LAGOP: Louisiana Economy Being Left Behind Under John Bel Edwards

(Baton Rouge, LA) – Today the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor released the latest information on State Employment and Unemployment. While it is clear the policies of President Trump have caused a national economic boom, these statistics clearly show that Louisiana is being left behind.

Unemployment Rate – May 2019

United States 3.6

Louisiana 4.4
Texas 3.5
Alabama 3.7
Arkansas 3.6
Florida 3.4
Georgia 3.8
Tennessee 3.3

Mississippi 5.0

Unfortunately for the people of Louisiana, this report contains even MORE troubling statistics. Not only is Louisiana growing at the SLOWEST RATE IN THE COUNTRY, but we are LOSING people! From May 2018 to May 2019 Louisiana saw only a 0.1% change in nonfarm employment, the lowest in the ENITRE COUNTRY.

Even more troubling is the fact that our civilian labor force is shrinking under Governor John Bel Edwards. Our unemployment rate is going down because people are LEAVING Louisiana, not because they are finding jobs. In May of 2018 the civilian labor force of Louisiana was 2,106,604. By April 2019 the labor force in Louisiana had shrunk to 2,098,308.

In just the last 11 months 8,296 people have left the Louisiana workforce, that is 25 people every single day!

It is obvious Louisiana is being left behind but the only job John Bel Edwards is fighting to save is his own.

Drug Price Arbitration Is Not a Solution for Patients

If a top-down, command and control approach sounds like a good idea, ask yourself why we don’t convene such “arbitration” panels to set the price for cars, houses or groceries? A price set by a government-established panel is not the way our free market system normally operates, where buyers and sellers are free to participate, or not, at willingly agreed to rates.

Read more:  Drug Price Arbitration Is Not a Solution for Patients

Price Controls Aren't the Answer on Pharmaceuticals

Despite window-dressing language that talks up the need for negotiation in setting drug prices, the “international pricing index” would replace the current market-based system and set the stage for government-dictated, artificially low prices. As learned from painful experiences in the US and elsewhere, price controls only “succeed” in causing shortages, which prompts rationing. If it isn't Soviet breadlines, it's cars lined up for blocks waiting to buy gasoline in the Nixon-era 70s. Zimbabweans starved in 2007 and continue to starve today as a result of persistent, painful rationing policy.

Read more: Price Controls Aren't the Answer on Pharmaceuticals

DAVID DITCH ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR IBERIA PARISH CLERK OF COURT

New Iberia, Iberia Parish: New Iberia native, local business owner, family man, and current Iberia Parish Clerk of Court, David Ditch (Republican), has announced that he is a candidate for Iberia Parish Clerk of Court.

David is married to Jessica Dill Ditch. They are the proud parents of Kate Avery, Walker and Sawyer. David and Jessica have served on numerous committees, boards and volunteered for many local charities. Giving back is rooted in the Ditch family. “I believe you must know how to serve before you can lead”, David said. “Jessica and I, along with our children, have been involved with many great organizations within Iberia Parish. We’ve served alongside many great people and have made life-long friends, friends who have made me a better person. It is with this same desire to serve that I proudly and humbly announce my candidacy for Iberia Parish Clerk of Court.”

David was sworn in as Iberia Parish Clerk of Court on Friday, May 31, 2019. Immediately, David called in independent auditors, accountants and attorneys to evaluate the state of the records and finances of the Clerk’s office. These efforts were to restore public trust in the Clerk’s office and to ensure a clean slate in moving the office forward with positive leadership and fiscal responsibility.

Having served as Chief Deputy from 2016 until being sworn in as Clerk of Court, David led efforts in updating to more technology driven and efficient processes and while managing revenue generation like a true business. Financial responsibility is and will continue to be driving force for David. “The Clerk’s office is entrusted with managing not only processes and filings for all legal aspects of Iberia Parish, but we are also our own revenue generating business. I will not only manage the finances accordingly, but I will also return money to the general fund, as it is intended to be handled” said David. Driven by David’s business experience and leadership, the self-generated revenue at the Iberia Parish Clerk’s office increased by 26% in three short years. By managing employee retention and allocation of responsibilities, payroll and insurance cost decreased by 10% from 2016 to 2018. During this period, with David’s leadership, the Clerk’s office became the only agency in Parish Government to voluntarily reduce funds received by Parish Government, increasing the Parish’s General fund. “By doing the right thing and being financially responsible, we are able to set a tone for how we do business in the Clerk’s office” said David.

