Per Jeff Landry's Facebook:
This afternoon, I sent the Governor a letter asking for his assistance in getting Acadiana's impacted parishes declared for Federal assistance.
Posts filed under Louisiana
Boustany Requests Disaster Declaration for Additional Parishes
(Lafayette, LA) – Dr. Charles Boustany (R-Lafayette) sent a letter urging the President to issue a Major Disaster Presidential Declaration for Allen, Ascension, Avoyelles, Cameron, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Vermilion, Washington, and West Feliciana parishes. Currently, only East Baton Rouge, Livingston, St. Helena and Tangipahoa parishes have received a federal disaster declaration.
Boustany said: “The flooding has turned our roads into rivers, washed away homes, and forced more than 10,000 individuals to seek temporary shelter. Louisianans are resilient and ready to rebuild, but we need some assistance to get back on our feet. I am thankful that the President quickly granted four parishes with disaster declarations, but the damage extends far beyond those parish lines. I am urging him to quickly provide these additional parishes with a Major Disaster Declaration as we continue to evaluate the damage.”
On Sunday, August 14, in response to historic flooding, both Louisiana Governor Edwards and the Louisiana Congressional delegation sent letters to the President urging him to expedite a federal disaster declaration for Allen, Ascension, Avoyelles, Cameron, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Vermilion, Washington, and West Feliciana parishes. The declaration will provide vital resources to protect our communities and support the recovery effort. Late Sunday night, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sent notification that four of the requested 23 parishes were declared a federal disaster.
In light of more than 20,000 individuals rescued, over 10,000 people forced from their homes, and the 15 rivers throughout south and central Louisiana that are in record flood stage, Dr. Boustany sent a letter urging President Obama to the fulfill the State of Louisiana’s full request for a Major Disaster Presidential Declaration and allow Louisiana to continue its rescue missions and begin rebuilding efforts.
The full text of the letter is copied below.
Dear Mr. President,
I write to you in support of the State of Louisiana's full request for a Major Disaster Presidential Declaration as a result of unprecedented rainfall and flooding. On Friday, August 12, Governor Edwards declared a state of emergency for the entire state of Louisiana. All of us throughout Louisiana are thankful for the federal government's quick response to our request for an emergency declaration, provided on August 14, 2016 for four specific parishes. The situation remains precarious as rivers, bayous, canals and streams continue to rise throughout the state.
I urge you to grant the State of Louisiana's request for all parishes affected by the rainfall and historic flooding, specifically: Individual Assistance for Allen, Ascension, Avoyelles, Cameron, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Vermilion, Washington and West Feliciana, to include Categories A and B under the Public Assistance program and Hazard Mitigation statewide.
According to most recent reports, over 20,000 people have been rescued and five people have died as a result of flooding caused by historic amounts of rain falling on South Louisiana. As of Sunday night, more than 10,000 people have arrived at shelters scattered throughout the state. Rescue workers are currently focusing on search and rescue missions of people who need to be evacuated from residences, nursing homes and vehicles. Complicating matters more, the state Department of Transportation and Development has also reported the closure of about 200 roads, including more than 30 washouts of state highways. Another 1,400 critical bridges need to be inspected before traffic can freely travel over them. Reports indicate that 15 rivers throughout South Louisiana are in record flood stage.
The National Weather Service is predicting more rain throughout the region. As the waters continue to rise in parts of South Louisiana, creating the need for additional evacuations and rescue operations, a Major Disaster Presidential Declaration for all parishes impacted by the rainfall and flooding would go a great length to help ease the fear and uncertainty for many Louisianans.
Thank you again for your quick response to the Governor's request.
Why Not Acadiana John Bel?
For the morally outraged in our area who couldn't vote for David Vitter and are now being overlooked by Edwards for the rest of the state. Don't blame me. #IVotedForVitter
Have You Seen This Piece on Rob Maness?
Photo source: The Shreveport Times
The following information was provided by the folks over at The Hayride concerning Col. Rob Maness' working with a group that advocates amnesty and immigration. Maness has cast himself as the outside the Beltway candidate not in the mainstream and is a Tea Party favorite.
Read more: Rob Maness Once Served On ‘Hispano’ Board Which Advocates For Mass Immigration And Amnesty
10 Days and Counting with No Comment from Louisiana Democrats on Senator Troy Brown’s Domestic Assault Arrests
Press release from the Louisiana Republican Party
Ten days ago, State Senator Troy Brown (D-Napoleonville) was arrested for the second time in under a year for domestic assault. Ten days later, Louisianians have yet to hear a single word from Governor John Bel Edwards or leaders of the Louisiana Democrat Party regarding this matter. Not one. Not a rebuke…nor a call for his resignation…There’s not been so much as a whisper from the fourth floor of the Capitol.
