Republican Whip Steve Scalise: I’m with Jim!

Republican Leader Endorses Commissioner Jim Donelon

Today, Republican Whip Steve Scalise endorsed Louisiana Insurance Commissioner James J. “Jim” Donelon for reelection. Scalise cited their long-time working relationship, Donelon’s commitment to Republican values and support for the President Trump’s agenda in Louisiana:

“I’ve known Jim as a friend for more than 20 years. He’s always worked hard for Louisiana families, and has been focusing on bringing car insurance rates down. In fact his efforts are paying dividends for hard-working families – this year we’ve seen more than a 7 percent decrease in auto insurance rates in Louisiana, and there’s more Jim wants to do. Jim is an advocate for reform and steered the Department through the wake of the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as the BP Oil Spill and the Great Flood of 2016,” said Whip Scalise.

Commissioner Donelon has championed a long-term renewal of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and worked tirelessly with members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation to bring more insurers to our state. Jim stood with other statewide elected officials to ensure the people of Louisiana will have access to affordable health insurance in the wake of Obamacare. Jim Donelon resides in Metairie, LA, with his wife of 52 years and has four daughters and eight grandchildren. He also served our country for thirty-three years in the Louisiana National Guard, retiring honorably with the rank of Colonel. Louisiana needs to keep Jim Donelon working for us.”

Commissioner Jim Donelon said, “Receiving an endorsement from my friend, Republican Whip Steve Scalise, is an honor. Steve is a leader in our party and a leader in our country. Not only do I admire Steve’s political experience, but his personal story as well. Having him recognize the work I’ve done with the Department of Insurance confirms that that work has been prudently. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Congressman Scalise, and the entire federal delegation for the people of Louisiana.”

Scalise Working on Lowering Prescription Drug Prices

Photo source: Politico

Rep. Steven Scalise is working on helping seniors save on prescription drug prices:

The proposal primarily affects the 644,000 Louisiana residents -- and 45 million people across the country -- enrolled in Medicare’s Part D drug benefit. Part D plans are federally subsidized but administered by private insurers who compete to sell their plans to the public.

These insurers work with middlemen known as pharmacy benefit managers to design plans and determine premiums, co-pays and co-insurance -- the percentage of a drug’s price that Medicare enrollees must pay out of pocket. PBMs decide which drugs to include in each Part D plan. They leverage their decision-making power to demand big discounts from pharmaceutical companies.

Read more: Opinion: Scalise can help seniors save on prescription drugs

HENRY: ​Thank You Whip Scalise and US Senator Cassidy For Helping Stop the Health Insurance Tax

Photo source: LA House of Representatives  

As a taxpayer and safeguard of the state’s finances, I appreciate the work Whip Scalise and US Senator Cassidy are doing to Stop the health insurance tax (HIT).

This HIT tax can add nearly $500 per worker to the annual premium, an amount sufficient to have large-scale effects within any company, including slowdowns in hiring. From a broader perspective, I am disturbed by the effect of the HIT tax on my constituents and the local economy. The Louisiana small business community is unanimous in its opposition to the HIT tax because of the negative consequences for their companies. Working families often feel the brunt of the impacts, and we all appreciate the leadership Whip Scalise and US Senator Cassidy have shown in pushing back against these taxes.

The HIT Tax impacts everyone. HIT tax hurts low- and fixed-income residents who rely on Medicare Advantage, because their costs also increase with the tax. This group is probably the least able to absorb price hikes in the hundreds of dollars, and we should seriously consider the ethics of adding to their health care costs.

We should all be thankful that Whip Scalise and US Senator Cassidy are leading the charge to extend the current moratorium on the health insurance tax that is safeguarding businesses, working families, and seniors. Louisianans deserve similar protections in 2020 and beyond.

State Representative Cameron Henry

Chairman, House Appropriations Committee

SCALISE: When Eric Holder, other Dems call for violence, that's a direct threat to our democracy

Photo source: Twitter

As a survivor of a politically motivated attack, it is tragic to think this is an acceptable state of political discourse in our country. I refuse to stand for this and I will continue to call for an end to it. A healthy, strong democracy is not possible if anyone lives in fear of expressing their views.

If this is going to stop, it must start with Democratic leaders, who need to condemn, rather than promote these dangerous calls to action.

Read more: Rep. Steve Scalise: When Eric Holder, other Dems call for violence, that's a direct threat to our democracy

SCALISE: The Power of Prayer is Real

Steve Scalise on his shootingnlast year and the power of prayer. He shared this during a recent speech at the Faith and Freedom Coalition meeting in a Washington, DC.