In addition to financial improvements and a more conscience focus on service, David also led the efforts of bringing technology to the Clerk’s office. David initiated electronic filings of mortgage and conveyance documents, including the ability to access records and make payments online. Additionally, the Iberia Parish Clerk of Court has joined the Louisiana Clerk of Court Associations online portal which allows for statewide access to public records including land records, mortgage records, conveyance records and marriage records. Technology was also extended to the courtroom, allowing minute clerks and judges real time access to records. With forward-thinking leadership and applying for and the receiving of grants, technology is now a vital part of the Iberia Parish Clerk of Courts offices, a much needed and welcome improvement.

David is a 1995 graduate of Catholic High School (New Iberia) and a 2000 graduate of LSU where he received a degree in Business Administration / Entrepreneurship. David continued his education at LSU where he received a Masters in Business Administration and Finance in 2002. David is the owner of Home Instead Senior Care where he and Jessica provide a positive work environment for care givers who care for those in need during critical and challenging times in their lives.

David’s civic commitments include: Catholic High School Advisory Committee, Epiphany Day School Board member, past Iberia Parish council member for District 7, board member for the Iberia Republican Executive Committee, past board member for Kiwanis Club, and graduate of the Leadership Iberia class XII. David also was a recipient of the Daily Iberian’s 20 under 40. Additionally, David serves or has served in various coaching roles throughout Iberia Parish, including head coaching for Iberia Soccer Association, Evangeline Little League, Iberia Biddy Basketball and Iberia Youth Baseball Association. David is a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in New Iberia.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the hard-working staff at the Clerk’s office. We are like family and they are important to me. The positive changes we have made in a short time and their willingness to improve the Clerk’s office inspires me to stay at the Clerk’s office and win this election” David said.

David and Jessica invite all who wish to get involved and show their support to join them and their family as they host a campaign kick-off party on Thursday, June 27, 2019 from 5PM – 7PM at Antique Roseville, 2007 Freyou Rd, New Iberia, LA 70560. “Families are welcomed, drop in at your convenience. We hope to see everyone there where you will have the opportunity to hear about our campaign and sign up to volunteer” David said.

The Iberia Parish Clerk of Court position serves all of Iberia Parish. Election Day is Saturday, October 12, 2019 with early voting being from September 28, 2019 – October 5, 2019

LANDRY: Statement in Response to Judge Feldman’s Decision to Stay Coastal Permit Lawsuit Pending Defendant’s Appeal to the Fifth Circuit

New Orleans, La. (June 11, 2019) – U.S. District Court Judge Martin Feldman issued a ruling today granting a stay in one coastal permit lawsuit pending an appeal to the Fifth Circuit. Following the decision, Melissa Landry, a spokesperson representing several major oil and natural gas companies named as defendants in the suits, released the following statement:

“We applaud Judge Feldman’s decision to stay this case,” said Landry on behalf of Chevron, ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil.

“Given the large number of similar lawsuits that are also being considered, this brief stay pending appeal will help avoid simultaneous litigation being considered before multiple courts at the state and federal levels.

“This ruling also serves the interests of judicial efficiency by allowing the Fifth Circuit to address the important question of where this case should be litigated, before the case proceeds further.

“We are very pleased with this commonsense ruling, and we look forward to presenting our appeal to the Fifth Circuit.

“As we have consistently maintained from the beginning, these trial lawyer driven permit lawsuits challenge decades of federally authorized operations, which were carried out according to federal laws and regulations, and the cases should be heard in federal court.” 

LAGOP: NEW POLL: Democrat Disaster Brewing for Governor John Bel Edwards

42% of all Louisiana Democrats & 64% of Louisiana Democrats under 35 want a new Democratic candidate for Governor

(Baton Rouge, LA) – This week, We Ask America, a nationally recognized polling firm, released the fourth in a series of statewide public opinion polls from across the country. According to the findings of their poll of Louisiana Democrats conducted between June 5th and 6th, Governor Edwards has a lot of work to do to shore up his Democratic base.