The Republican Party of Louisiana has called into question on numerous occasions why nothing has been said; why little has been reported on in the media.
“Where’s the outrage?” asked LAGOP Executive Director Jason Doré. “Where is the call for his resignation? Were he a professional athlete, he would have been fired for attacks on women. Were he a Republican, the Democrat headquarters on Government Street would be abuzz with activity calling for his ouster.”
The fact that Troy Brown hasn’t stepped down is one thing, but the LADEMO chair’s silence is another. State Senator Karen Carter Peterson should be outraged at Senator Brown’s behavior. She said on the floor of the DNC Convention this week in Philadelphia that violence “does not define us.” Why, then, is she complicit in violence against women, by remaining mum on the matter?
“If love trumps hate, then why do leaders in the Democrat Party here in Louisiana not stand up to such hateful acts of violence and call on Troy Brown to resign?” asked Doré. He went on to say that, “Inaction by those who have the ability force the issue only shows one thing: Louisiana Democrats are trying to ignore this story and hope it will go away.”
Just as Democrats have done at their convention in Philadelphia by pretending the threat of terrorism doesn’t exist, to protect their image, they are pretending charges of the assault on two women by Senator Troy Brown isn’t a reality to protect one of their own. This behavior is ridiculous, and Louisiana deserves better.
The Republican Party of Louisiana calls on Senator Troy Brown to resign and encourages Louisiana Democrats, especially Governor Edwards, to practice what they preach and stand up for victims of domestic violence by joining our call for Brown’s resignation.
Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain Endorses Dr. Charles Boustany
(Henderson, LA) – Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain, D.V.M., endorsed Dr. Charles Boustany in this fall’s race for the United States Senate in Louisiana.
Strain said: “No one fights harder for Louisiana’s agriculture, aquaculture, and forestry industries than Dr. Boustany. Serving on the House Agriculture Committee, Dr. Boustany wrote common-sense Farm Bills supporting Louisiana agriculture. He has worked to open markets for Louisiana-grown and manufactured products, and written law to stop illegal foreign products from undercutting our domestic producers. Louisiana agriculture needs Dr. Boustany in the U.S. Senate to fight for us. I support him as our next Senator.”
Boustany said: “There is no better friend to Louisiana agriculture than Commissioner Mike Strain. I’m tremendously humbled by his endorsement. Louisiana agriculture remains the backbone of our economy and we cannot afford to send a Senator to Washington who does not understand the importance of this industry to our state’s future. Our next Senator will be in office when the next Farm Bill is written and we need an effective leader at the table. That is why I’m working hard to earn the support of the Louisiana agriculture industry this fall. As our next Senator, I will deliver results.”
Serving on the House Agriculture Committee from 2005-2009, Dr. Boustany played an integral role in authoring the 2008 Farm Bill preserving the no-cost sugar program and supporting Louisiana agriculture. He was a leading voice supporting passage of the 2014 Farm Bill making market-based reforms to national agriculture policy, preserving the no-cost sugar program, and ensuring southern crops like rice and soybeans have workable crop insurance policy in case of disaster.
As a Member of the House Ways & Means Committee, Boustany fought tirelessly to open new markets for Louisiana products, spearheading efforts to increase market access for Louisiana rice to Iraq, Japan, and Cuba.
Boustany authored the PROTECT Act, legislation that was signed into law earlier this year granting greater enforcement mechanisms for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to identify and stop illegally-dumped foreign seafood and other manufactured products at the border.
And John Bel Edwards is Supporting This
Bananas Foster: Talks straight, can't spell!!!!
This wants to be your next Senator from Louisiana.
Photo source : Twitter
LAGOP Statement on Baton Rouge Law Enforcement Shooting
(CLEVELAND, OHIO) -- Following the Baton Rouge, Louisiana shooting of multiple members of law enforcement by currently unknown suspects, Louisiana GOP Chairman Roger F. Villere, Jr. released the following statement:
Moments ago, the Louisiana Republican delegation here in Cleveland was notified that our home was attacked. Our delegation, elected by our neighbors, is mournfully awaiting details on this reported attack on our police force by multiple assailants.
This tragic shooting affects black and white, rich and poor, civilians and public servants alike.
