Medicare coverage of weight loss drugs could save the U.S. billions of dollars

Photo source: Stat

The latest weight loss drugs are good. Really good. They can save lives and could literally remake American health. But rather than celebrate, we’re having a political conversation that is all about price controls. Oscar Wilde’s warning is timely: Beware the fool who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.

We and several of our colleagues have studied the new weight loss drugs, known as GLP-1s, like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide), and modeled their impact. They represent huge value in treating obesity. More than 40% of adults in the U.S. have obesity; another one-third are overweight. An estimated 300,000 Americans die from obesity-related conditions each year.

Read more: Medicare coverage of weight loss drugs could save the U.S. billions of dollars

Measure in Louisiana’s regular legislative session calls for state constitutional convention

BATON ROUGE, La. (KALB) - A bill in Louisiana’s legislative session aims to begin the process of framing a new state constitution with a constitutional convention.

State Representative Beau Beaullieu’s (R-District 48) bill, House Bill 800 (HB800) would call for a limited constitutional convention. The convention would comprise of all 171 members of the legislature, as well as 27 delegates appointed by the governor. Starting on May 20th at 5:30 p.m., the convention would last roughly around eight weeks, requiring the state to end with a new constitution by July 15.

Read more: Measure in Louisiana’s regular legislative session calls for state constitutional convention

LTE: Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform Needed

Dear Editor,

Living with high blood pressure is no picnic, especially when insurance companies and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) seem to make it their jobs to make it harder for patients to access and afford the doctor-prescribed medications we need to stay healthy. It’s disappointing that Congress can’t seem to get it together to reform PBM practices that seem to only exist to boost profits while chipping away at access and driving up out-of-pocket prescription costs. 

The fact that Congress couldn’t pass much-needed, bipartisan PBM reform legislation like the Delinking Revenue from Unfair Gouging (DRUG) Act last year despite growing calls from both parties to address this issue just makes the situation all the more frustrating. PBM policies like prior authorization, step therapy, and pharmacy steering all create unnecessary obstacles that can delay or deny access to life-saving drugs and treatments for patients. 

These policies only serve to maximize PBM profits, regardless of how they might hurt patients. That is not how our healthcare system should work, and PBM policies should not put profits over patients. As a patient whose health and well-being rely on prescription drug access, I hope Senators Kennedy and Cassidy will push their colleagues—Democrat and Republican alike—to make PBM reform the priority it deserves to be in Congress. 

George Pipher
Gretna, LA

LANDRY: Anthem Skippers Should Lose Scholarships

WATCH:@JeffLandry joins @SandraSmithFox to discuss the controversy following LSU women's basketball missing the pregame national anthem, and explains what he thinks should be done about it and what the policy should be for future games. #AmericaReports pic.twitter.com/26sptpXPli

— America Reports (@AmericaRpts) April 3, 2024

Modernization of CPRA and DENR Receives Strong Support

Baton Rouge, LA- Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry today applauded Representative Bret Geymann and others for their role in developing legislation to modernize the Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) to provide for better management of the State's natural resources, in addition to offering positive changes to the make-up of the Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority Board (CPRA).

Since taking office, Governor Landry has prioritized the need to reform State government to become better at addressing the needs of Louisiana and its people by focusing on ways to streamline processes to promote responsive governance while providing significant returns to the taxpayers and the industries that call Louisiana home. In doing so, Governor Landry continues to work with DENR to identify areas where integrating best practices throughout the administration can lead to meaningful change.

After extensive discussions with DENR, Representative Geymann introduced HB 806 and HB 810 last week to begin that process. The two bills introduced by Representative Geymann will update DENR's statutory language to reflect the needs of Louisiana's growing energy industry and ensure that Louisiana maintains its role as a national leader in energy production. The bills also provide for further growth within DENR by statutorily creating or integrating the following offices under DENR:

• The Natural Resources Trust Authority (NRTA) will seek to reverse the decline in oil and gas production by establishing a finance arm for the State Mineral and Energy Board that will develop, in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Treasury and State Bond Commission, a strategic plan to identify financial challenges facing the energy industry and natural resources-related projects. The NRTA would provide guidance and oversight for managing operators in the natural resources/energy industry in creating financial instruments that provide appropriate funding for plugging and abandonment obligations for operators who are orphaned. At the same time, it would oversee funding methods for natural resources-related projects, such as those carried out by CPRA, and public-private projects in the inter-related natural resources/energy/water management spaces.