The poll finds that 42% of Democrats want to see Edwards get a Democratic primary challenger in the race, a troubling number for any incumbent that rises to a shocking 64% among younger voters. Another troubling sign for Edwards in the We Ask America poll is his lack of support and enthusiasm among young voters.

In addition to 64% support for a primary challenge, just 57% of voters aged 18-35 indicate they are “Certain” to vote in October. These younger Democrats will be crucial for Edwards if he hopes to build a local campaign organization, and his path to victory gets extremely difficult if these voters do not turn out to vote.

It has been a rough few weeks for Louisiana’s Democratic Governor as he found himself in the crosshairs of several Democratic Presidential candidates and even the head of the Louisiana Democrats expressed disgust with her candidate for Governor.

With Louisiana Democratic Party leaders openly criticizing him and a plurality of Democratic voters either supportive of a primary challenge or undecided, John Bel Edwards is becoming more vulnerable by the day.

Louisiana Citizens for Job Creators: Landry Provides Solution to Obamacare Train-wreck

Photo source: Louisiana Dept. of Justice 

During the 2019 Regular Louisiana Legislative Session AG Jeff Landry partnered with legislators from both sides of the aisle to pass legislation that is being called the fix to Obamacare. The Health Care Coverage for Louisiana Families Protection Act opens up a wide range of options for healthcare and provides coverage for those with pre-existing conditions.

AG Landry's legislation is now being recognized nationally and he is leading the way in providing Congress with real solutions to our healthcare woes. He recently sat down with Brietbart to discuss this legislative win and explain how it could be a model for the entire country!

Thank you AG Landry for being a leader on healthcare and finding ways to solve the Obamacare disaster!

Read more: Landry Provides Solution to Obamacare Train-wreck

Grassley has an opportunity for bipartisan success for patients

Photo source: Wikipedia  

The Senate Finance Committee recently took the first step in ensuring greater transparency and accountability in our drug supply chain by investigating the business practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

Ranking member Sen. Ron Wyden said in his opening statement: “What PBMs do to earn all those profits is a mystery.”

Read more:  Grassley has an opportunity for bipartisan success for patients

ABRAHAM: Why Louisiana is missing out on the Trump boom

Photo source: Washington Examiner

While Trump cut taxes, Edwards raised them by $7 billion.

While Trump has unleashed our nation’s energy resources, Edwards has unleashed trial lawyers and lawsuits on Louisiana’s oil & gas industry — our top employer and taxpayer.

While Trump has cut regulations, Edwards has grown government and added regulations.

While Trump is prioritizing the needs of our families, Edwards has failed to prioritize infrastructure, early childhood education, and flood recovery.

Read more: Why Louisiana is missing out on the Trump boom

LAGOP: Attorney General Jeff Landry Leads Bipartisan Obamacare Replacement Bill Through State Legislature

Will Governor Edwards swallow his pride and sign Landry’s plan?

(Baton Rouge, LA) – Attorney General Jeff Landry and House Speaker Taylor Barras partnered with Senator Fred Mills and Representative Kirk Talbot to reach across the aisle and develop a consensus behindlegislationto protect people in Louisiana with pre-existing conditions, in case the Affordable Care Act is struck down by the courts. Working alongside Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, the legislature overwhelmingly supported this bipartisan plan to ensure the people of Louisiana will have access to affordable health insurance after Obamacare.

This bipartisan effortserves as a reminder to the people of Louisiana that our elected officials, regardless of political party, can come together in Baton Rouge and make important decisions for the betterment of the state, or at least most of our elected officials can...

Unfortunately, Governor Edwards has fought this bill at every stage of the legislative process. First, Edwards and his allies introduced a competing bill that failedin committee. Edwards thenlashed outin the media and began slandering the bipartisan plan. Unable to disrupt the momentum of the bipartisan legislation, Edwardsthrew togethera task force in anattemptto steal the headlines for himself. On the Senate floor, Edwards sent one of his allies to attack the bill with a hostile amendment. All of his efforts failed.

