Historic Louisiana Gator Scholarship Bill Heads to Governor’s Desk

Baton Rouge, LA- Today, Senate Bill 313 which creates the Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) program passed the legislature and now heads to Governor Landry’s desk. It begins the phase-in of Education Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) for K-12 schools by the year 2025. ESAs empower parents and students across our state to choose a learning environment that best fits their family’s needs and aligns with their values.

“I made a pledge to enact bold change that improves our education system. Today, with the legislature’s help, we did just that. The LA Gator Program puts parents in the driver’s seat and gives every child the opportunity for a great education. When parents are committed to the value of their child’s education, government should never get in the way,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “Thank you to Senator Rick Edmonds and Representative Julie Emerson for your hard work and perseverance in passing this historic legislation. School choice is now a reality in the state of Louisiana!”

“Very few things equal the lightbulb coming on in the eyes of a child, or the smile of a parent over the success of their children. The Gator Scholarship Program checks both boxes,” said Senator Rick Edmonds.

“This bill will give parents even more freedom in how their children are educated. Each child is unique and learns differently, and our LA GATOR scholarship will allow the money to truly follow the students to the educational environments that best fit their needs. It’s a great day for parental rights and freedom in Louisiana,” said Representative Julie Emerson.

LA FREEDOM CAUCUS CONDEMNS BIGOTED SENATE AND HOUSE RESOLUTIONS

BATON ROUGE—U.S. Congressman Clay Higgins joins the Louisiana Freedom Caucus standing in opposition to SR152 (and its HR323 mini-me in the House), an ill-informed, bigoted attempt to smear Louisiana School Superintendent Cade Brumley and Prager University, a 501(C)(3) non-profit educational organization, founded by Dennis Prager, one of the most preeminent Jewish voices in America today.

“The audacity and sheer ignorance of this attempt by our Democrat colleagues to smear one of the leading Jewish voices in America as antisemitic is a testament to the Democratic Party’s shoot, ready, aim method of operation that has left them on life support in Louisiana,” said Beryl Amedee, Chairman of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “Prager University is renowned for teaching American exceptionalism, and our imperfect founding, yet they also teach that our American ideals and values are superior to those who wish to enslave America to communism. We at the Louisiana Freedom Caucus welcome the balance that the PragerU/LDOE partnership brings to school curriculum to counter the hate-America agenda of the Left that is rampant in our country today.”

"Senator Fields should respect the people of Louisiana enough to research actual facts before he orchestrates the introduction of a Resolution that somebody else wrote. He's way out of his depth here. PragerU is deeply committed to Constitutionalist principles. Cleo Fields apparently opposes those principles," said Rep. Clay Higgins, member of the House Freedom Caucus.

Richard Burr: Insurance coverage for obesity allows patients to benefit from science

We are living in a time of tremendous health care innovation - from the use of generative AI to precision medicine. Treatments are being developed that meaningfully change the trajectory of life-altering or threatening diseases, including curative gene therapies.

But science only goes so far. Policymakers, governments and health insurance companies should keep pace with scientific advancement so Americans can afford these innovative treatments as they become available.
Read more: Richard Burr: Insurance coverage for obesity allows patients to benefit from science

Senator Carter and Louisiana Democrats believe standing for the flag is against American values.

Standing for the Flag is Un-American!? from Nick Strong on Vimeo.

Senator Carter and Louisiana Democrats believe standing for the flag is against American values. He said as much in today's Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing.

BILLS CREATE TWO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN LAFAYETTE

BATON ROUGE, La. – State Senator Gerald Boudreaux’s bills creating two economic development districts in Lafayette gained final passage today and now head to the Governor’s Office for his signature.  Senate Bills 480 and 481 allow the Lafayette Economic Development Authority and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to attract new businesses and create jobs within the newly established taxing districts.

SB 480 repeals the North Lafayette Redevelopment Authority encompassing those duties and powers within the work of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) so it can move forward with an action plan to revitalize distressed areas of the parish. Senator Boudreaux testified that this bill gives LEDA the ability to leverage proven economic and community development strategies to help citizens understand how to redevelop neighborhoods while also supporting small/minority businesses. 

“This legislation effectively re-energizes several efforts to improve north Lafayette and encourages all stakeholders to work collaboratively in making progress quickly towards our collective goals,” said Senator Boudreaux. 