• The Office of Enforcement will handle all regulatory enforcement activities related to energy development and production, consolidating what have previously been separate efforts by various divisions within the agency. By centralizing this activity within DENR, in addition to functions such as permit review, rulemaking, and record-keeping, the enforcement function can be better focused while working closely with the regulatory/compliance side to ensure that enforcement practices remain consistent with statutory law and any regulations developed within the Secretary's office.

• The Office of Energy will provide a path forward with permitting and developing multiple energy sources. It is vital to ensure that the current functions of the State Energy Office remain closely aligned with DENR to support any activities related to deploying new technologies and practices to help the State manage the expansion of its energy portfolio. 

• The Office of Land and Water will ensure that any activities carried out related to water management are done so in a manner that recognizes the relationship between different watersheds and aquifers and encompasses the needs of all communities and stakeholders, from residential use to commercial to industrial. 

• The Office of the Oil Spill Coordinator (LOSCO) will become a part of DENR and preserve all statutory functions to ensure continuity of its function. LOSCO will maintain its role as a lead agency for the State in responding to oil spills while also providing LOSCO with representation within an agency that has a natural connection to its core function.

Following the release of HB 806 and HB 810, Governor Jeff Landry issued the following statement highlighting the incredible support these two bills have from the energy, environment, coastal, and legislative communities.

“These bills signal a new day for Louisiana—one where government is better aligned and works more efficiently and effectively for the people of Louisiana. Our oil and gas industry and our beautiful coast are what defines Louisiana, and it is important we prioritize both. These two bills will ensure both CPRA and LDENR work hand-in-hand to ultimately pave the way for a brighter future for Louisiana,” said Governor Jeff Landry.

"I am resolutely committed to advancing House Bill 806 and House Bill 810, recognizing their critical roles in addressing today’s multifaceted challenges, along with those to come, including orphaned oil and gas wells and the imperative need for recurring funding for coastal restoration projects. These bills represent a holistic approach to modernizing our department, enabling us to tackle pressing issues into the future. HB 806, through its restructuring of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board, strengthens our state's capacity to oversee and implement vital coastal protection and restoration initiatives, ensuring efficient and effective management of our coastal resources. Meanwhile, HB 810 not only promotes responsible energy production but also ensures recurring funding mechanisms for vital coastal restoration efforts, essential for protecting our state's invaluable coastal ecosystems. As we navigate impending fiscal challenges, it's imperative that we prioritize sustainable energy development and environmental conservation. These bills provide a strategic framework to address these priorities comprehensively, securing a resilient and prosperous future for Louisiana,” said LDNR Secretary Tyler Gray.

“Protecting and restoring Louisiana’s coast is top priority of this administration, and we must innovate and enhance our efforts,” said Chairman Gordon E. Dove. “CPRA is committed to the shared mission of efficiently implementing projects that preserve the rich history, vibrant culture, resilient people, and vital industries that makeup Louisiana. We look forward to continued collaboration with Governor Landry and our partner agencies.”

“Bold and swift action is paramount to addressing Louisiana’s rapidly deteriorating coast,” said CPRA Executive Director Glenn Ledet, Jr. “We are eager to work toward solutions that streamline processes and drive progress, securing the future of our coastal state and the people who live, work, and recreate here.”

“I am encouraged by the introduction of these bills, which signifies a significant stride towards modernizing the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources. This legislation not only underscores our commitment to fostering responsible production of energy resources but also addresses the need for streamlining regulations, compliance, and permitting and modernize our office to the evolving energy landscape. By embracing innovation and efficiency, HB 810 will enable our department to effectively navigate the complexities of modern energy development while ensuring regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship. I am confident that this bill will propel our department into the future, facilitating economic growth in the energy sector,” said Commissioner of Conservation Ben Bienvenu.

“This alignment will enhance our government’s efficiency and will integrate government functions to better capitalize on opportunities. We are excited to be a part of this effort,” said Taylor Barras Commissioner of Administration.

“I am happy to see our government working together to better align and coordinate these agencies. I look forward to the continued collaboration between our agency and the Governor’s office to ensure Louisiana has a bright future,” said Colonel Robert P. Hodges.