Back in April Governor Edwards saidthat he was looking forward to working with the Legislature to find common ground for both parties to work together. Instead he chose to sit in his mansion and attack real bipartisanship. Fortunately for Louisiana, the legislature went ahead and did the hard work, finding bipartisan ground to protect our healthcare.

Now all we need the Governor to do is stop pouting and sign the bill!

LAGOP: SHOCK POLL: Less Than Half of Democrats Are Committed to Voting for John Bel Edwards

(Baton Rouge, LA) – A new poll focused on the Louisiana Governor’s race is sending shockwaves through the campaign of Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards.

“It looks like Governor Edwards will be shifting his re-election campaign into an apology tour,” said LAGOP Communications Director Jason Harbison.

Democratic respondents were asked: “Are you definitely voting for John Bel Edwards or would you consider voting for another Democratic candidate?” Only 49% of Louisiana Democrats are definitely supporting the Governor for re-election.Almost 30% of Louisiana Democrats are shopping for a new candidate, while 15% of Democrats say they aren’t voting for a Democrat.

This is a major disaster for John Bel Edwards!

LAGOP: Pro-Gun Legislation Protecting Churches Missing Governor’s Support

(Baton Rouge, LA) – John Bel Edwards has been quick to define himself as Pro-God, Pro-life, and Pro-gun. However, one bill seems to check all these boxes, yet the Governor is sitting on the sidelines while his party leader in the Senate is lining up to kill the legislation.

In response to the growing problem of violence focused on places of worship, Rep. Beryl Amedee has proposed HB 235,which relates to justifiable use of force or violence in defense at a place of worship. This means should a member of a church security team be called into action they will be afforded the legal presumption that their use of force was necessary. This is the same protection already afforded to people in their own home.

Rep Amedee’s bill is set to be heard by the Senate Judiciary B Committee today where it will be attacked by Louisiana Democratic Chairman Karen Carter Peterson, and her gun-grabbing allies. It is unlikely the bill will survive without the support of the Governor.

“This Governor and I don’t agree on a lot, but we should agree on this bill,” said Representative Amedee. “The time to stand and fight for the Second Amendment is today in committee and I need the Governor to stand beside me.”

If our pro-God, pro-life pro-gun Governor would join Rep. Amedee for committee and stand-up for the Second Amendment, the bill would have a great chance of passing! It is not too much to ask from a Governor that postures himself as a man of dignity and character to reach across the aisle and stand for his beliefs, instead of picking and choosing battles based off political strategy and opinion polls.

Governor Edwards, will you stand for the Second Amendment and fight alongside Rep. Amedee in her pursuit to make places of worship safer across the state, or will you sit on the sidelines as an apology to your liberal party boss?
 

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LOGA and LMOGA Issue Statement On Judge’s Remand To State Court

BATON ROUGE, LA (May 28, 2019) — The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (LOGA) and the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA) issued the following statement in response to the remand motion issued today from the Eastern District of Louisiana.

“The ruling by Judge Feldman is the next step in legal proceedings that will continue for the foreseeable future,” said Gifford Briggs, President of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association. “The ruling clears the way for the appeal to the Fifth Circuit, and further supports industry’s calls for the lawsuits to be heard in Federal Court. The coastal lawsuits are putting the interests of the plaintiff lawyers over the people of Louisiana, hindering effort and resources that would actually benefit the coastline, economy, and citizens of this state.”

“Today’s ruling is another procedural step in the judicial process, which unfortunately takes time and resources away from what could be collaborative efforts working towards real solutions for our coast,” said Tyler Gray, President and General Counsel of the Louisiana Mid Continent Oil & Gas Association. “As we’ve learned from the Levee Board lawsuit and many years of litigation involving this case, the solutions to securing our coast will not be found in the courtroom. Louisiana oil and natural gas companies recognize our working coast is an invaluable cultural, economic and environmental asset. For decades our member companies have voluntarily invested millions of dollars in restoration and hurricane protection projects and spent countless hours advocating for major federal funding opportunities like GOMESA to help make our coastal communities safer and stronger. Rather than pursuing flawed and divisive legal attacks against many of our top job creators, state and local leaders should be focused on working with our industry and our Congressional delegation to ensure that Washington continues to invest in and support Louisiana’s working coast.”

