Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R) on his decision to join governors in helping Texas with the ongoing border crisis
Posts filed under Jeff Landry
LA Freedom Caucus Supports Gov. Landry Sending National Guard Troops to Texas
BATON ROUGE—The Louisiana Freedom Caucus released the following statement today in support of Gov. Jeff Landry’s efforts to help secure the southern border that Texas and Mexico share:
“Securing this nation’s borders is a crucial and primary duty of our government. The Louisiana Freedom Caucus supports Gov. Jeff Landry in his efforts to help do the job President Biden refuses to do: secure our border. This is a blatant disregard for the safety and sovereignty of the American people,” said Beryl Amedée, Chairman of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus.
“Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has declared the crisis situation at the southern border with Mexico an invasion. A reported eight million people have poured across the southern border in the past three years, unabated, since Biden reversed via Executive Order the successful border policies of President Donald Trump. We should stand with Texas to repel this sea of humanity coming across our border in which all sorts of ugly things hide,” Amedée said.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry makes oil, gas industry announcements
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry made several announcements regarding the oil and gas industries on Monday, Feb. 5.
Landry made the announcements during his keynote speech at the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas’ annual meeting.
Read more: Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry makes oil, gas industry announcements
Governor Jeff Landry Visits the Southern Border
Eagle Pass, TX– Today, Governor Jeff Landry joined Governor Greg Abbott (TX) and 12 of his fellow governors in Eagle Pass Texas. They received a briefing at DPS headquarters on Operation Lone Star and then held a press conference at Shelby Park in Eagle Pass.
“What we saw and learned today makes one thing very clear: the Biden Administration has completely abdicated its responsibility to enforce the immigration laws on the books. Our open borders allow drugs and human trafficking to flow into our communities, putting our entire country at risk,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “When in trouble, our neighbors in Texas have always opened their arms to us. Now it’s time we return the favor. I look forward to working with our legislative leadership to find a way to send our National Guard troops to the southern border to support Texas. The rule of law must be enforced."
Gov. Landry speaks with General Friloux in Eagle Pass, Tx.
Governor Landry gets briefed at DPS headquarters
Gov. Landry attends press conference with Gov. Abbott
Gov. Landry speaks with Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer
Governor Jeff Landry Releases Transition Council Reports
Baton Rouge, LA– Today, Governor Jeff Landry released the final reports provided by his gubernatorial transition councils.
“The men and women who were part of our transition councils did incredible work for the state of Louisiana. These folks dedicated many hours to give our administration recommendations on how we can begin to address the challenges our state is facing. I cannot thank them enough,” said Governor Jeff Landry.
Agriculture, Fisheries & Land Management
https://oneteam.la/2024/01/26/the-agriculture-fisheries-and-land-management-council/
Coast & Environment
https://oneteam.la/2024/01/26/coast-environment-council/
Constitutional Reform
https://oneteam.la/2024/01/26/the-constitutional-reform-policy-council/
Crime & Public Safety
https://oneteam.la/2024/01/26/the-crime-and-public-safety-transition-council/
Economic Development & Fiscal Policy
https://oneteam.la/2024/01/26/the-economic-development-and-fiscal-policy-council/
Energy, Chemical, & Maritime Industry
https://oneteam.la/2024/01/26/the-energy-chemical-and-maritime-ecm-transition-council/
Healthcare & Hospitals
https://oneteam.la/2024/01/26/the-healthcare-and-hospitals-policy-council/
Infrastructure
https://oneteam.la/2024/01/26/the-infrastructure-transition-council/
Insurance Crisis
https://oneteam.la/2024/01/26/the-insurance-policy-council/
K-12 Education
https://oneteam.la/2024/01/26/k-12-education-policy-council/
Military Issues
https://oneteam.la/2024/01/26/the-military-affairs-council/
New Orleans
https://oneteam.la/2024/01/26/the-new-orleans-transition-council/
Local & Municipal Affairs
https://oneteam.la/2024/01/26/the-municipal-local-affairs-policy-council/
Workforce Development & Higher Education.
https://oneteam.la/2024/01/26/the-workforce-development-higher-education-policy-council/
Gov. Jeff Landry’s First Special Session Concludes
Baton Rouge, LA– Today, Governor Jeff Landry marked the close of the special legislative session on court-ordered congressional redistricting.
Watch Governor Landry’s remarks here.
“Today is an exciting day! The outcome of this special session is a win for the people of Louisiana. We started the process of necessary structural change to our election system, allowing for a cleaner and simpler final ballot, and we took the pen out of the hand of a non-elected judge and placed it in the hands of the people. I applaud those legislators who worked hard to pass these bills, and I look forward to moving on to our top priority—the upcoming crime special session,” said Governor Jeff Landry.
Capitol Update from Governor Jeff Landry
"We had a tremendous victory when we captured the Governor’s mansion. The large crowd who arrived at the Inaugural Ceremony, despite our last minute date and time change, was a testament to the excitement we all feel about the start of a new day in Louisiana.
We have already embarked on real change. We have appointed leaders for many state offices, in many cases new leadership to move us forward. I was proud to stand up for common sense by signing Executive Orders directing state government to begin tracking the cost of illegal immigration. I also stopped attempts to weaken graduation standards.
Now, this week, we have entered into a Special Session prompted by federal litigation regarding redistricting.
No one dislikes this redistricting process we are going through more than I do. I have invested tremendous time and effort in supporting Republican candidates up and down the ballot both here at home in Louisiana and nationally. I have been an activist, a personal donor, and a candidate.
At every step of the way I have worked to support our common sense, conservative values.
Unfortunately, we are at a point where a failure to act in the Legislature on redistricting will result in an Obama-appointed federal judge drawing, possibly three, new Democrat congressional districts. As your Attorney General I helped fight this battle in the courts. Now, Attorney General Liz Murrill and I both agree we must act as a state, in the Legislature, or the Judge will act on their own.