Additionally, SB 481 enables the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to foster economic development on its university owned property.  The campus envisions the possibility of adding an additional hotel as well as a performing arts center as a result of this legislation.  Supporters of the action say it could also create a wide range of community amenities and allows the university to make infrastructure improvements to assets of the college.  Similar legislation was passed for Louisiana State University and Southern University in 2023.

“At the end of the day, the university will now be able to leverage its taxes to responsibly develop its properties in service to the entire Lafayette community,” said Boudreaux.  “Supporting UL-Lafayette grows one of our most cherished institutions and makes our city a great place to live and work,”

The 2024 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature began on March 11, 2024 and must adjourn no later than 6:00 pm on Monday, June 3rd.  For more information on legislation being considered during the session, go to www.legis.la.gov.  

Kennedy introduces bill to expand opportunities for Louisiana’s small businesses to win government contracts

“The DOE and SBA Research Act would help ensure the government is doing all that it can to expand contract opportunities to Louisiana and America’s best job providers—small businesses. The Senate should send this common-sense bill to the president’s desk quickly.” 

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Small Business Committee, today introduced the DOE and SBA Research Act to require the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to collaborate on ways to create more opportunities for small businesses to win government contracts.

The House of Representatives has passed the companion bill, which Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) and Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) co-led.

“The DOE and SBA Research Act would help ensure the government is doing all that it can to expand contract opportunities to Louisiana and America’s best job providers—small businesses. The Senate should send this common-sense bill to the president’s desk quickly,” said Kennedy.

The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program helps ensure that small businesses get the training they need to better access government contracting opportunities.

Specifically, the DOE and SBA Research Act would require the DOE and SBA to submit a report to Congress describing the coordination efforts, potential opportunities to expand technical capabilities and collaborative research achievements made to further small business opportunity in the federal marketplace.

Full text of the bill is available here.

LAGOP Endorses Incumbent Republican Members of Congress

BATON ROUGE, LA— The Executive Committee of the Republican Party of Louisiana has voted unanimously to endorse all of Louisiana's incumbent Republican members of Congress for re-election in their existing congressional districts:

• Steve Scalise CD 1 

• Clay Higgins CD 3

• Mike Johnson CD 4

• Julia Letlow CD 5

• Garret Graves CD 6

"As we’ve seen over the last two years, every single vote in the U.S. House of Representatives is critical to holding the majority and passing our conservative agenda," Republican Party of Louisiana Chairman Derek Babcock said. "We know that losing just one seat in Louisiana this fall could make the difference between keeping Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House and Steve Scalise as Majority Leader or having to hand over power to Hakeem Jefferies and the Democrats in January," he said.

"With so much at stake for both our state and nation on the ballot this year, the Republican Party of Louisiana is uniting behind our incumbents in Congress and working to ensure that we send all of them back to Washington,” Babcock said.

Leading from the front: Louisiana’s opportunity on carbon capture technology

Louisiana has a proud history of being the standard bearer for American energy. And the global shift toward low-carbon energy practices presents a colossal opportunity for our state – and more specifically, CENLA. Central to this transformation is the advancement of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology, a critical solution in the battle against climate change and a significant driver for economic growth. 

While our neighbors in Texas and Mississippi are rapidly advancing in this arena, it is imperative that Louisiana not only keeps pace with these states, but avoids unnecessary roadblocks, to ensure we remain an energy leader and don’t lose out on the billions in investments being committed across the region today. 

Read more: Leading from the front: Louisiana’s opportunity on carbon capture technology

OPINION: Congress Should Work with FDA on Smoke-Free Alternatives

Though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating tobacco products, the agency is floundering when it comes to building a larger market of smoke-free alternatives. As a former smoker, I believe it’s time for Congress to step in and ensure the FDA is fulfilling its mission to support the “development of innovative tobacco products that may be less dangerous than cigarettes.”

Despite a federal law that mandates the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) to review and decide on pre-market tobacco product applications (PMTAs) within 180 days, this process can take years. Since 2009, the CTP has authorized fewer than 50 applications out of the 26 million it has received. In the meantime, thousands of lives are being lost as innovative, smoke-free products continue to get stuck in this regulatory quagmire.

The FDA and CTP both need to establish a more predictable and transparent regulatory process to support the advancement of less harmful tobacco alternatives. Many companies are investing millions of dollars into their products and the FDA’s regulatory process, only to be left in the dark about if or when any of these innovative products will get authorized. All this does is hamper innovation and slow the introduction of smoke-free alternatives that promote public health.