This cowardly crime is an attack on the values of law and order that members of the Baton Rouge community so desperately tried to maintain in the 12 days since the eyes of the world focused on our state.
We send this message to those who would threaten to divide us: We are Louisiana and we will stand united and prayerful against evil.
We are reminded in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
Boustany Announces $1.1 Million Raised in Second Quarter
(Lafayette, LA) – The Boustany for Senate campaign announced it raised $1.1 million in the second quarter of 2016. This is the biggest fundraising quarter in the 2016 cycle for Boustany, who leads all U.S. Senate candidates with nearly $4.3 million raised in 2015-2016.
Boustany Communications Director Jack Pandol said: “Louisianians from Abbeville to Zwolle are coming together to support Dr. Boustany because they want a conservative leader they can trust to get things done. Dr. Boustany is humbled by the incredible support across Louisiana and energized by the growing momentum for his campaign.
“This quarter’s fundraising number is a strong statement that Dr. Boustany is building support in every corner of Louisiana. The Boustany campaign will have the necessary resources to run a first-rate campaign and bring Dr. Boustany’s conservative, results-oriented leadership to the United States Senate.”
Here's the Video of the Baton Rouge Police Shooting of Alton Sterling
Photo source: YouTube
Warning, this is graphic.
This video was obtained from the Facebook page belonging to East Stackz.
You be the judge on this.
STONECIPHER: Governor Edwards: Honor Louisiana's Taxpayers
Photo source: KPEL 96.5
June 19, 2016
No matter anything else, many Louisianans believed John Bel Edwards would shoot much straighter with us than did ex-Governor Bobby Jindal. It gives me no pleasure to say that he is busily proving us wrong.
Our governor's already infamous tax-and-spend war against Louisiana's bedraggled taxpayers is anything but straight-up, regardless that his campaign portrayed him as honor-bound by his military code to so act.
Many a fact and truth clearly debunk the governor's most basic assertions about Louisiana's financial condition. Although it is tempting to accuse him of taking advantage of a "crisis," such assumes there even is a crisis.
Our here in the real world where Louisiana's tax payers live, labor and, well, pay taxes, basic facts - truth - instead expose tax-and-spend dogma, not a crisis.
A key such fact is this: with "only" the $2 billion in new taxes Governor Edwards has already authored and the state legislature raised, core state spending, after adjustment for inflation, is already set to be +23.8% higher than only 11 years ago.
The Numbers
Louisiana's budget and spending for fiscal year 2004-2005 is the perfect baseline for such analysis. As that spending ended, Hurricane Katrina hit, followed during the period since by Hurricanes Rita, Gustav and Isaac, the Great Recession's "Obama Stimulus" windfall, and the BP disaster.
... Louisiana's core, general fund budget for fiscal 2004-2005 was $6.8 billion (here). Adjusted for inflation, that is equivalent to $8.4 billion today (calculator here).
... Our comparable general fund budget for the current, now ending, 2015-2016 fiscal year is just over $9.0 billion (here).
(The exact amounts are $8,360,420,415 in 2004-2005, inflation-adjusted, and $9,042,826,000 in fiscal year 2015-2016.)
... That is a real increase of $682,405,585, or +8.2% in core state spending since 2004-2005, before any new taxes.
... A bedrock fact in all of this should be population growth rather than partisan political whim. Between July 1, 2005 and July 1, 2015, our population grew a very weak +3.3% ... from 4,523,628 to 4,670,724 (data here and here). Now, it may well be dropping.
... An on-going drop in Louisiana government employees should greatly impact any need for more spending. A go-to Associated Press article from 2014 (here) - still applicable I am told - explains this simply:
"Today, thatworkforce (of 93,500) hovers at 62,000 employees - fewer than it's been in more than two decades. Spending on payroll has decreased by about $1 billion annually."
With $2 Billion in New Taxes Already Raised, Edwards Threatens Doomsday
Using ages-old tax-and-spending doomsday hokum,our governor bangs the table saying he MUST have another $800 million in new taxes in the five final days of the special legislative session.
Bullfeathers. As explained, the $2.0 billion in new taxes already raised is +23.8% higher than in fiscal 2004-2005. Since then, Louisiana hauled in some $160 billion in extraordinary, never-budgeted revenue - over $140 billion from Hurricane Katrina alone. When that gusher of money ended, many programs - and much spending - remained in place.
That is our problem ... it is a spending problem, not a revenue problem. That gusher significantly grew state government, and Governor Edwards & Friends are hellbent on locking it in with fiscal madness.