Today, the Louisiana State Senate took the first step in ensuring the voter’s voice is heard in the redistricting process by advancing a new Congressional District map.
The vote of the Louisiana State Senators listed below, today, ensures the State of Louisiana, moving forward, will have four solidly Trump Republican Congressional districts. The map these Senators voted to approve will protect the only female congressional member of our delegation, protect the current U.S. Speaker of the House, protect the Majority Leader of the U.S. House, and satisfy the courts.
Please join me in thanking these Louisiana State Senators who voted to keep a Republican majority representing our great state in Congress:
Senate President Cameron Henry
Senator Jean-Paul Coussan
Senator Mark Abraham
Senator Heather Cloud
Senator Patrick Connick
Senator Rick Edmonds
Senator Bob Hensgens
Senator Valarie Hodges
Senator Caleb Kleinpeter
Senator Patrick McMath
Senator Blake Miguez
Senator Beth Mizell
Senator Bob Owen
Senator Mike Reese
Senator Jeremy Stine
Senator Bill Wheat
Senator Glen Womack
While, again, this process causes me as much concern as it does you, the State Senate's action today protects the Republican Party and conservatives in this state and this country.
Now, another way to ensure we keep four Trump Republican congressional districts is to close the primary elections.
As we work on this redistricting process, driven by the courts, we have a tremendous opportunity to strengthen our elections by moving to an expanded Closed Primary system in Louisiana.
We already use a Closed Primary in the Louisiana Presidential Primary and it works.
President Trump was chosen in Louisiana through a Closed Primary. When we tested closed primaries years ago for additional offices several other well-known Louisiana leaders won their first major election in a Closed Primary, they include Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Treasurer John Fleming, and me. Closed primaries work.
Liberal Democrats should not influence or vote on who might be the Republican on a final election ballot and the same can be said for Republicans seeking to vote on Democrats during the primary process.
It is only fair, and it makes common sense, for Republicans to pick the Republican nominee and for Democrats to do the same.
So, please join me in asking your Legislators to vote "yes" on the Closed Primaries legislation I put forward this week.
If you need their contact information, you can find your State Senator's and State Representative's by using this link here.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we work to strengthen our great state."
For Louisiana,
Governor Jeff Landry
Southwest Louisiana Legislators Endorse Governor Jeff Landry's Bridge Plan
Photo source: Legislative Communications Office (LCO)
Lake Charles, LA – Legislators representing Southwest Louisiana today announced support for Governor Jeff Landry's new I-10/Calcasieu River bridge plan, a significant shift from the previous administration's approach. Governor Landry, in his first visit to Southwest Louisiana as Governor, emphasized the need for transparent and effective infrastructure development, contrasting sharply with former Governor John Bel Edwards' less transparent and costly plan.
Governor Landry's proposal promises a 25% cost reduction from the previous administration’s agreement and introduces a fair toll system with a flat discounted rate for all locals. The group of ten southwest Louisiana lawmakers will work with the Governor and all involved parties to lower that toll cost during the seven year build period. This move underscores the Governor and local leaders’ joint commitment to affordability and community benefit.
Highlighting the recent traffic issues due to severe weather, Governor Landry pointed out that the new bridge would have mitigated these challenges, showcasing the urgency of the project.
Additionally, the plan includes a 15% equity commitment to the Imperial Calcasieu area, ensuring local infrastructure benefits directly from the project. This approach signifies a new era of inclusive and transparent governance.
Legislators backing this effort encourage the community to support this transformative project which is poised to make Southwest Louisiana a model for state-wide infrastructure development. “We are immensely grateful to Governor Jeff Landry for his unwavering commitment to securing a deal that truly benefits the people of Southwest Louisiana,” said the group of legislators. “His dedication to transparency and affordability for this bridge project reflects a genuine investment in the prosperity and well-being of our region.”
Louisiana Legislators endorsing the bridge project include: Senators Mark Abraham, Mike Reese and Jeremy Stine as well as Representatives Ryan Bourriaque, Dewith Carrier, Les Farnum, Brett Geymann, Troy Romero and Phillip Tarver.
The release can be found here
Governor Jeff Landry Signs Executive Order
Takes First Step to Protect Louisianans from the Costly Burden of Illegal Immigration
Baton Rouge, La– Governor Jeff Landry signed an Executive Order focused on identifying, quantifying, and mitigating the adverse effects of illegal immigration in Louisiana. This order will require the head of every executive branch entity throughout the state of Louisiana to capture certain data in order to determine the costs the state is having to incur due to those entering our country illegally.
“The cost of illegal immigration in this state is falling on the shoulders of hard-working Louisianans. This Executive Order will analyze data to determine the financial burden our citizens are being forced to carry because of those who do not follow the law,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “Louisiana will always welcome those who legally immigrate, but taxpayers cannot continue to foot the bill for individuals who break the law and skip the line.”
To view Governor Landry’s Executive Order, please click HERE.
Governor Jeff Landry Opens First Special Session on Court Ordered Redistricting
Baton Rouge, La - Today, Governor Jeff Landry opened his first special session, which will address the court order to redistrict the congressional districts of Louisiana along with the districts of the Louisiana Supreme Court, and it will make other election-related changes.
Remarks as prepared:
Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Members of the House and Senate,
Thank you for your cordial welcome.
May I begin by recognizing on this day Dr. Martin Luther King, JR. whose moral fortitude, and spiritual inspiration allowed millions to live the American Dream.
I would like to begin with one of my favorites of his many quotes: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Our state’s DNA, is directly connected to the diverse and varied relationships we all share with one another. Diverse relationships between our friends and acquaintances, Our neighbors, old classmates, co-workers, caregivers, teammates, colleagues, our family, and EACH OTHER right here in this room. For our culture is built on these relationships.