Congress should work with the FDA to update the agency’s internal processes to expedite the introduction of new, smoke-free alternatives—and Senator Cassidy and Rep. Letlow should help lead the charge.

Don Willard
Concordia Parish

Governor Landry Declares State of Emergency Following Deadly Storms

Baton Rouge, LA- Governor Jeff Landry signed a State of Emergency Declaration for the severe storms and tornadoes which took place May 14-17 across the state. This declaration will permit state resources to assist in the recovery process for affected parishes. Emergency declaration attached.

“Today, we issued a State of Emergency to ensure those parishes affected most by the deadly storms are able to get the help they need for a full recovery. We continue to remain in contact with local officials and will do all we can to deploy the necessary assistance and resources,” said Governor Jeff Landry.

The State of Emergency can be found here.

Kennedy, Cassidy demand Biden admin withdraw rule that would transfer $147 billion in student debt to Louisiana taxpayers

“. . . taxpayers are being forced to take on the debt of nearly 28 million borrowers.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) joined Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) and colleagues in urging the Biden administration’s Department of Education (DOE) to withdraw its proposed rule that would transfer an additional $147 billion in student loan debt to American taxpayers. If implemented, the rule would bring the total debt transferred to Americans to as much as $1 trillion. 

In April, the DOE published its proposed rule, which would amend regulations in the Higher Education Act of 1965 to waive student loan debt for tens of millions of borrowers.

“The Biden administration describes this regulation as ‘targeted relief,’ yet the Department’s own estimates show the opposite. This is even broader than the Department’s first attempt: at an estimated price tag of $147 billion, taxpayers are being forced to take on the debt of nearly 28 million borrowers,” the lawmakers wrote.

“In addition to the fiscally irresponsible nature of this backdoor attempt to enact ‘free’ college, the administration continues to use borrowers as political pawns knowing full well these proposed actions are illegal. The Supreme Court [made] it abundantly clear that there is zero authority to write-off federal student loans en masse last June when the Department’s ‘Plan A’ was ruled unconstitutional,” they continued.

The lawmakers also raised concerns because the Biden administration dedicated resources to drafting a “Plan B” to cancel student loans for Americans who already attended college after “Plan A” failed in the Supreme Court, but it did not make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available to prospective college students.

“Failure to make the FAFSA available to these prospective students on time will have life-long consequences for many young Americans. We already know, as of March 29, FAFSA completion for seniors in high school is down by 40 percent. Those who do not file will likely not attend college next year and maybe never will,” they wrote.

The lawmakers concluded by urging the Biden administration to work with Congress to solve the higher education financing crisis.

Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) also signed the letter along with more than 90 members of the House of Representatives.

Full text of the letter is available here.

Kennedy asks FDIC Chair Gruenberg to apologize to employees: “Now I think you ought to resign”

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today asked Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chair Martin Gruenberg if he would like to apologize to his employees for the well-documented harassment and bullying that they endured under his leadership.

Kennedy also called on Gruenberg to resign so that a more qualified leader could step in to improve the culture at the FDIC.

“You ought to be ashamed of yourself. . . . I'm embarrassed to have to even read some of these allegations,” Kennedy said.

“These folks on the first row behind you—are they FDIC employees? Would you like to turn around and apologize to the female employees sitting behind you at the FDIC?” Kennedy asked.

Gruenberg then turned and issued a short apology to FDIC employees, after which Kennedy added, “And now I think you ought to resign.”

Background

• The FDIC recently published a report detailing the toxic culture that has unfolded at the agency under Chairman Gruenberg’s watch.

• More than 500 of the FDIC’s 6,000 employees reported instances of sexual harassment, racial or gender discrimination, verbal abuse or other inappropriate behavior.

• Several employees accused Gruenberg of threatening and verbally abusive conduct. Employees reported that Gruenberg has an explosive temper and often berated employees, including one instance where he threw the staff’s papers against the wall. One employee said, “In my entire career of 35 years, I’ve never had anybody treat me like that.”

• Gruenberg has been on the FDIC’s Board of Directors since August 2005. During that time, at least 92 employees reported instances of harassment or discrimination to the agency. Investigators found that the FDIC did not fire, demote or cut the pay of a single alleged harasser while Gruenberg was on the FDIC’s board.