About The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association

The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association was organized in 1992 to represent the independent and service sectors of the oil and gas industry in Louisiana; this representation includes exploration, production, and oilfield services. LOGA’s primary goal is to provide our industry with a working environment that will enhance the industry. LOGA services its membership by creating incentives for Louisiana’s oil & gas industry, warding off tax increases, changing existing burdensome regulations, and educating the public and government of the importance of the oil and gas industry in the state of Louisiana. Find out more information at: http://www.loga.la

About The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association

Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, founded in 1923, is a trade association exclusively representing all sectors of the oil and gas industry operating in Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico. LMOGA serves exploration and production, refining, transportation, marketing and mid-stream companies as well as other firms in the fields of law, engineering, environment, financing and government relations. LMOGA’s mission is to promote and represent the oil and gas industry operating in Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico by extending representation of our members in the Louisiana Legislature, state and federal regulatory agencies, the Louisiana congressional delegation, the media and the general public. Find out more information at: http://www.lmoga.com

LAGOP: John Bel Edwards Must Refuse Campaign Cash from Pro-Abortion Lobby

Democratic Governors Association Received Over $500,000 From Planned Parenthood Since Backing Edwards in 2015

(Baton Rouge, LA) – While Governor John Bel Edwards attempts to appeal to conservative voters in an election year by pledging to sign pro-life legislation, his campaign is receiving financial support and resources from national organizations that are funded by pro-abortion groups like Planned Parenthood.

The Democratic Governors Association (DGA), which spent millions to help elect Edwards in 2015, and already has paid staffers on the ground to help his re-election efforts, has accepted $570,780 in contributions from Planned Parenthood Action Fund from 2015-2018.

Both Planned Parenthood and the DGA are actively campaigning against pro-life legislation across the country. Earlier this month, the DGA sent out an email opening with: “Friends, abortion rights are under attack in the states,” and recently tweeted that “attacks on women’s health care prove that the threat to women’s reproductive rights is real and present,” referencing legislation similar to Louisiana’s.

Leading national Democrats, including Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Tom Perez and 2020 presidential candidate Kirsten Gillibrand, have called on the party to be “100 percent pro-choice.”

“Professional politician John Bel Edwards is trying to have it both ways. While he claims to be pro-life, his campaign machine is running on cash from groups funded by Planned Parenthood," said LAGOP Communications Director Jason Harbison. “This year, the people of Louisiana will have the opportunity to elect a strong, pro-life governor who doesn’t have to beg for money from the abortion lobby.”

Meanwhile his supporters are pointing to his record as a liberal Democrat to make the case for organizations like the DGA to keep the dollars flowing. The Huffington Post reports that “Edwards’ supporters note he’s a mainstream Democrat on economic issues,” and Gumbo PAC Director Trey Ourso argues that Edwards “has been succeeding on many issues that Democrats care about and fight for.”

It’s past time for Edwards to put his money where his mouth is and reject any support from these pro-abortion groups. Until he does, John Bel Edwards is just another Democrat that Louisiana conservatives can't afford. 

LAGOP: PRESS RELEASE: Governor John Bel Edwards Caught Meddling in LSU Athletics

Secret Text Messages and Suspicious Behavior

Governor John Bel Edwards Caught Meddling in LSU Athletics

(Baton Rouge, LA) – Yesterday, we learned that Governor John Bel Edwards was apparently very determined to obtain inside information on the playing status of one of LSU’s star basketball players, before this information was made public. The Governor sent multiple text messages to several LSU administrators, and continued to follow-up on the conversations until he received the insider information he was seeking.

Of course, this could all just be a case of Governor Edwards being a fan…except that his office and staff have treated this report so strangely, lashing out at every mention of it and fighting any further news coverage.

The Governor’s team promptly began a “definitely not hiding anything” communications strategy by refusing to comply with a simple records request for two months, delaying the production of these easily accessible and easily searchable electronic records to the media.

Next, and still definitely not hiding anything, the Governor’s office redacted certain comments from the text messages and refused to provide his text conversation with an LSU attorney.