We are here today because we have inherited issues that others have laid at our feet. Let us accept this task. Let us do the work incumbent upon us so we can move on to solving MUCH larger problems.
Now I am aware Huey Long was shot over redistricting, I am hopeful and confident we can dispose of this matter without you disposing of me.
For various reasons known and unknown, spoken and unspoken, CLOSURE of this re-districting problem has evaded us. It is time to stop averting the issue and confront it head on. We are here today because the Federal Courts have ordered us to perform our job. Our job - which is not finished. A job that our own laws direct us to complete. AND a job that our individual oaths promised we would perform.
To that end, I ask you to join me in adopting the re-districting maps proposed. These maps will satisfy the Court...and ensure that the congressional districts of our State -- are made right here in the Legislature and not by some heavy-handed member of the Federal Judiciary.
We do not need a federal judge to do for us what the people of Louisiana have elected YOU to do. You are the voice of the people. It is time to use that voice.
The people sent us here to solve problems, not exasperate them. To heal divisions, not widen them. To be fair and reasonable. The people expect us to operate government efficiently, and to act in compliance with the laws of our nation and the instruction of our Courts - even when we disagree with them. And let me say this: I know of the hard work some of our Legislators have endured -- trying their very best to get this right.
As Attorney General -- I did everything I could to dispose of this litigation. I defended the re-districting plan adopted by this body as the will of the people. I sought a stay at the 5th Circuit. We successfully stayed the case at the U.S. Supreme Court for more than a year, allowing our 2022 elections to proceed. Last October, we filed a writ of mandamus, which was granted by the 5th Circuit -- giving the people of Louisiana yet another chance to take care of our own business. But when the 5th Circuit panel ruled against us in November, I filed for an en banc hearing, which was denied.
We have exhausted ALL legal remedies, and we have labored with this issue for far - too - long.
I recognize the difficulty of getting 144 people to agree on anything, and I sincerely commend you for the work you have done so far. But now, once and for all, let’s put this to bed. Let’s make the Adjustments necessary, heed the instructions of the Court, take the pen out of the hand of non-elected Judges and place it in your hand – the hand of the people. It’s that simple.
Help me make this a reality… in this special session, for this special purpose, on this special day.
This redistricting challenge goes further than just our congressional maps. While one Federal Judge has a pen in her hand eager to draw our Congressional maps, another threatens to pick up a pen and redraw OUR Supreme Court.
In your 2021 Regular Session, you passed Senate Resolution 248, asking our State Supreme Court to provide this legislature with recommendations for redistricting their districts. A wide majority of the Court (OVER 2/3) have responded.
Justice McCallum, Justice Genovese, Justice Crain, Justice Hughes, and Justice Griffin have conscientiously, unselfishly, and courageously stepped forward and presented us with a map that re-draws our Supreme Court districts in a manner that will comply with the Voting Rights Act, - and alleviate costly litigation.
You can fulfill your responsibility -- and honorably meet your obligation to re-district our High Court -- -so the people of Louisiana will have a fair, democratic, and equally representative judiciary. The litigation involving our Supreme Court districts -- has been pending for some time. There are cases in all 3 federal districts in this state.
As Attorney General we worked to defend the state and to have those cases dismissed. I know first-hand, this matter is in-defensible.
Our Supreme Court districts have been re-districted by the Legislature only ONE TIME in the last 103 years. The result -- is districts that are grossly unbalanced – with two districts twice as large as another one.
Last year, I negotiated a scheduling order with the plaintiffs allowing the Legislature the chance to willingly handle our own affairs, rather than unwillingly have it done by another non-elected Federal Judge.
I want to publicly commend the Justices for their willingness to set aside any regard for their own careers, and the power they hold. They epitomize statesmanship, honor, integrity, and the very embodiment of fairness. They are a reflection of our people’s goodness, decency, and just-ness. Every single person in our great state can look up to these Justices with pride, with reverence, and with a reborn confidence in the judicial system that these great men and women administer for us each and every day.
Just as we would respect, honor, and comply with any other decision reached by such a majority of our High Court; I ask that you do so now by adopting the Court’s re-districting map, and allowing the first seat to be filled this Fall.
Every voting aged citizen in Louisiana may or may not join the political party of his or her choosing. It is a choice. It is a freedom. If you do choose to join a political party, it is only fair and right that you have the ability to select your Party’s candidates for office, without the interference of another party and without the distraction and the interference of a convoluted, complicated, and extended ballot to wade through and decipher.
As I travel this state, I have listened carefully to those who seek a more focused electoral process...where they may participate in the nomination of THEIR party’s chosen candidate. And I believe it is an issue that our Legislature should consider. We have included the proposal for a closed party primary system for your consideration for these very reasons.
It is about fairness. It is about simplicity. It is about clarity.
We have tested this system before in this state, and it works. The U.S. House Majority Leader is in his seat as a result of being first elected to Congress under a party primary system. Our State Treasurer was elected to Congress under this tried and tested system. I was elected to Congress under a party primary system. President Joe Biden was elected in Louisiana’s Presidential Primary, and President Trump, and our other Presidential nominees put forward by this state -- were chosen in a party primary system which allows the major parties to pick their candidates. It is fair and it is common sense. And, for our independent or no party voters who by their own choice decide not to join a political party - their voice is heard and counted…
…Counted on a simpler, shorter, clearer November election ballot containing generally one Democrat, one Republican, and ballot qualified independent candidates.
Some things make Louisiana very unique: our food, our music, and our culture. These are a source of pride. However, our jungle of election system is the only one of its kind in the country.
It is relic of the past – which has left us dead last.