An honorable state budget would match spending to available, existing revenue.
Nothing in Louisiana is more endangered than a tax payer. State government has called the dance as 558,000 of us - net - moved away since 1985. Those remaining pay Louisiana's bigger and bigger tax-and-spend band.
Governor Edwards does not care. If he did, he would honor tax payers.
Elliott Stonecipher
(Elliott Stonecipher does this work pro bono ... no compensation of any kind is solicited or accepted. He has no client or other relationships which in any way influence his selections of subjects or the content of any article. Appropriate credit to Mr. Stonecipher in the sharing - unedited only, of course - is expected. The use of his work without such credit to him is unethical and will not be quietly accepted.)
Louisiana Family Forum: Edwards' Tax Gets Second Shot!
Photo source: Louisiana Family Forum
From LFF 60-Second Brigade Alert System
June 2016
Last week, the The House Ways and Means Committee voted 11-10 to stop a key aspect of the Edwards' tax plan.
On Wednesday, the committee will again vote on an identical measure, HB38 by Rep. Malinda White (D) of Bogalusa.
The fiscal note on the bill indicates it would cost taxpayers $643 million over 5 years.
The Agenda indicates the measure is "Subject to Rules Suspension." This should indicate that a 2/3 majority of House members present must vote for suspending the rules in order to consider this new tax proposal.
It's no secret that the Governor has been individually lobbying members of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, trying to persuade them to flip favorable on their vote.
If you think $643 million in new taxes on the shoulders of middle Louisiana is too much, then now is the time to speak up. HB38 is a short bill, so read it carefully.
Here's what it does: HB38 empowers the state to eliminate a percentage of federal itemized deductions from individual state taxes. The deductions that would be dramatically reduced include:
- Federal Taxes Paid,
- Medical Expenses,
- Charitable Donations, and
- Mortage Interest.
Contact House members of the Ways and Means Committee here and express your concern!.
AG Jeff Landry is a Guest on CNN Newsroom
Photo source: YouTube
Louisiana's Attorney General, Jeff Landry, recently appeared on CNN regarding his office joining in a multi-state lawsuit over the Obama mandate regarding the use of bathrooms by transsexuals.
Rep. Blake Miguez Blasts Media Coverage of HB 105
Photo source: Louisiana House of Representatives
Rep. Blake Miguez (R-49) has issued a letter to Louisiana citizens that blasts the media coverage of HB 105, which would allow autonomy over department budgets within the State of Louisiana. Miguez further criticizes "Benedict Arnold" Jay Dardenne with the following:
The public should also know that Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne expressed the same belief in our committee hearings and cited his experience as a statewide elected official in advancing this concept. It is curious why he suddenly changed his position last week.
Kudos to Rep. Miguez for standing up for autonomy for departments within Lousiana regarding budgets and for calling out the traitor, Jay Dardenne, for being a tool of the Edwards' "Honor-Code" administration.
STONECIPHER: Shreveport Population Drops Below 1990 Census Count
May 19, 2016
The U. S. Census Bureau Population Estimates data for American cities shows Shreveport falling below its 1990 population total. Between July 1, 2014 and July 1, 2015, Shreveport lost another -1,114 residents, dropping its total population to 197,204. The third-largest city in Louisiana, Shreveport's population total in the 1990 decennial Census was +1,321 residents larger, at 198,525. (SEE data here.)
In this most recent year of official Estimates data from the Census Bureau, Louisiana's recession deepened in some areas, but had not yet done so in others. Lake Charles led in percentage population gain, up +1.76%, followed by New Orleans (+1.37), Bossier City (+1.35%), Lafayette (+0.96%), and Monroe (+0.11%). Population losses in that most recent annual count hit Baton Rouge (-0.18%), Alexandria (-0.54%) and Shreveport (-0.56%).
Since the 2010 decennial Census, Baton Rouge (-0.39%) and Shreveport (-1.06%) lost population. New Orleans, continuing to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, grew its population the most among top Louisiana cities, up +13.32%. Also showing gains were Bossier City (+11.06%), Lafayette (+5.83%), Lake Charles (+5.66%), Monroe (+1.60%), and Alexandria (+0.35%).
Louisiana's population increased by +3.0% between the 2010 Census and July 1, 2015, below the national gain of +4.1%. That gain of +137,425 Louisianans was the result of +107,922 from "natural increase," or births-minus-deaths, and +28,906 from net migration*. While Louisiana, during the period, lost -10,567 residents who moved away to other states, it gained +39,473 international in-migrants. That population subgroup is disproportionately traceable to undocumented workers, it is broadly accepted. Later U. S. Census Bureau results from its American Community Survey data will be studied for confirmation / refutation of that assertion.