“We are looking forward to coordinating with DENR on energy related land and water bottom matters,” said Cheston S. Hill Public Lands Administrator.
"As Louisiana Speaker of the House, I recognize our state's deep-rooted connection to the Mississippi River and the pivotal role of the energy industry in shaping our identity. I am eager to witness a new era of innovation and progress in energy development that not only enhances our economy but also promotes environmental sustainability, paving the way for a brighter future for all Louisianans,” said Speaker Phillip DeVillier.

 "CPRA’s remarkable journey from infancy to adulthood exemplifies its unparalleled capacity for adaptation and growth. Witnessing its evolution, from conceptualization to tangible action, fills me with immense pride. As a participant in this transformative journey, I eagerly anticipate the continued progress and the invaluable contributions it will make to safeguarding our coastal communities and ecosystems for generations to come,” said Senator Bob Hensgens.

“As the sponsor of these bills, I am deeply invested in the comprehensive impact these pieces of legislation will have on Louisiana's energy and environmental landscape. Together, these bills are designed to promote regulatory efficiency, streamlining processes to foster innovation and investment in critical energy projects while maintaining environmental standards to promote greater stewardship of our coastal resources. By strategically navigating the delicate balance between economic prosperity and environmental conservation, we will continue guiding responsible resource extraction practices to safeguard our natural heritage. These bills reflect our commitment to fostering a robust energy sector while ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of Louisiana's ecosystems for future generations,” said Representative Bret Geymann.

“We are excited to be part of an effort aimed at improving coordination and efficiencies on energy and natural resource matters in Louisiana,” said the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinators Office.

Louisiana Freedom Caucus: Respect for American Flag Fundamental To Survival in Freedom

The Louisiana Freedom Caucus joins Governor Jeff Landry in urging all college boards, including Regents, to put into place a policy that would require student athletes be present for the National Anthem played at their venues before a game or risk their athletic scholarships. Respect for the American flag and the people who have fought and died to preserve our freedoms is fundamental to the survival of America in freedom.

Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans Task Force Report to Governor Jeff Landry

Attached is the final report from the Sewerage and Water Board Task Force to Governor Jeff Landry.

Read the report here.

Kennedy, Republican colleagues call out Democrats’ political meddling in oil and gas mergers

“We respectfully request that the FTC conduct a fair and unbiased review of these mergers that is rooted in the facts, economic realities, and precedent. The oil and gas industry (like any other industry) should not be subject to unfair investigations or heightened antitrust scrutiny in order to further a political agenda that seeks the end of fossil fuel production.”

MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and 34 other Republican colleagues in calling on Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairwoman Lina Khan to conduct a fair and unbiased review of recently announced oil and gas mergers.

On Nov. 1, 2023, Senate Democrats requested that the FTC investigate major energy acquisitions while citing misleading and false allegations, including that companies are discrediting “climate science” through oil and gas production. In their letter, Republicans explain that conducting an investigation based on Democrats’ unfounded claims would be an FTC overreach, but demand that any such investigation must be unbiased.

“We write to urge the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to follow the law and the facts in its review of the recently announced oil and gas industry mergers. As is the case with any merger review, including those in the industrial sector, mergers must be assessed under a fair and unbiased standard grounded in sound economics and law that protects American consumers, and does not impose policy preferences to further political ends,” the senators wrote.

“Unfortunately, some of our Democratic colleagues do not want you to apply relevant facts or antitrust precedent fairly to these mergers, as demonstrated through their letter. Their letter makes specious and speculative claims about what these mergers would allegedly portend for ‘climate science’ and ‘climate legislation,’ among other things. . . . Incredibly, the letter also asked the FTC to simply ignore the parties’ plan to produce an additional one billion barrels of oil over the life of the assets beyond what could be achieved if the parties acted separately. In other words, the letter deliberately ignored evidence of what would be a clear benefit to consumers, workers, and our nation’s energy security: greater production,” they continued.

“We respectfully request that the FTC conduct a fair and unbiased review of these mergers that is rooted in the facts, economic realities, and precedent. The oil and gas industry (like any other industry) should not be subject to unfair investigations or heightened antitrust scrutiny in order to further a political agenda that seeks the end of fossil fuel production,” the senators concluded.

Full text of the letter is available here.  