Our fellow southern states are succeeding – because of their primary process. A process which results in a stronger, more unified team of elected leaders. It is time to re-write our story and move to a similar system we have already tried, tested and still use in Presidential primaries today. As we work on other electoral reforms with these redistricting maps, now is the time to also deal with this common-sense change.
Today, as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, JR. I do not believe that it is mere irony that finds us here today. On this consecrated day, we seek to amplify the voice of the few... We seek to broaden the opportunity for participation in the governance of our people.
The courage, the wisdom, and the relentless pursuit of fairness in our electoral process by Dr. King, is profoundly moving. His words in 1968 are wholly appropriate 56 years later at this very hour: “...the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice...”
For Dr. King’s was an uphill journey into the head winds of hate, His was a march into battle, while ours is a walk-in-the-park. His was persecution for speaking his truth, while ours is a comfortable dialogue. His was a mighty shove, while yours is the mere push of a button.
God bless Louisiana God bless each of you and God bless the people we represent.
Jeremy Alford and Troy Hebert on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster
Editor and publisher of LaPolitics Jeremy Alford and state representative Troy Hebert both speak on Jeff Landry and his recent speech at the inauguration ceremony.
Governor Jeff Landry Assumes Office
Takes immediate action to maintain education standards, issues call for required special session, and formerly establishes the office of the First-Lady
Baton Rouge, La–Today, Governor Jeff Landry took action to maintain education standards, he issued a court required call for a redistricting special session, and he formally established the office of the First-Lady
Today’s Executive Order, the Veto of Graduation Appeals Process, will ensure that students are adequately prepared for post secondary education and the workforce by meeting minimum standards of proficiency in core subjects. (EO attached)
“Ensuring our children have a quality education is a top priority. Today’s Executive Order will maintain our education standards,” said Jeff Landry.
Today’s required call for a special session will redistrict the congressional districts of Louisiana along with the districts of the Louisiana Supreme Court, and make other election related changes. (Call attached)
“The courts have mandated that the state of Louisiana redraw our congressional districts. Redistricting is a state legislative function. That is why today, I followed the court order and made the call to convene the legislature of Louisiana into a special session on redistricting,” said Jeff Landry.
Today’s Executive Order to fund the office of the First Lady mirrors the actions of former Governor John Bel Edwards. It will establish and formerly recognize her office as part of the Office of the Governor. (EO attached)
“Our First-Lady, Sharon Landry, will be an incredible ambassador to Louisiana. I am proud to fund this important office, and I look forward to seeing the work she will do for folks across the state,” said Jeff Landry.
The executive orders can be found here:
Louisiana’s 57th Governor, Jeff Landry, Holds Inaugural Ceremony
Photo source: WWL-TV
Baton Rouge, La–Today, Jeff Landry held his Inaugural Ceremony where he took the oath of office to become Louisiana’s 57th Governor. He will assume office at noon on Monday, January 8th.
Jeff Landry’s Inaugural Address as prepared for delivery:
To the cherished people of our beautiful state, honored guests, our heroic Veterans, elected officials, family and friends.
Welcome home!
I am deeply humbled. Humbled first by the grace of God, humbled by your presence here today, humbled by the continual prayers that shower our loved ones, and humbled by the friendships we share.
It is fitting and appropriate that we stand today before this capitol, the sun having set on the past and where a new Louisiana day dawns.
This magnificent capitol stands as a monument to the history of our beloved state.
Sculpted in the stone, wrought in the steel, captured in the décor are the symbols of our great history.
The awe of this structure is inspiring at the thought of common people, those living and those gone, whose toil and suffering built it.
Not as a delusion of self-aggrandizement, but as a reflection of their hopes and dreams.
Carved in this stone is the story of Louisiana, from Native Americans, to French and Spanish Explorers, to the thousands that came from other lands, to those removed to this place by forces of the past.
This is our home. This is your home.
These revered and illustrative chronicles reveal just how the world has found Louisiana to be.
The embodiment of a spirited people that will take you in.
A people that will share their table with you. A people who will rush to console you. A people who will fight for their beliefs. A people who will not rest when you need help. A people of immeasurable love and unrivaled determination.
In the battlefield of life and in the straight face of adversity… it is Louisiana’s perseverance that stands as a measure of inspiration.
From the fishermen and the shrimpers that know no toll of hour, nor individual safety, as they wrought their catch.
To the millions of our toughest that spent the largest portion of their life in our fields and forests.
To those brave and rugged souls that risked life and limb decade after decade in and around ship-yards, drilling rigs, and plants.
To the thousands of service workers, cooks, waiters, hotel maids that humbly serve others day after day and night after night… because this is their building too.
As we reflect together before this Capitol, let us remind ourselves that the grandeur of this structure shall never equal our worth as a people, as a culture of peace, of sharing, of patriotism, of family values, of honor and courage.
For ours is a culture of joy, of love, of kindness, of resilience, of diversity, and of unbridled hospitality.
The beautiful and unique people of Louisiana are the originators of welcome. Bienvenue.
Hospitality may have been invented in the South, but it was perfected in Louisiana.
Again, Welcome Home!
Whenever and wherever people meet crisis, they look to the people of Louisiana, who for over 300 years, have always come back.
Have always measured up.
Have always stemmed the rough tides and stood down the angry winds.
Only to crawl back, swim back, fight back, get up, stand up, and to never ever forget who we are and why we are here.
We know far too well why those who leave our state for other opportunities, shall always hear the whisper of the live oak to come back home!
The everlasting love of our culture tugs at their heart,
it speaks to their soul.
Coming home to Louisiana feeds their soul and their endearing longing to be here—— home where they belong.
To the ladies and gentlemen of our Legislature, Senators and Representatives from each of our 64 different and unique Parishes, representing the 4.6 million great citizens of this beautiful State.