Still definitely not hiding anything, Governor Edwards sent his top lawyer to answer questions about the matter. His attorney then stated “He (the Governor) was not trying to weigh in on whether he (the player) should or should not play. That clearly did not happen and would not have happened.”

Now the Governor’s communication staff is shouting down this article on social media and vigorously retweeting “defenders” of the Governor getting involved in this situation – DEFINITELY. NOT. HIDING. ANYTHING.

We have a few questions:

With whom did the Governor share this insider information?

Did those same individuals bet on any LSU basketball games?

What did Governor Edwards and F. King Alexander discuss on the phone?

Who asked the Governor to obtain this information?

Why did the Governor need to know this information before the public learned of it?

Why did it take two months to respond to the records request?

Why did the Governor question those specific LSU administrators?

If the Governor’s interest in this matter was only personal, why did he discuss the matter with one of LSU’s attorneys?

Further, if Governor Edwards was “asking for a journalist” why does the content of his conversation with the LSU attorney require the protection of the attorney-client privilege?

LANDRY: Statement in Response to Judge Feldman’s Ruling in Coastal Permit Lawsuits

New Orleans, La. (May 29, 2019)

Following the ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Martin Feldman regarding removal actions in the coastal permit lawsuits targeting Louisiana’s energy industry, Melissa Landry, a spokesperson for the legal teams representing several major oil and natural gas companies named as defendants in the suits, released the following statement:

“Judge Feldman's ruling addressed the complex framework of federal laws at issue in this case and he found that there could be substantial grounds for a difference of opinions in deciding these important questions,” said Landry on behalf of the legal team representing Chevron, ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil.

“We appreciate Judge Feldman’s decision to grant our motion for interlocutory appeal the issues analyzed in his ruling and we look forward to presenting our positions to the Fifth Circuit. As we’ve asserted from the beginning, these cases belong in federal court.

"The energy industry has lawfully operated in Louisiana for decades, employing thousands of Louisianans and contributing substantially to national, state and local economies. For decades, oil and gas operations have been carried out under federal supervision, and in compliance with federal laws and regulations, enacted to permit the responsible use and development of Louisiana's coastal resources while protecting the environment.

”Many of the activities at issue in this case were governed by federal permits and most of the operations took place long before the state implemented coastal management laws. The plaintiffs’ own experts acknowledged these facts.”

LOUISIANA FAMILY FORUM: Heartbeat Bill Passes!

BREAKING NEWS!

The Louisiana House of Representatives has passed the Heartbeat Bill, SB184 by Senator John Milkovich (D) Shreveport, which bans abortions in Louisiana after a medically detectable heartbeat is present. This law awaits the signature of Governor John Bel Edwards and only goes into effect once a similar Mississippi law makes its way through the court system.

Louisiana has once again demonstrated a pro-life ethic that respects women and determines to preserve and protect life.

The bill, carried by Representative Valarie Hodges surrounded by other pro-life women legislators, passed with a 79 to 23 vote.

LAGOP: Governor Edwards Flip-Flops on Support of Government Spending Cap

(Baton Rouge, LA) – In 2017, Governor Edwards surprised many of the Republicans in the legislature as his administration expressed support for a cap on government spending and limiting the amount the legislature could spend to 98% of projected revenues.

The Advocate reported on March 19, 2017, that the governor backed this 98% spending cap back when Sen. Jim Fannin (R-Jonesboro) authored it. “The governor is supportive of this idea because we want to make sure we’re good stewards of the public’s money,” said Kimberly Robinson, who heads the Revenue Department. “If we have unforeseen incidents such as hurricanes, tornadoes or floods that require state government to spend extra resources, the unspent money will be available.”

Fast forward to the present legislative session, Rep. Rick Edmonds (R-Baton Rouge) has authored a spending cap proposal that would go into effect next fiscal year and the Edwards administration suddenly opposes spending caps.

Matthew Block, speaking on behalf of the Governor, lashed out against the spending cap proposal calling the idea “intellectually dishonest” during the bill’s hearing at the Senate Finance Committee Meeting held on Tuesday. The bill, HB 147, would prevent the government from spending 2% of its total budget, amounting to $834 million over the next four fiscal years that could be put toward the rainy-day fund. The bill has passed the House and is awaiting its day on the Senate floor.