Beaullieu and Landry: Prime the Pump of Louisiana Oil and Gas

❤️ Lots of people talk about "creating jobs" - but here are two legislators who are actually doing it! Beau Beaullieu, and Jacob Landry have authored two bills (HB259 & HB 418) to prime the pump of Louisiana's oil and gas industry. pic.twitter.com/0FEydioLiQ

— Citizens for a New Louisiana (@newlouisiana) March 27, 2024

Kennedy: Laken Riley Act would help stem chaos at border

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today joined Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and colleagues in hosting a press conference on the Laken Riley Act, which Kennedy helped introduce in the Senate.  

The Laken Riley Act would require the Biden administration’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain illegal immigrants who commit theft, burglary, larceny or shoplifting offenses until they are removed from the country.  

Illegal aliens have victimized people in Louisiana. Last month, law enforcement in Louisiana arrested an illegal immigrant for allegedly stabbing a man while robbing him and for raping a 14-year-old girl. Kennedy called on President Biden to “stop putting out a welcome mat for criminal aliens who sneak into America and victimize innocent people.”

Kennedy’s key remarks are below.

“In opening up the southern border—and that’s clearly what President Biden and the Democrat Party [have] done—he and they have clearly summoned spirits that they can’t control.”

. . .

“Many, many members of the Democratic Party believe that vetting people at the southern border is racist. Most Americans don't agree with that. They think it's prudent.”

. . .

“The [Laken] Riley Act is yet one more attempt by the Republican Party to try to stem the chaos at the border, and—make no mistake—the border is chaotic by design. 

“The Democratic Party, led by President Biden, now clearly believes in no distinction between legal and illegal immigration. If—according to the Biden administration—if you are a Nigerian doctor or a German engineer and you want to come to the United States legally and you filled out all the forms and you've undergone the vetting and you're waiting patiently in line, you're a chump. You're a chump because this administration believes there should be no distinction between legal and illegal immigration.

“There’s another provision in the [Laken] Riley Act that you should pay very close attention to because it would be far reaching, and that is this [bill] would create a cause of action for a state—probably through its attorney general—that can prove damage to sue federal officials who do not enforce America's immigration laws.”

Background:

• In February, Kennedy demanded answers from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about why Riley’s suspected murderer, José Ibarra, was paroled into the U.S. 

• Earlier this month, Kennedy called for the Senate take up impeachment charges against Mayorkas. The House of Representatives charged Mayorkas for his failure to make case-by-case parole determinations for illegal immigrants.  

• In Nov. 2023, Kennedy helped introduce the Southern Border Transparency Act, which would require the DHS to disclose its catch-and-release data, including the number of migrants that the Biden administration has paroled into the country.

Watch Kennedy’s full remarks here.

Governor Landry Creates Office of the State Public Defender

Announces Appointments to the Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Board

Baton Rouge, LA – After signing the bill to create the office of the State Public Defender, Governor Jeff Landry announced his selection to serve as the State Public Defender as well as his appointments to the Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Board.

State Public Defender:

Rémy V. Starns

Public Defender Appointments:

Hon. Paul J. deMahy  

Hon. Phyllis M. Keaty  

Hon. Freddie Pitcher Jr.

Peter M. Thomson  

Higgins Provides Update on Social Security Fairness Act

WATCH: 'Not a gun expert': Biden pick self-destructs when asked to define 'assault weapon'

United States District Judge Nancy Maldonado of the Northern District of Illinois struggled to respond when asked by Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana to define the term “assault weapons” during a Wednesday confirmation hearing.

Read more: WATCH: 'Not a gun expert': Biden pick self-destructs when asked to define 'assault weapon'

WATCH:@SenJohnKennedy: “You said, ‘assault weapons may be banned because they’re extraordinarily dangerous and are not appropriate for legitimate self-defense purposes.’ Tell me what you meant by assault weapons?”

Biden’s Seventh Circuit judge nominee Nancy Maldonado: “I’m not… pic.twitter.com/1ctY2E64IO

— Carrie Severino (@JCNSeverino) March 20, 2024

Kennedy in Daily Advertiser: Congress must support parents who protect children from irreversible gender procedures ­

“We shouldn’t, however, allow children to go through irreversible physical changes to address what, statistically, is likely a temporary season of confusion or anxiety.” 

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) penned this op-ed in the Daily Advertiser detailing how activists have pressured parents to allow their children to undergo irreversible gender procedures. Kennedy commended the Louisiana legislature for outlawing the use of these extreme procedures on minors and urged Congress to do more to support parents who wish to protect their children from these harmful treatments.  