• In 2021, President Joe Biden vowed to fire any appointee who disrespected his or her staff “on the spot.” The president also said he expects each appointee to similarly fire employees who disrespect their colleagues. Biden has not yet asked for Gruenberg’s resignation.

• Kennedy first called for Gruenberg’s resignation last year when revelations of his inappropriate conduct at the FDIC broke. He penned this op-ed in The Hill urging Gruenberg to resign so a new leader could address the culture problems within the agency.

Watch Kennedy’s full exchange with Gruenberg here.

HEALTH FREEDOM LOUISIANA: Now That Louisiana Has Acted Decisively Against the World Health Organization, Our Congressional Delegates Must Act!

Finally! 

What began over a year ago, finally came to fruition on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, when the Louisiana House of Representatives voted 69-22 to restrict the authority of the World Health Organization, along with the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, within the state including all state agencies.  More importantly, the legislation prohibits the state from enforcing or implementing any of these international organizations’ rules, regulations, fees, taxes, policies, or mandates. While not the first state to recognize the threat to sovereignty international organizations may hold, Louisiana is the first to restrict the state from acting on their mandates, thus acknowledging the imminent threat these international organizations, which are heavily influenced by dark money and foreign interests, pose to the safety, security, and economic stability of the state and its residents.

Now that the Louisiana Legislature has acted so decisively with the passage of SB133 by Senator Pressly, and as the votes on the WHO pandemic treaty and IHR amendments are only days away, join us in requesting that all members of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation sign on to Congressman Andy Biggs’ H.R. 79, the WHO Withdrawal Act.  This federal legislation directs the President to withdraw the United States from the WHO and removes all funding from the organization. 

Currently, the only members of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation to have signed on to this legislation are Speaker Mike Johnson and Congressman Clay Higgins which leaves U.S. Representatives Troy Carter, Garret Graves, Julia Letlow, and Steve Scalise who have not addressed this imposing threat. 

Contact your member of Congress and urge them to sign on to H.R. 79, the WHO Withdrawal Act, and ask them to stand with all Louisianans and against the World Health Organization.

Senate Homeland Security Committee unanimously passes Kennedy, Carper bill to end payments to deceased Americans

“There’s no reason for hard working Americans to be on the hook for government’s mistaken payments to dead people. The full Senate should pass our bill immediately.”

WASHINGTON – The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) today unanimously passed Sens. John Kennedy’s (R-La.) and Tom Carper’s (D-Del.) Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act. The bipartisan bill would curb erroneous payments to deceased individuals and save taxpayers millions of dollars.

In 2020, the senators’ Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act became law and established provisions to fix inefficiencies among government agencies’ communications that led the government to make erroneous payments to deceased individuals. The current proposal would make those solutions permanent. 

“The committee was right to advance our bipartisan bill to save taxpayers millions of dollars. There’s no reason for hard working Americans to be on the hook for government’s mistaken payments to dead people. The full Senate should pass our bill immediately,” said Kennedy.

“It’s important that we, as lawmakers, act as good stewards of American taxpayer dollars. Today, I was proud to join my colleagues on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to unanimously advance the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act. Through my time in the Senate, I have worked hard to end improper payments and curb waste in government. I’m grateful for my partnership with Senator Kennedy as we continue this critical work, and I look forward to the whole Senate considering this bipartisan, commonsense legislation,” said Carper.

The Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act would amend the Social Security Act to allow the Social Security Administration to share the Death Master File—a record of deceased individuals—with the Treasury Department’s Do Not Pay system on a permanent basis. This change would reign in the government’s pattern of making improper payments to deceased people into the future.

The bill would also allow Treasury’s Do Not Pay working system to compare death information from the Social Security Administration with personal information from other entities and to share this information with any paying or administering agency authorized to use the Do Not Pay system.

Background:

• Kennedy and Carper's Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act became law in December 2020. The bill mandates the sharing of the Social Security Administration's Death Master File with the Department of the Treasury’s Do Not Pay working system for three years after enactment. The three-year exchange runs from December 27, 2023 to December 27, 2026.

• In FY2023 alone, the Government Accountability Office estimated that federal agencies made an estimated $236 billion in improper payments in FY 2023, including payments to deceased Americans. The GAO estimated the cumulative federal improper payments have totaled about $2.7 trillion since FY 2003. 