I stand before you, and beside you, with the complete and total realization that the people of Louisiana have designated this Capitol as the hallowed place where their voices are to be heard together; in equal and fair measure; and in its’ broadest format.
We are mere proxies in the living illustration of the people’s chosen representative government.
It is here that we come together, so that their lives are governed evenhandedly. So that their hard-earned money is spent judiciously; so that their institutions are compelled to serve them, and not disenfranchise them; so that theirgovernment fulfills the missions contrived by them; and so that their children are promised the perpetual legacy of opportunity.
The place is here, the time is now, and the challenge is ours.
And may we be mindful of the fact that – how – we carry out our public service, is what separates politicians from statesmen.
Our people did not send us here to quarrel over the senseless, the personal, the trivial, or the political.
Our problems cannot find resolution whenever political divide becomes the antitheses to solution.
Our people did not send us here to settle scores or engage in battles created by secretly funded manipulators that profit by dividing Americans.
Instead, the people sent us here to repair and reform their government and to unleash innovation and production, so their future and the future of their children are made better.
They sent us here not as politicians seeking the next vote, but as Statesmen seeking the next generation.
For the people of this state are hopeful and anxious.
They demand leadership that will place the greater good of this state above personal agendas, delusional entitlements, and special interests.
Our people seek government that reflects their values.
They demand that our children be afforded an education that reflects those wholesome principles, and not an indoctrination behind their mother’s back.
The most important voice in a child’s education should be that of their parents.
It is only through education without indoctrination, that a child finds his or her true potential.
No one knew this better than my mother. She taught as a profession. She taught as a calling. She taught with leadership and courage. And Mom taught by example.
Over 50 years ago, at the height of desegregation, she took her first teaching job at Loreauville High teaching English, French, and girls’ physical education.
At that time women’s sports was aspirational at best, second class at worst.
She was the only female coach, but she was undeterred.
She saw sports as a way to bring people closer, to create bonds and camaraderie that would extend beyond the racial barriers she was determined to help tear down.
Her determination established the school’s first women’s basketball program.
She and her students created a program, literally, out of “whole cloth”, because she and her girls sewed their own uniforms.
She fought for court time for her girls, many of whom had never touched a basketball.
But her instinct told her that if she taught these girls the value of teamwork and commitment it would provide a foundation to succeed in life.
And oh, what a struggle the first season was; the team lost their first game by more than 100 points and lost every game on the schedule.
But Mom was determined to keep them motivated and enthusiastic, so she changed the objective; instead of focusing on winning the next game, the goal was to score a certain number of points.
And with each game they would set a new level of points to score, so that game by game, point by point, they improved, they learned, and they developed character.
From nothing to something, from seemingly an utter failure; those girls created a program that would earn the district title and a playoff berth in just four short years.
May I take a moment to recognize these wonderful ladies who were as much a part of shaping me as my Mom. Thank you very much for being here. I know my Mom believed in you.
That is the calling of a great teacher. That is what great teachers do. That is what we must all do now for their sake.
We must commit ourselves to the crisis that is evolving in some of our schools and restore the peace of mind that our parents enjoyed when they sent us to school each day.
We must honor our teachers by letting them teach and safeguard our schools from the toxicity of unsuitable subject matter, so that the sanctity of the student and the teacher is restored.
The people of Louisiana deserve a government just as great as they are.
I fully appreciate that in governing, a difference of opinion must exist for there to be deliberation.
And it is our duty to deliberate respectfully and productively to deliver solutions our people seek.
It is in that spirit that I welcome your thoughts; I value your opinions; I respect your ideologies; and I sincerely invite your ideas.
To the Legislature; I ask you to help me help you, and together help them — for our failure is not an option.
To my fellow citizens; I pledge to you an open door. I welcome anyone and everyone to the table of thought with an open ear.
I have learned by listening to the voices of those that long to be heard.
I sadly hear the victims of crime whose compelling voices have gone un-heard for far too long, squelched by the misguided noise of those who had rather coddle criminals than live in peace.
I mince no words about the consequences that I feel are wholly appropriate for those who commit violent crime in our state.
For it comes from listening to the innocent victims of the senseless, uncivilized, and outrageous violence that too many have suffered. Families ripped apart; loved ones taken from us by people with no conscience who do not deserve the privilege of freedom.
Those victims speak out for justice and it is our duty to act, so that others are spared that same burden of pain.
Today I recognize and honor two extraordinary, brave, and relentless citizens: Miss Michelle Anglin and Mr. Cortez Collins. Michelle and Cortez, please stand.
Michelle and Cortez could easily be your sister, your brother, your neighbor; raising their child with love and nurture as the beacon of hope and the light in their lives.
Michelle and Cortez lost their light when their children were taken from them by senseless violence.
More sadly, they represent many other parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins in our state, that wake up every morning from the nightmare of losing a loved one to cruel, unconscionable, and senseless violence.
We owe no higher obligation as public servants than to fix this. To fix it now and to fix it for good.
To Michelle and Cortez, I say may God rest his hand on your heart, and I pledge to do all I possibly can to make our state safer, and to bring an end to the misguided and deadly tolerance for crime and criminals that plagues us.
To the men and women who protect us, who stand firmly on that thin blue line.
Our appreciation is expressed today in the rows of flags that have been placed on these sacred grounds and this profoundly empty chair. We know too well the sacrifice you give every day, and the risk you endure to protect us from those who will not follow the laws of society.
Our police officers, our correctional officers, and our deputies deserve our gratitude, our respect, and our support. For I have stood in their shoes and my love and support for them shall never waiver.
The concern of our families for their own safety in their own neighborhood has been heard loud and clear and will beaddressed by whatever legal means necessary from this day forward.