This piece also appeared in the Shreveport Times, Houma Today, The Daily Comet, The Town Talk, The News-Star, The Weekly Citizen and Daily World.

Key excerpts of the op-ed are below:

“Those who advocate for minors to be able to change genders believe powerful medications and surgery are the only way to help gender dysphoric children. Most parents in Louisiana, however, believe that irreversible medical procedures could harm these children in the future if they change their minds about changing their sex.”

. . .

“It’s tough to be a kid, and there are many reasons children might question who they are and who they want to be. School is challenging, bullies are mean, and puberty is awkward for most boys and girls.

“We shouldn’t, however, allow children to go through irreversible physical changes to address what, statistically, is likely a temporary season of confusion or anxiety. The Louisiana state legislature was wise to pass a bipartisan bill, H.B. 648, which outlawed these irreversible treatments on Louisiana’s children until they are of the majority age.”

. . .

“In some states, parents can lose custody of their children for refusing to affirm the child’s stated gender preference. Other states allow minors to access puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones without parental consent. Parents shouldn’t be punished for choosing to protect their children from extremists.

“That’s why I’m cosponsoring the Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act, a bill that would help parents fight back if they are attacked for opposing the transgender agenda. Supporting parents who want to protect their children and help them make the right decision if they are gender confused is the safest, strongest way to lift up our kids and foster healthy families.

“There are too many stories of minors who end up regretting taking puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones or undergoing sex-change surgery, and I fear that many more stories are going to come to light. I’m going to do all I can to allow kids to be kids until they are old enough to decide for themselves.”

Background:

• The population of transgender children in the United States nearly doubled between 2017 and 2020. In Louisiana, 13-to-17-year-olds are nearly three times more likely to say they identify as transgender than adults aged 25 to 64.

• Most young children outgrow their gender dysphoria. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, roughly 85% of children diagnosed with gender dysphoria at a young age did not remain dysphoric after adolescence.

• Many gender-confused children also suffer from mental health issues. Children who identify as transgender are up to 13 times more likely to have ADHD, depression or anxiety than non-transgender children. A study out of the United Kingdom found that 35% of the children who received gender treatment had moderate or severe autism.

• Still, many activists encourage parents to “affirm” their children’s gender dysphoria no matter how young their children may be. Activists also encourage parents to allow their children to receive “gender-affirming care,” including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgeries. These drugs and surgeries can inflict irreparable harm on children.

• Puberty blockers are hormone-based injections or implants given to children as young as 8 years old to delay the onset of puberty. Gonadotropin, the hormone used in puberty blockers, is the same hormone used to chemically castrate sex offenders. It can leave children with diminished bone density and harm their future fertility.

• Cross-sex hormones begin to transition children to appear more like the other gender. Boys take estrogen, which can cause infertility, blood clots and heart problems. Girls take testosterone, which can also cause infertility, male-pattern baldness and high blood pressure. Adults have given cross-sex hormones to children as young as 13 years old.

• Sex-reassignment surgeries, including mastectomies, phalloplasty and vaginoplasty, are largely irreversible. They can result in infertility and loss of sexual function. Activists have advocated for 15-year-old girls to access double mastectomies and 17-year-old boys to receive vaginoplasties.

• Activists claim that “gender reaffirming care” improves the mental health of children with gender confusion. However, a study in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that there is no significant reduction in mental health issues following hormone treatments or sex-reassignment surgeries.

• American parents have struggled to protect their children from these radical procedures. Parents in some states can lose custody of their children for refusing to abide by the transgender ideology. In Oregon, children as young as 15 years old can receive Medicaid-funded hormone treatments without their parents’ consent.

• Kennedy is a co-sponsor of the Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act, a bill that would help parents defend themselves when radical bureaucrats attack them for refusing to comply with the transgender agenda. 

Read Kennedy’s full op-ed here. Read more about the Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act here.

Kennedy, Britt introduce Laken Riley Act to require Biden admin’s ICE to detain criminal aliens before they commit more crime

“President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas may be determined to let dangerous lawbreakers come here illegally and roam our communities, but Congress isn’t. The Laken Riley Act would get criminal aliens out of our country before they further victimize innocent Americans.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today joined Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) in introducing the Laken Riley Act to require the Biden administration’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal immigrants who commit theft, burglary, larceny or shoplifting offenses.

