and offered educators practical tools to create high-quality learning environments for students with disabilities.

• Empowering educators: Louisiana has invested in professional learning to equip teachers and leaders with the skills to effectively leverage high-quality instructional materials while reducing bureaucracy, excessive trainings, and classroom disruptions.

“Our intentional focus on equipping teachers and leaders is one of the main factors that has translated into academic growth for Louisiana children,” said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chiasson. “By providing educators with meaningful professional learning, coaching, and collaboration opportunities, we have supported them in using high-quality instructional materials in service of students.”

Looking Ahead

Louisiana has implemented a number of programs and initiatives to build on recent progress. Thanks to a substantial investment by the state legislature, Louisiana has expanded its high-dosage tutoring program to reach more schools and students. A new K-3 literacy screener has been launched to help identify and address early reading challenges. Building on its literacy success, Louisiana is introducing a K-3 math screener and statewide teacher training on foundational math instruction.

Louisiana also adopted a revised accountability system that will raise the bar for academic success, enhance the value of career education, and make it easier for the public to understand how schools are performing. Set to go into effect next school year, it has been called the strongest accountability system in the country by national education experts.

About The Nation’s Report Card

The Nation’s Report Card, also known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP, is the only nationally representative assessment of student achievement over time for the nation, states, and selected large urban districts. A representative sample of students across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense (DoDea) schools take the assessment.

The math and reading assessments in 4th and 8th grades had been conducted every two years since 2003 until it was suspended due to the pandemic. The 2022 assessment was the first administered since the pandemic. 

Conservatives for Clean Energy: Louisiana’s Energy Future: Why Voter Awareness of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Matters

A recent survey of Louisiana Republicans and Independents reveals a significant knowledge gap when it comes to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), an essential technology for reducing emissions while maintaining energy production. The poll, conducted in November 2024, found that 31% of respondents had never heard of CCS, and 20% expressed no opinion on the technology. Despite this lack of awareness, support for CCS increases when voters learn more about its role in strengthening Louisiana's economy and energy sector.

What is CCS?
Carbon Capture and Storage is a process that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial sources—such as power plants and manufacturing facilities—and safely stores it underground to prevent its release into the atmosphere. CCS technology helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring continued energy production from traditional sources like oil and gas. Louisiana’s extensive industrial infrastructure and favorable geology make it an ideal location for CCS deployment.

Key Poll Findings:

• Awareness Gap: 31% of voters had never heard of CCS, and 20% had no opinion, highlighting the need for increased public education.

• Growing Support: Once educated on CCS benefits, voter support increases significantly.

• Economic Opportunity: 74% of respondents believe that accelerating clean energy growth, including CCS, positions Louisiana as a national leader in job creation and economic development.

Why CCS Matters for Louisiana:

• Economic Growth: CCS can attract investment, create thousands of high-paying jobs, and boost Louisiana's energy sector.

• Energy Independence: With 91% of Trump voters prioritizing energy independence, CCS provides a pathway to maintaining domestic energy production while meeting environmental goals.

·       Market Competitiveness: CCS technology helps key industries like petrochemicals and refining meet evolving emissions standards while maintaining a competitive edge.

The Path Forward

Despite the current awareness deficit, Louisiana has a significant opportunity to lead in CCS adoption. Educational campaigns, industry partnerships, and workforce training programs will be critical in bridging the knowledge gap and positioning Louisiana as a leader in this emerging field.

Governor Landry and Attorney General Murrill Release a Joint Statement Regarding Department of Justice Lawsuit

Baton Rouge, LA- The following is a joint statement from Governor Landry and Attorney General Murrill in response to Joe Biden’s Justice Department’s frivolous lawsuit. 

“This is Grinch Joe Biden’s parting Christmas present to the State and the people of Louisiana.

The Trump administration would likely have not allowed this case to be filed. As we saw this week in Concordia Parish, Joe Biden and Merrick Garland’s orders seem clear - jam through as many frivolous cases as possible before the clock runs out. 

This is the same radical ‘justice’ department that goes after political opponents, targets Catholics, and sees concerned school parents as a threat. All the while our country was being invaded at our southern border and violent crime was on the rise across the Nation. The American people have had enough of Biden’s inept DOJ. 

As we have continuously said, this problem stems from the failed criminal justice reforms pushed by the past administration. These reforms ultimately complicated the criminal justice system, giving criminals a get out of jail free card.

This past year, we have taken significant action to keep Louisianans safe and ensure those who commit the crime, also do the time.

The State of Louisiana is committed to preserving the constitutional rights of Louisiana citizens. 

We look forward to fighting this, because the safety of Louisianans is our top priority.”

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.

Read more: Trump’s Energy Shakeup Will Spare Carbon Capture

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.”

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."

 Read more here

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