There is no greater gift we can give to a person than to provide the opportunity for their labor. To enable their own self-sufficiency and in doing so, we revel in the thriving of our economy.
As we shape policy and seek solutions to the challenges of energy, exploration, production, conservation practices, and the protection of our precious environment.
We shall seek and we shall heed, all of the science, not just the selective slices spoon-fed to us by those seeking to profit, in many cases, from the taxpayer funded subsidies that disregard the health, the safety, and the employment security of our citizens; hiding the truth about the real environmental footprints created by the lust for wealth by a chosen few and their reckless proposals.
It’s time our policy makers consider all the facts without regard for the purchased influence that seeks to destabilize the economic security of our families and the energy policy of our state and nation.
We are mindful that America is a nation of small businesses.
As a small business owner myself, I understand, I appreciate, and I fully support any Louisiana citizen with the courage to risk their precious capital to pour their heart and labor into an idea, working tirelessly to make a dream a reality. You are the people who built this country. For you generate revenue for state and local governments, and pave the way to prosperity for all Louisiana citizens.
The health and welfare of our families has been politicized to the point of endangerment and disregard for the dignity of our elderly and our suffering. All the while the price we pay goes up, while the outcomes go down. Medical needs are changing as rapidly as the methodology of providing the services for those needs.
It is our public and our moral obligation to stay ahead of those changes and to develop more efficient, more expedient, and more conscientious practices in our hospitals, in our clinics, and in our nursing homes.
Home health care and telemedicine expand medical access to more and more Louisiana citizens and elevate their quality of life.
It is my further belief that our medical professionals, our doctors, our nurses, our therapists, our EMTs, our first responders, and all those who work to care for others, are among our very finest.
They carry the burden of healing others. They are a constant and unfailing inspiration. For they are the ones that provide comfort and hope.
The health care policy decisions we make as a government cannot and will not be advanced without the benefit and input of their invaluable knowledge and their inspirational compassion.
Exactly 208 years ago at this very time, the most powerful armed force in the world were mobilizing around the city of New Orleans to conquer Louisiana, to hopefully rescind the Louisiana Purchase, and to claim our rivers, our cities, our towns, and our settlements to serve their King.
Tomorrow morning marks the anniversary of that fateful sunrise attack.
The untrained and outnumbered Louisiana militia of 1,000 men, were logistically no match for the superior British force of 6,000 highly trained and perfectly equipped soldiers.
Those Louisianians represented the magnificent diversity and courage of our state that exists today.
They were men of all colors, ethnicities, backgrounds, status, and religions.
There was the wealthy few, the working poor, many were farmers, shop keepers, enslaved men who were readily armed and fought valiantly, some were fishermen, boat builders, clergymen and pirates side-by-side, shoulder to shoulder.
The bravery of Louisiana that day, stunned the world with a crushing defeat of King George’s army. It is a story of courage, of optimism, of how a group of people with extremely different opinions; set aside their differences, embraced one another’s courage, and demonstrated to the world the power of unity.
Theirs is a story of defeating fear and adversity— with courage and diversity.
This story is our story.
We are the same Louisiana people of that fine hour.
Then as now, we love to love, and we love to argue. More importantly, we still love when we finish arguing.
It is that indomitable spirit so deeply rooted in the DNA of Louisiana that motivates us, that reminds us that we can do anything, that we can solve any problem, that we can count on one another, that whatever befalls one of us rallies all of us.
That is what we do in Louisiana. That is who we are.
If America is a melting pot, Louisiana is the gumbo that fills the pot.
To the people of Louisiana, there is something quite extraordinary about you.
What kind of people could make mosquito infested marshes and swamps their productive, beautiful, and thriving home? What kind of people could fabricate industry along the bayous, rivers, and a turbulent gulf? What kind of people could tame the wilderness and the vast forests?
What kind of people could lead the world in the energy sector and provide the technical force that lifted the world from mud and poverty? What kind of people could master the land and produce an agricultural abundance to feed the world?
What kind of a people could master the violence of our sea and rivers to create commerce and trade?
Only you, the amazing and wonderful people of Louisiana.
Only you, could turn your exile into a garden of Eden and a place where the entire world celebrates the unique culture we have created.
There is no place like Louisiana and nowhere are there fabulous people like you.
I love Louisiana. If I had a hundred lives to live, I’d live them all in Louisiana.
Again, welcome home!
The rich historical examples of our great state fighting back, bouncing back, and coming back, again and again, is what motivates me every day, from this day forward, with all that I am, with all that I have, to serve the greatest people on earth.
May God bless each one of you and our beloved state of Louisiana.
And, again, welcome home!
LOGA Responds to Tyler Gray’s Appointment as DNR Secretary
BATON ROUGE, LA (January 3, 2024) - Today, Louisiana Governor-Elect Jeff Landry announced the appointment of Tyler Gray as Louisiana’s next Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources. In response, LOGA President Mike Moncla issued the following statement:
“This appointment marks the start of a new era for our state’s oil and gas industry.
Not only is Tyler Gray extremely intelligent; he knows our industry backwards and forwards.
Tyler has worked closely alongside LOGA over the years, and we know that he will be an incredible asset for our industry.
I’d like to thank Governor-Elect Landry for making such a fantastic choice to move Louisiana’s oil and gas industry forward with this appointment.”
EXPANDED LA FREEDOM CAUCUS WILL BE ‘TIP OF THE SPEAR’ FOR GOV. ELECT-LANDRY’S CONSERVATIVE AGENDA
BATON ROUGE—The Louisiana Freedom Caucus will expand in the upcoming legislative session and wholeheartedly supports conservative leadership from incoming Governor-Elect Jeff Landry. For far too long, liberals and self-serving politicians have been literally choking the life out of our beloved Louisiana. This has only intensified over the past eight years through the abuse of power by soon-to-be former Governor John Bel Edwards and his myrmidons who suffered staggering losses in the recent elections. They are now trying to spin Edwards’ legacy to distort the realities Louisianans are facing as a result of his failed liberal policies.