July 1, 2015 Total Population
New Orleans 389,617
Baton Rouge 228,590
Shreveport 197,204
Lafayette 127,657
Lake Charles 76,070
Bossier City 68,094
Monroe 49,598
Alexandria 47,889
July 1, 2014 to July 1, 2015 Population Change
Lake Charles + 1,318 +1.76%
New Orleans + 5,257 +1.37%
Bossier City + 905 +1.35%
Lafayette + 1,212 +0.96%
Monroe + 53 +0.11%
Baton Rouge - 417 -0.18%
Alexandria - 258 -0.54%
Shreveport - 1,114 -0.56%
2010 Census to July 1, 2015 Population Change
New Orleans +45,788 +13.32%
Bossier City + 6,799 +11.06%
Lafayette + 7,034 + 5.83%
Lake Charles + 4,077 + 5.66%
Monroe + 783 + 1.60%
Alexandria + 166 + 0.35%
Baton Rouge - 903 - 0.39%
Shreveport - 2,107 - 1.06%
*Total population change as reported by the U. S. Census Bureau includes a residual that cannot be attributed to any specific demographic component.
Elliott Stonecipher
(Elliott Stonecipher does this work pro bono ... no compensation of any kind is solicited or accepted. He has no client or other relationships which in any way influence his selections of subjects or the content of any article. Appropriate credit to Mr. Stonecipher in the sharing - unedited only, of course - is expected. The use of his work without such credit to him is unethical and will not be quietly accepted.)
Photo source: USA Country Pics
Attorney General Jeff Landry Calls Transgender Mandate Unlawful
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has issued a letter from his office to several state officials that states that President Obama's mandate on bathroom privileges for transgenders is unlawful and advises these officials that his office will defend "the State and its citizens from unlawful action threatened" by the Obama administration.
Finally we have someone in the AG's office that is not afraid to stand up to the liberal agenda that is coming from DC and will put the State of Louisiana and its citizens before radical ideologies.
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry Discusses Sanctuary Cities With Bill O'Reilly
Photo source: Fox News
On Tuesday evening's The O'Reilly Factor, Louisiana AG Jeff Landry discusses the state's fight against sanctuary cities for illegal immigrants and legislation being debated in the Louisiana Legislature.
Louisiana Family Forum Urges Citizens to Petition Governor and Attorney General Regarding Restroom Issue
Photo source: Protect Louisiana Children
As per the email sent out to their supporters this afternoon, the Louisiana Family Forum urges citizens to take part in a petition to Gov. Edwards and AG Landry over the Obama administration's decision to implement radical changes regarding gender issues within the state of Louisiana:
If you thought the Obama administration would gently ride off into the sunset, think again.
The Departments of Justice and Education are once again exceeding their lawful authority by sending a letter to every public school district in America threatening loss of federal aid if local districts do not adopt genderless bathroom policies, which would allow self-identified transgendered students to use facilities such as restrooms, showers, and locker rooms of the opposite biological sex. Under the farce of "protecting students from discrimination," these federal bullies have painted a bulls-eye on little girls and boys.
If Louisiana does not speak up now, there's no limit to what the President will do next. Please join LFF in signing the petition below urging Governor Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry to protect the safety of Louisiana children. 11,000 have signed the petition so far. Let your voice be heard today! SIGN NOW and forward to your friends!
Boustany, Fleming Tout Energy Credentials in Senate Race
Image source: The Hill
They’re all good guys,” said Don Briggs, president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, adding, “excluding Foster Campbell.”
“I don’t have to tell you what our industry is going through,” Briggs said. “If we ever needed support in D.C. and in the state, we need it today.”
Read more: Boustany, Fleming Tout Energy Credentials in Senate Race
Fleming: Voters Frustrated by Both Parties' Leadership
Photo source: The Advocate
“The Democratic Party has moved so far to the left that it’s fully aligned with socialism,” Fleming, a Minden Republican who is running for the U.S. Senate, told the Press Club of Baton Rouge.
Coupled with that, he said, are Republicans, who in 2010 asked voters to give them a majority in the U.S. House so the party could fix problems. “But nothing changed.” In 2014, voters also gave Republicans a majority in the U.S. Senate. “And folks, nothing changed,” Fleming said.
Read more: Louisiana congressman John Fleming: Voters frustrated by both Republicans and Democrats' leadership