“There’s no reason that Laken Riley’s accused murderer was allowed to walk free after officials arrested him for other crimes. President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas may be determined to let dangerous lawbreakers come here illegally and roam our communities, but Congress isn’t. The Laken Riley Act would get criminal aliens out of our country before they further victimize innocent Americans,” said Kennedy.

The Laken Riley Act is named after a 22-year-old nursing student whom an illegal immigrant allegedly murdered. Prior to Riley’s murder, the suspect had been arrested for shoplifting, but ICE did not detain him. The legislation would require ICE to detain illegal immigrants who commit theft or similar offenses until they are removed from the country.

The Laken Riley Act would also ensure that states have standing to bring civil actions against federal officials who do not enforce immigration law or who violate the law.

The legislation is a companion bill to the House of Representative’s H.R. 7511, which passed last week in a bipartisan vote of 251-170.

“Make no mistake—Laken Riley’s heartbreaking murder was a direct, preventable consequence of willful open border policies by President Biden and his administration. This commonsense legislation would ensure ICE detains and deports criminal illegal aliens, so more innocent American families do not have to face this kind of unimaginable tragedy. I am grateful for Representative Collins’ strong leadership and for Senator Budd’s partnership in introducing this Senate companion bill. Senator Schumer should bring this bill to the Senate floor immediately,” said Britt.

Background:

• In February, Kennedy demanded answers from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about why Riley’s suspected murderer was paroled into the U.S.

• Earlier this month, Kennedy called for the Senate take up impeachment charges against Mayorkas. The House of Representatives charged Mayorkas for his failure to make case-by-case parole determinations for illegal immigrants. 

• In Nov. 2023, Kennedy helped introduce the Southern Border Transparency Act, which would require the DHS to disclose catch-and-release data, including the number of migrants that the Biden administration has paroled into the country.

Full text of the Laken Riley Act is available here.

OPINION: Protect Louisiana Small Business Owners and Consumers

The current economic climate has forced Americans to pinch pennies any way they can. One of the most common ways individuals save money, but also make responsible investments, is building credit. Researching which credit card is right for you is a vital component in ensuring you’re making the smartest financial decisions. One of the greatest perks consumers look for in a credit card is the perks and rewards associated. 

The Credit Card Competition Act is an ongoing debate in Congress. This legislation seeks to expand on an existing credit card policy that provided large retailers with a shocking profit increase. On the surface, more competition sounds like a great idea - but not at the expense of small business owners and consumers. Essentially, banks will be mandated to offer retailers two unaffiliated networks to process credit card transactions.  

Those in support of the Credit Card Competition Act claim this will lower credit card fees. In theory, of course, that sounds like a great idea. However, the actual repercussions of this legislation are costly.  If passed, these regulations will limit the ability of credit card companies to generate revenue- forcing them to find compensation elsewhere like raising fees and interest rates. Higher costs will drive consumers away from the businesses that have unfortunately been left with no choice. 

Leaders in Washington should be doing everything in their power to protect the small business owners - the backbone of our economy. My daughter and son-in-law’s family own a convenience store and have experienced firsthand how tough today’s economic conditions have impacted small businesses. Credit cards offer small businesses, like theirs, flexibility in their expenses and purchasing. Stricter regulations will limit the types of credit cards that small businesses, such as theirs, can accept, which will drive consumers away and towards big box retailers, such as Walmart and Target, who can withstand such drastic changes.  

The effects of the Credit Card Competition Act will negatively impact small businesses in Louisiana, such as our family’s, for many years to come. I urge US Senator John Kennedy and US Senator Bill Cassidy to protect Louisiana’s small businesses and consumers. 

Quin Bates
Marrero, LA

Badon switches political parties

Photo source: Facebook

Former New Orleans Representative Austin Badon, who’s been appointed by Governor Jeff Landry to serve as Assistant to the Commissioner of the Office of Motor Vehicles, switched political parties and said he’s one the state’s newest Black Republicans. When asked if Landry asked him to join the GOP…

“I’m a big boy, I can make my own decisions and I don’t need any influence from anybody else and he had no influence on me at all,” said Bandon.

But Badon said he did text Landry and let me know that he’d changed parties last week.

The driving factor to why he chose to leave the Democratic Party, Badon said, was the immigration issue at the Texas border.

“This whole migrant situation was basically driving me and it’s something that has been on my mind for many years,” said Badon.