There is no clearer indicator of this failure of governance in Louisiana than the exodus of our people. As summed up and solidly referenced on Census.gov, according to the latest available Louisiana numbers, between 2016 (pop. 4,678,135) and 2022 (pop. 4,590,241) the United States grew 3.2 percent in the same time frame, Louisiana’s Republican-run southern neighbor states were blessed with a 5.2 percent increase in residents while Louisiana lost 1.9 percent—88,000 people—as they hit the exits in search of better economic opportunity, better schools and less crime.
This is unacceptable. The people of Louisiana have given Governor-Elect Landry a conservative mandate and the strong support of our Freedom Caucus members will be key to its successful execution.
“Jeff Landry is no stranger to the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. His outside the box thinking is crucial to quickly turn around our state and provide what government is supposed to provide for its people: a Louisiana where our streets are safe, we educate our children in the fundamentals, we protect life and liberty, we stop spending money we do not have on things we do not need and we get over-burdensome government regulation out of the way of our state’s entrepreneurs. We believe Governor Jeff Landry’s vision will serve to hand the blessings of liberty and prosperity to Louisiana’s future generations,” said Beryl Amedée, Executive Officer of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus.
“The Louisiana Freedom Caucus looks forward to being the tip of the spear in bringing our new governor’s conservative agenda across the finish line,” Amedée added.
Governor-Elect Jeff Landry Announces Head of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
Photo source: Wikipedia
Lafayette, La– Today, Governor-elect Jeff Landry announced that Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto will serve as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Aurelia will be the first black female to serve as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.
“We are proud to have Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto head the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. To bring someone to Louisiana with her caliber, her mind, and her pedigree, is incredible. With her extensive background in science-based policy and conservation, Aurelia understands the balance between protecting our environment and ensuring job creation,” said Governor-elect Jeff Landry.
“I am honored to have been selected by Governor-elect Landry to serve as the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Louisiana is unique in its natural resources, which attract many people to the State. I look forward to bringing my background and experience in science and conservation to serve the Governor and the great people of Louisiana,” said Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto.
Background:
Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto is an American conservationist who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). As the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Giacometto managed a $2.9 billion budget and 8500 employees from December 2019 to January 2021.
Her teams managed more than 850 million land and water acres, endangered species programs, international conservation efforts, and law enforcement. She increased access to four million acres of public lands for recreational purposes.
She engaged with landowners, for-and non-profit organizations, trade associations, and federal and state agencies others to implement policies for increased habitat and wetland management, modernize permitting programs, recovery of multiple endangered species.
Prior to that, Giacometto implemented science-based policy by applying her background in science and law when serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks in her first public service role.
Following her tenure in public service, she accepted the role of CEO at the International Order of T. Roosevelt (IOTR), a not-for-profit. During her term, IOTR focused on transforming conservation by performing in-the-field projects designed to fulfill corporate social responsibility initiatives enabling businesses to continue to operate while contributing to healthy ecosystems and wildlife populations.
In 2023, she founded Las Golden & Associates, which provides services in conservation and environmental stewardship to clients in variety of industries.
Furthermore, she advises on the precommercial development of coal-based carbon advanced products and works. With her late husband, she co-founded AVC Global, a track-and-trace company using blockchain technology to prevent counterfeit pharmaceuticals entering into markets in Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Today, she serves on the boards of Ramaco Resources, a publicly traded metallurgical coal company; Foundation of Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF); Protect the Harvest; Rubicon Institute; and Steamboat Institute.
She is a member of the Colossal BioSciences’ Advisory Board, Ducks Unlimited Conservation Policy Committee, and the National Rifle Association’s Hunting and Conservation Committee.
Prior to service at the Interior Department, Giacometto was the Assistant Corporate Counsel at Alltech, an all-natural international animal feed and agriculture corporation, where she was the legal contact for the Crop Science division.
Giacometto’s career began at Monsanto, now Bayer Corporation, a global leader in agricultural and chemical products. Her responsibilities grew from laboratory characterization of agricultural products that improved yields and increased health benefits to projects that improved crop resiliency against environmental impacts. Her work was critical to the federal regulatory approval process for global product commercialization. She managed the teams of the multi-million-dollar Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) to develop and deploy corn to farmers in five African countries with no cost of the technology.
Governor-elect Jeff Landry Makes Key Announcements in First Transition Press Conference
One Team. One Dream. One Louisiana.
Lafayette, La– Today, Governor-elect Jeff Landry held his first transition press conference. He announced the theme of the transition: “One Team. One Dream. One Louisiana.” The Governor-elect also announced the transition will take place on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s campus. The transition chairs will be Ralph Abraham, Lane Grigsby, Shane Guidry, Timothy Hardy, Steve Orlando, Eddie Rispone, and Sharon Landry. Kyle Ruckert will direct the transition team.
“Our group of chairs are not only great leaders, but they are extremely dedicated to this State. They have worked in the oil and gas field, the construction industry, in education, healthcare, and environmental affairs. Each chair possesses strong attributes of leadership, and that is why I have tasked them with helping prep our administration for success. We look forward to working out of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette throughout this transition period as a united Louisiana,” said Governor-elect Jeff Landry.
Quotes from chairs:
“Louisiana’s economy is weak, our students are slipping further behind, and our loved ones are moving to other states for better opportunities. I look forward to being a voice for North Louisiana throughout this transition process, and lending my knowledge as a physician, former U.S. Congressman, and farmer to Jeff Landry’s team. It’s time we put Louisiana on a path to success,” said Ralph Abraham.