• In 2021, Kennedy wrote this op-ed sounding the alarm on alarm on billions in erroneous payments made by the government to deceased Americans.

• In 2019, Kennedy questioned U.S. Government Accountability Office Comptroller General Hon. Gene L. Dodaro about improper payments to deceased people.

Full text of the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act is available here.

Gov. Jeff Landry Appoints the Interim Mayor and Chief of Police for the City of St. George

Baton Rouge, LA– Today, Governor Jeff Landry announced the appointment of the Interim Mayor and Chief of Police for the  city of St. George.

“Chief Morris and Mayor Yates have the experience needed to fill these roles—especially during this important time of transition. I look forward to the work they will do to ensure St. George is a safe and thriving community,” said Governor Jeff Landry.

"I am extremely humbled to be appointed by Governor Landry to lead this newly created city as the interim Mayor. Our goal will be to ensure a timely transition that will set up the City of St. George for long term success,” said Mayor Dustin Yates.

“I would like to thank Governor Landry for this appointment and trusting in me. I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as the first Chief of Police for the City of St. George. I have called this community home for the past 40 years. I am excited to bring my 34 years of law enforcement experience to serve the citizens of St. George. I am committed to working collaboratively with our residents, business owners, Sheriff Gautreaux and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, as well as the community leaders to ensure St. George is a safe, welcoming, and thriving city for all,” said Chief of Police Todd Morris.

Background:

Mayor Dustin Yates

Dustin Yates age 44. Born and raised in New Orleans where he attended and graduated from Jesuit High School. He continued his education at the University of New Orleans and graduated in 2002 with a B.A. in Education. He taught and coached in public school for four years before entering the fire service with the St. George Fire Department. He is currently serving his 19th year with the St. George Fire Department where he held the positions of Firefighter/Operator, Lieutenant, and Chief Administrative Officer. He continued his education with an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, and also graduated from the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in Maryland. He has been involved with the City of St. George dating back to the original petition drive in 2013. He is married to Allison for 18 years, and they have two children, Avery (16) and Bennett (14). They are parishioners at St. George Catholic Church.  

Chief of Police Todd Morris

Todd Morris has 34 years of experience in law enforcement. He serves as the Chief of Crimes against Persons and Special Operations for East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. The Divisions he oversees include Homicide/Violent Crimes Unit, General Detectives, Sex Offender Registration, Crime Scene, DNA Analysts, Rapid DNA, NIBIN Technicians, Intelligence, Evidence, Homeland Security, SWAT, Mobile Field Force, Marine Search & Rescue, EOD, and Aviation. Major Morris began his career with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. He is a graduate of the Louisiana State Police Basic Police Academy, LSU Law Enforcement Institute, Advanced Homicide Investigations, SWAT Commander, and numerous other law enforcement schools. He served eight years as an investigator with the Louisiana Department of Justice and two years as an EBRSO reserve deputy.

Throughout his twenty-six years with the Sheriff’s Office, he served in; Uniform Patrol, General Detectives, Armed Robbery & Burglary, Homicide, and a member of both the SWAT and Maritime response teams. He was the first Commander of the Homicide/Violent Crimes Unit where he served for 8 years, which was first formed by Sheriff Sid Gautreaux in 2008. Major Morris has served on three separate multi-agency Serial Killer Task Forces, which lead to the arrest of all three suspects. 

In 2019, Major Morris began serving on the FBI Rapid DNA Pilot and Implementation Committee for implementing rapid DNA testing during the booking process.  In July 2022, the Sheriff’s Office was the first agency in the country to receive authority to operate a Rapid DNA program at the time of booking. Collecting Rapid DNA at the time of booking has been very successful. Major Morris is now expanding the Rapid DNA program with a new a pilot project with the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab to utilize Rapid DNA on crime scene evidence. 

House Passage of Representative Chuck Owen's HR133 Creates a Covid Commission

Monday on the House floor, HR133 by Representative Chuck Owen passed with a unanimous vote of 96-0. This House Resolution “requests the House Select Committee on Homeland Security to review state government actions during the COVID-19 Pandemic and postpandemic period and make recommendations to improve the government's response in future health emergencies,” and reads:

To request the House Select Committee on Homeland Security to review state government actions during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, including the related shutdowns and other postpandemic activities, and to make recommendations to improve the state's response in future health emergencies.