“The governor’s administration stated that they supported the idea once we got out of a budget crisis,” Edmonds said. “We have a surplus this year and there is no fiscal cliff on the horizon. What better time would there be to implement this measure?”

Abraham, Louisiana Delegation Urge USDA Help Farmers Affected by Morganza Spillway

May 29, 2019  

Press Release 

WASHINGTON - Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, and the Louisiana Congressional delegation are urging the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to be prepared to aid farmers in the wake of damages from the opening of the Morganza Spillway.
 
Abraham, who is Louisiana’s only member of a Congressional agriculture committee, led the delegation in the letter. They sent it to USDA Sec. Sonny Perdue on Friday, May 24.
 
The spillway, which is scheduled to open on June 2 for just the third time in its 46-year history, is expected to flood 25,000 acres of farmland in the Atchafalaya Basin. It could result to a total crop and aquaculture loss in the region. The letter also notes that farmers in the state are still contending with Chinese tariffs and recent severe weather.
 
“[W]e urge you to stand ready not only to provide all appropriate U.S. Department of Agriculture emergency and non-emergency resources available to those adversely impacted, but to assist eligible farmers and producers to access available aid across the federal government,” the letter said. “As you know, the impact of these repeated hits will be felt not only for the season, but for years and generations beyond.”
 
Those signing the letter along with Abraham were U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy and U.S. Reps. Steve Scalise, Cedric Richmond, Garret Graves, Clay Higgins and Mike Johnson.
 
Read the letter here.

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LOGA and LMOGA Launch Southern Energy Conference

Baton Rouge, LA – May 28, 2019 – The inaugural Southern Energy Conference will take place September 17th and 18th, 2019, in Lafayette at the DoubleTree by Hilton, presented jointly by the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association and the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association. 

The two-day event will provide attendees with:

• first-hand access to Louisiana’s gubernatorial candidates in a Gubernatorial Forum 

• critical updates on the oil and gas industry 

• CLE credits for professionals in multiple fields 

 Candidates Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham have both confirmed their attendance and Governor John Bel Edwards has been invited.  The Gubernatorial Forum will take place in the evening on Tuesday, September 17th. 

“Louisiana deserves to hear from the gubernatorial candidates about their qualifications for the state’s highest office and theirvision for Louisiana’s driving economic force, and that is unquestionably our upstream, midstream and downstream oil and gas industry,” said Gifford Briggs, President of Louisiana Oil and Gas Association. “The combined efforts of our allied organizations to bring the candidates together to present to the entire spectrum of Louisiana’s energy industry makes the firstSouthern Energy Conference this fall’s must-attend event.” 

“The partnership between LMOGA and LOGA to host the Southern Energy Conference highlights the importance of this can’t-miss industry event,” said Tyler Gray, President and General Counsel of LMOGA. “The two-day event will cover all industry sectors and priority issues impacting the oil and natural gas industry in Louisiana and in the Gulf of Mexico.”

Register and get more information at www.southernenergyconference.com. For the latest on social media follow #2019SEC.

About The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association

The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association was organized in 1992 to represent the Independent and service sectors of the oil and gas industry in Louisiana; this representation includes exploration, production and oilfield services. LOGA’s primary goal is to provide our industry with a working environment that will enhance the industry. LOGA services its membership by creating incentives for Louisiana’s oil & gas industry, warding off tax increases, changing existing burdensome regulations, and educating the public and government of the importance of the oil and gas industry in the state of Louisiana. Find out more information at: www.LOGA.la

About The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association

About LMOGA

Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, founded in 1923, is a trade association exclusively representing all sectors of the oil and gas industry operating in Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico.  LMOGA serves exploration and production, refining, transportation, marketing and mid-stream companies as well as other firms in the fields of law, engineering, environment, financing and government relations. LMOGA’s mission is to promote and represent the oil and gas industry operating in Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico by extending representation of our members in the Louisiana Legislature, state and federal regulatory agencies, the Louisiana congressional delegation, the media and the general public.