Read more: Badon switches political parties

Kennedy: Senate must hold Mayorkas impeachment trial

“If the Senate dismisses these charges without a trial, as if it's just a parking ticket being fixed by some politician, it will be the first time—the very first time—in the Senate's long history that it has dismissed impeachment charges against an official it has jurisdiction over, without that official first resigning.”

WASHINGTON — Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today explained on the Senate floor that it would be unprecedented for the Senate to dismiss the impeachment charges the House has leveled against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas without holding a full, fair trial.

Key excerpts from Kennedy’s speech are below:

“In its first article of impeachment, the House alleges that Secretary Mayorkas has, quote, ‘willfully and systematically refused to comply with federal immigration law.’ The House says that Secretary Mayorkas has refused to detain some illegal Immigrants, as the law requires him to do, and has instead embraced his own catch-and-release scheme in which he has released huge numbers—I think any fair-minded American would call 8.6 million people huge—huge numbers of illegal immigrants into the United States.

“The House says that Secretary Mayorkas has refused to follow unambiguous and clear federal laws that require him to detain illegal immigrants who are subject to deportation for engaging in criminal or terrorism-related behavior. The House says that Secretary Mayorkas has failed to make case-by-case parole determinations, which the law clearly requires—clearly—and, instead, he has—on his own—he has paroled millions of people illegally into the United States en masse.

“In its second article of impeachment, the House alleges that Secretary Mayorkas has breached the public’s trust in two respects: by knowingly making false statements to Congress that the border is, quote, ‘secure,’ and that the Department of Homeland Security has, quote, ‘operational control’ of the border, and by failing to comply with subpoenas issued by congressional committees seeking to exercise oversight over DHS activities.”

. . .

“Any fair-minded person can see that these are serious charges, and they demand a full trial.”

. . .

“The Senate must let the House present its case, and then we must do our job and give that case careful consideration.

“If the Senate dismisses these charges without a trial, as if it’s just a parking ticket being fixed by some politician, it will be the first time—the very first time—in the Senate's long history that it has dismissed impeachment charges against an official it has jurisdiction over without that official first resigning.”

. . .

“The United States Senate cannot and should not turn a deaf ear to the democratically elected members of the United States House of Representatives by dismissing their charges against Secretary Mayorkas without a full and fair trial.

“Precedent demands a trial. . . . Respect for the House of Representatives demands a trial. . . . Respect for the law, Mr. President, demands a trial . . . and the American people demand a trial, and they deserve it. The United States Senate should do its job.”

View Kennedy’s full speech here.

Governor Landry Holds Signing Ceremony for Bills Passed During His Special Session on Crime

Baton Rouge, LA- Today, Governor Jeff Landry signed 11 bills that were sent to his desk by the Legislature during the Special Session on crime. This special session has been Governor Landry’s top priority since day one. The bills signed today are listed below.

SB 9: Preserving Prosecutions for Rape

HB 3: Expanding Access to Drug Courts

HB 6: Justice for Victims 

HB 9: Probation and Parole Violations

HB 10: Truth in Sentencing 

HB 11: Offender Rehabilitation 

SB 1: Constitutional Carry

SB 2: Concealed Carry Permit Immunity 

SB 7: DUI Penalties

HB 4: Post Conviction Reform 

SB 5: Pardon and Parole Reform

“Today, we made good on our promise to deliver sweeping reforms to our criminal justice system. Reforms that put the interests of victims before the interests of criminals. Reforms that uplift and support our police officers. Reforms that deliver true justice to the victims of crime. Reforms that make our streets and communities safer for all. I am proud of the work we have accomplished, and I am thankful to the victims of crime, the legislature, and all those involved in this special session. This is just the beginning of our work for a safer Louisiana,” said Governor Jeff Landry.

LANDRY: Crime Special Session is a Success

Louisiana will put the safety of our citizens and the victims of crime first, before the criminals!

Last year I promised the people of this state, if elected Governor, I would do everything within my power to improve the safety of our communities through legislative and executive action.

I can proudly say we have kept that promise. 

Victims finally have a voice and will receive the justice our state promised them a long time ago; our law enforcement officers will be supported, and there will be truth and transparency in our criminal justice system. 

The good citizens of Louisiana who work hard and play by the rules will be able to pump their gas without fear. 

I appreciate the Legislators who worked hard to pass these bills, as well as the victims of crime who had the courage to share their stories. 

Governor Jeff Landry