“As a Louisianian who has successfully navigated the business climate here in Louisiana, I am eager to lend my business expertise to Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s transition team. I look forward to working with the chairs to move Louisiana forward,” said Lane Grigsby.
“As a businessman in the New Orleans metro area, I see firsthand how crime has affected our local economy. I am eager to get to work on Jeff Landry’s transition team and put into place the proper people, policies, and infrastructure to help rebuild our State,” said Shane Guidry.
“I am honored to be named a chair for Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s transition team. I have an extensive background and knowledge in environmental law and policy, and I look forward to working with the Governor-elect’s team to put a successful plan in place for the Landry Administration,” said Timothy Hardy.
“I am honored to be a chair for Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s transition team. Louisiana’s economy is suffering, and as a businessman and resident of Lafayette, I look forward to working with the Governor-elect to implement the right foundation that allows our local economy to thrive,” said Steve Orlando.
“Our education system in Louisiana is failing our children and their future opportunities for a productive future. As a chair for Governor-elect Landry’s transition team, I am committed to help the Landry Administration give Louisiana’s children the opportunity for the quality education they deserve and need to be a productive member of our workforce and properly support themselves and their family,” said Eddie Rispone.
“I look forward to working with the transition team to protect our children, our families, and put Louisiana on the right path forward,” said Sharon Landry.
Governor-Elect Jeff Landry Urges Voters to Cast a Ballot One More Time This Year
Jeff Landry Endorses Nancy Landry for Secretary of State, Liz Murrill for Attorney General, John Fleming for Treasurer
LAFAYETTE, La. — Governor-Elect Jeff Landry is reminding voters they can cast a ballot one more time, in the Louisiana runoff election, to ensure their voice is heard.
“The runoff election is just a few short weeks away and it is critical Louisiana voters make their voices heard. The Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Treasurer are important positions that will impact the direction of Louisiana for years to come,” said Governor-Elect Landry, “In some communities there are important local elections as well.”
“I encourage Louisiana voters to support Nancy Landry for Secretary of State, Liz Murrill for Attorney General, and John Fleming for Treasurer so we can push the reforms I spoke about during my race for Governor. Having a team ready and able to help support our goals is important. Nancy, Liz, and John all have the experience and judgment necessary to be successful in moving Louisiana forward,” said Governor-Elect Landry.
Voters who cast mail absentee ballots should receive their runoff ballots soon. Early voting is November 3rd through November 11th. The runoff election is November 18th, just days before the Thanksgiving Day holiday.
LANDRY: Thank You Louisiana!
We did it!
I am both proud of and humbled by the outpouring of support that our campaign for Governor received, leading to an historic and unprecedented win on Saturday night. As I said from the very beginning, this race was never about me — it has always been about us. And by standing together for our common cause, we successfully won a jungle primary against 14 opponents — proving that our State is united in a vision for the future. But now, the real work begins.
Since we launched our campaign over a year ago, we hit the road listening to you about the core issues that must be addressed if we’re to restore our State and improve our circumstances. The biggest issue is crime, of course, with Louisiana leading in all of the worst rankings.
Through our decisive victory, the people of our State have said that they are tired of being known for violence, rape, and murder. We’re tired of leading the country in property crime, carjackings, and domestic violence. And we’re exhausted by the surge of opioids, fentanyl, and overdose deaths that are destroying our families. We must fix these issues immediately to restore safety in our communities. That is why I consider our election a mandate for change — and change is what we will have.
The other hot topics being discussed around the kitchen tables across our State are taxation, insurance rates, our education system, and the economy. It is high time that Louisiana has a government as good as its people — one that serves our parishes, protects our sovereignty, and ensures that a high quality of life is not only affordable but also accessible. We must also be able to compete with the other Southern states that are booming right now; but to achieve a brighter future, we must make different decisions than leaders in the past have made, and that we will.
To restore Louisiana, we must ensure that our children are able to read and do basic math, that opportunities will exist for them to make a living and raise a family, and that they will be backed by a government that solves problems rather than creates new ones. We must also support our law enforcement and other first responders as we tackle crime and restore the rule of law. That means we must refuse the temptations of armchair politics and theoretical solutions and pursue the answers that will actually work.
By embracing reality over feel good theories, we will begin to build our State back up in a way that works for all of our people and not just a few. And as a result, our small and larger businesses will begin to prosper again, our economy will gain traction, and others will choose Louisiana as an investment in their future — which will benefit us all. Yes, these are lofty goals; but they are attainable ones, if we work together. Remember: no one thought that the people of our State would end this race with the first vote — but we proved them wrong.
And I know that if we continue as one team, we will accomplish great things. We can create a better, safer, and more prosperous Louisiana — not just for ourselves but also for our future generations to come. And so I thank you all again. Our historic victory is due to all of you who supported our efforts in time, talent, and treasure. And we will continue to win thanks to those who remain committed to the revival of Louisiana values, courage, and ingenuity.
Sharon, I and our team look forward to rolling up our sleeves and getting to work fixing our great State — because this is our moment.
Jeff Landry
Louisiana Governor-Elect
Kennedy statement on Governor-elect Landry
“Congratulations again to Louisiana Governor-elect Jeff Landry. He served our state passionately as attorney general, and I look forward to working with him as our new governor. Louisiana’s future can be better than our present and our past, and it's the responsibility of both state and federal officials to make that brighter, freer and more prosperous future a reality.”
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today made the following statement:
“Congratulations again to Louisiana Governor-elect Jeff Landry. He served our state passionately as attorney general, and I look forward to working with him as our new governor. Louisiana’s future can be better than our present and our past, and it's the responsibility of both state and federal officials to make that brighter, freer and more prosperous future a reality.”