WHEREAS, COVID-19 was first described as a public health emergency of international concern early in 2020 and created both a public health crisis and an economic crisis in the United States and across the globe; and

WHEREAS, all units of government, including but not limited to the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government in Louisiana, were prompted and forced to take unprecedented actions to first analyze, respond to, and then attempt to function while the worldwide pandemic unfolded; and

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic and related shutdowns caused great societal disruption and had drastic impacts on our health and welfare including mental health, educational systems and outcomes, and our economy; and

WHEREAS, analysis shows that the impact of the pandemic on K–12 student learning was significant, leaving students on average five months behind in mathematics and four months behind in reading by the end of the school year; widened preexisting opportunity and achievement gaps; and had an impact on not just academics but also the broader health and well-being of students, with a significant number of parents very or extremely concerned about their children’s mental health; and

WHEREAS, the fallout from the pandemic threatens to depress this generation’s prospects and constrict their future opportunities; and

WHEREAS, the pandemic has disrupted lives, pushed the hospital system to its capacity, and created an ongoing global economic slowdown; and

WHEREAS, government exists to serve the public and provide order and a structure whereby people can make their needs and opinions known to public officials; and

WHEREAS, Louisiana citizens deserve to know that their government will do all in its power to study the appropriateness of its response to the pandemic and ensure mistakes made previously will not be repeated and that every effort will be made to respect their rights and overall health and welfare; and

WHEREAS, all actions of government should be open to review and analysis for the public good.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby request the House Select Committee on Homeland Security to review state government actions during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, including the related shutdowns and other postpandemic activities, and to report its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives not later than March 30, 2025.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the report include the following:

(1) Recommendations for any changes to law to enable the state to better handle future pandemics.

(2) Identification of successes and failures of government during the pandemic including the related shutdowns and other postpandemic activities with recommended pathways for the future.

(3) Identification of key governmental infringements on the civil liberties of Louisiana's citizens and recommended pathways for the future.

(4) Identification of actions by government that may have assisted or harmed educational outcomes of Louisiana K-12 and higher education students and recommended pathways for the future.

(5) Identification of key governmental actions that affected the economic health and future of the state of Louisiana and recommended pathways for the future.

Monday’s presentation of HR133 on the House floor by Rep Owen. . .

Who sits on the House Select Committee on Homeland Security?

Once again, we thank Representative Chuck Owen for bringing much needed legislation to evaluate the state’s actions during covid and provide insight and recommendations for future administrations.

Gov. Jeff Landry Recognizes Peace Officers Memorial Day & Police Week

Baton Rouge, LA– Today, Governor Jeff Landry issued an Executive Order recognizing May 15th as “Peace Officers Memorial Day.” He ordered the flags of the U.S. and the State of Louisiana to be flown at half-staff over the Capitol and all public buildings until sunset on May 15th, and he officially declared the week of May 15th as “Police Week.” EO is attached.

“Every day, our men and women in law enforcement sacrifice so much to keep our communities safe. We owe a debt of gratitude to our officers, as well as those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and our State. Today, I was honored to be joined by members of the Fraternal Order of Police, Louisiana Chief’s Association, Louisiana State Troopers, and the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association to sign an Executive Order to ensure Louisiana publicly honors the service and sacrifice of our men and women in blue,” said Governor Jeff Landry.

State Representative Chuck Owen Files Resolution to Urge Attorney General Liz Murill to Investigate Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson

State Representative Chuck Owen has filed House Resolution 214 which reads:

To urge and request the attorney general of the state of Louisiana to investigate whether Pfizer, Inc., Moderna, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, and associated entities violated any state or federal laws while operating in the state of Louisiana with regard to the promotion, distribution, or sale of COVID-19 vaccines or vaccine boosters.

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic officially began in the winter of 2020 in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the pandemic was the first of its kind to hit the United States and Louisiana in over a century; and

WHEREAS, the pandemic caused great societal disruption in the state of Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, a significant effort in the United States went into finding treatment for citizens who were infected by the virus; and

WHEREAS, large manufacturers of medical treatments, vaccines, and drugs were heavily involved in the creation of treatments and inoculations against the vaccine; and

WHEREAS, the public health and public safety should have been the primary focal points for the promotion, distribution, and or sale of vaccines and vaccine boosters developed to confront and treat the COVID-19 virus; and

WHEREAS, there were significant efforts by public and private entities in promoting and distributing the COVID-19 family of vaccines and vaccine boosters; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of the state of Louisiana deserve the right to full disclosure of the actions of providers of the COVID-19 family of vaccines and boosters in terms of accountability and performance within the limitations of the law; and

WHEREAS, efforts to manufacture, distribute, and promote all COVID-19 vaccine products were publicly funded; and

WHEREAS, under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, all COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, distributors, and providers are immune from federal civil liability.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the attorney general to investigate the actions of pharmaceutical companies and to review the actions of the companies and associated entities to determine if all involved followed the letter and spirit of the laws of the United States and the state of Louisiana with regard to the promotion, distribution, and sale of the COVID-19 family of vaccines and vaccine boosters since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the attorney general shall report her findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives by March 1, 2025.

Thank you, Rep Owen, for this much needed resolution to “urge and request” Attorney General Liz Murrill to investigate possible violations of state and federal laws by Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson “with regard to the promotion, distribution, or sale of COVID-19 vaccines or vaccine boosters.”

What state or federal laws might these companies have violated? The False Claims Act comes to mind.

As a reminder, the sole statutory exclusion from the impregnable immunity from liability provided by the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act is willful misconduct. Let’s hope and pray AG Murrill is able to find evidence of just that so appropriate justice will follow.

Thank you, Rep Owen, for bringing this resolution!

Gov. Jeff Landry & Legislators Visit Texas Southern Border

Baton Rouge, LA– Today, Governor Jeff Landry visited the Texas southern border with Brigadier General Thomas Friloux, Senator Caleb Kleinpeter, Senator Stewart Cathey, Senator Franklin Foil, Senator Mike Reese, Rep. Chuck Owen, Rep. Jack McFarland, Rep. Raymond Crews, Rep. Mike Johnson, Rep. Jay Galle. They received an overview on Operation Lone Star, had lunch with Louisiana soldiers, and met with Louisiana soldiers on mission at Eagle Pass.

Click here for a link of photos and videos from the trip. 

“It was great to join our legislators and see firsthand the work our Louisiana National Guardsmen are doing at our southern border. Due to the help of Louisiana, and many other states, illegal immigration has dropped significantly since September 2023. I appreciate the Guardsmen who briefed us as well as the legislators who attended today’s trip,” said Governor Jeff Landry. 

“We appreciate Governor Landry inviting us to see firsthand the crisis at the Texas border. It was an eye-opening experience. One thing is clear—sending our National Guard to help our neighbors in Texas was the right call.  It is evident, from the decrease in border crossings since the Louisiana Guard arrived, that their support to our neighbors in Texas has played a crucial role in protecting our borders,” said the legislators.

Kennedy, Lee introduce bill to ensure states require proof of citizenship when registering voters, remove non-citizens from voter rolls

“U.S. citizenship is sacred, and foreign nationals shouldn’t be able to vote in America’s elections. The SAVE Act would ensure that people who aren’t even citizens don’t cancel out Louisianians’ and Americans’ voices at the ballot box.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today joined Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and colleagues in introducing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.

Current law makes it illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections, but it does not require states to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship before an individual registers to vote. The SAVE Act would amend the National Voter Registration Act to clarify that states must require proof of citizenship when registering individuals to vote in federal elections.

“U.S. citizenship is sacred, and foreign nationals shouldn’t be able to vote in America’s elections. The SAVE Act would ensure that people who aren’t even citizens don’t cancel out Louisianians’ and Americans’ voices at the ballot box,” said Kennedy.

Since the last presidential election, illegal immigrants residing in the U.S. have increased, making it even more necessary to make sure that everyone voting in American elections is a U.S. citizen.

“Illegal immigrants and non-citizens across the nation are being improperly registered to vote, allowing them to cast illegitimate ballots in federal elections. At a time when trust in voting is more important than ever, we must stop foreign election interference and pass the SAVE Act,” said Lee.

Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives.

The SAVE Act would also:

• Require states to establish a process to remove non-citizens from existing voter rolls.

• Increase federal penalties for individuals who register non-citizens to vote in federal elections.

• Establish acceptable ways for individuals to prove their citizenship and require states to establish their own processes of demonstrating citizenship when a person does not have legal documentation.

Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) also cosponsored the legislation.

Full text of the SAVE Act is available here.