AFP-Louisiana Releases Statement on Conclusion of Special Session

Group commends lawmakers on principled stand against tax increases

Photo source: AFP Twitter

BATON ROUGE, La. - Americans for Prosperity-Louisiana (AFP-LA) State Director John Kay released the following statement Monday night after legislators adjourned from special session:

"We applaud House members for taking a principled stand against tax increases. Having no tax increases advance is a win for Louisianans.

"This should be a clear message to the governor that another legislative session that wastes taxpayer money is not welcomed. They should refuse to adjourn another session and force government to live within it's means."

LAGOP: The Battle Lines

As the budget battle rages in the legislature and each side seeks to gain the moral high ground in the eyes of the public, we thought it would be a good time to revisit recent history and remind everyone how we arrived at this point:

Recall that the John Bel Edwards administration’s original fiscal cliff estimate was $1.3B, which then changed to $1.1B, before morphing into $994M as recently as April of this year. Only after the non-partisan Revenue Estimating Conference reported a more realistic (but still excessive-see below) estimated deficit figure of $648M, did Governor Edwards reluctantly and belatedly adopt this number as his latest “fiscal cliff”.

As we can now clearly discern, the fiscal cliff had already miraculously diminished to less than half of the Governor’s initial claim, or rather demand, for more taxes, but even so the House Fiscal Division then most unhelpfully (from the Governor’s perspective), calculated the actual number to be no more than $495M. Our Republican legislators’ trust in this administration’s deficit figures are by now understandably at low ebb.

Bluntly speaking, the Governor and his legislative allies have not been truthful with the public about the fiscal cliff. Rather, the Governor has repeatedly and over a period of years used wildly differing numbers which he knew were inaccurate at the time, to terrorize the public and its legislative representatives into raising taxes unnecessarily. He further compounded this chicanery by loudly proclaiming the approaching end of the state hospital system and the ejection of 37,000 nursing home residents onto the streets, albeit the public was at least spared on this particular occasion from the impending specter of the demise of the LSU football program. There is of course no reason to believe that he has now abandoned this ruse, but the damage done by this Governor’s lack of honesty is plain for all to see in the shattered wreckage left by nine legislative sessions in just over two years, and the terrific toll this has taken on our legislators, both Republican and Democrat alike.

But there is much more: The Governor’s current deficit figure is based on his administration’s requests for monies for the various departments of state government, which of course includes increases that have already been factored into the fiscal cliff. We believe that rather than increasing the budget of our state’s government, which is widely acknowledged to be the most bloated and inefficient in the entire country, we could most certainly reduce most departments by a reasonable amount (2-4%, for example). These reductions would in no wise impair the functioning of our government. Increasing governmental efficiencies is after all nothing more than was promised to us by John Bel Edwards himself, along with his many other long since forgotten campaign promises, including his promise not to raise taxes.

Continuing onward (or should we say ‘downward’?), the state’s own legislative auditor has stated that the purging of the vastly expanded Medicaid rolls of those ineligible to receive such assistance (thank you again, Governor Edwards), would by itself resolve the fiscal cliff within a short time. All that would be necessary is the willingness of this administration to compare the income tax returns of Medicaid applicants and recipients with the income declared on their Medicaid application form, and tens of thousands would be removed forthwith from the rolls. Additional savings could be gained merely by eliminating the 25% income error allowance for applicants, who should full well be able to determine their true income to within a few percent.

As the tax battle unfolded on the Senate side, HB 27 by Rep. Lance Harris (R, Alexandria), an attempt at compromise which sought to raise $365M by raising sales taxes 1/3 of a cent while reducing government spending, received rough treatment at the hands of the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee chaired by Rep. J. P. Morrell (D, New Orleans). More properly, one should say that the original bill had already been hijacked by Democrats, who immediately added over $300M in additional taxes, which would essentially grant Governor Edwards demand for $648M in taxes if it were to become law. So much for Republicans’ attempt at compromise!

Which leads us to the present. The next few days will determine not just the size of the tax increase to be borne by our tax-paying citizenry, but also the direction of our state government and thus the future of all Louisianians. At issue are fundamental questions: Whether we will demand that our government live within its means, or allow it to grow ever larger and less accountable to the people? And whether Louisiana will make an attempt to become competitive with other states, or continue to lose business, wealth, and population to our neighbors?

Let us hope that all of our Republican legislators, both senators and representatives alike, join in holding the line on taxes and supporting Rep. Harris’ original bill, or something very much like it. There is too much at stake to allow for anything less.

Louis Gurvich, Chairman
Republican Party of Louisiana

LOUISIANA FOR A CONSERVATIVE MAJORITY: Blake Miguez - Standing Strong for Conservatives in Louisiana

GROW LOUISIANA COALITION: Act Now to Support Steps to Improve Louisiana's Business Climate

Photo source: Grow Louisiana Coalition

When we grow business investment and bring new jobs here, we grow Louisiana. Attracting new projects and investments in our state often relies on our parish and state governments encouraging capital investment and job-creating activities.

For decades, the Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) has been Louisiana’s most important economic development tool. After nearly two years of uncertainty and confusion, the state’s economic development agency has proposed new guidelines that could be the first step in the right direction.

For more than 4 years, we have stood up for jobs in Louisiana. Our state’s leaders need to hear our voice again.

Click here to see and review the proposed rules from the State of Louisiana.

LAGOP Rebuttal to Gov. John Bel Edwards Address

 “Our Louisiana residents do not want higher income taxes or higher sales taxes. They want good, honest government, a government that can live within its means. The Governor has taken every opportunity to raise taxes, and continues to use scare tactics to bend the legislature to his will.”

BARRAS: Response to Governor’s Address

 “Half of America heard Yanni, the other heard Laurel. I think our governor heard taxes!” 

"Honor Code" is Taking His Crap on the Road

Photo source: KATC

This is not leadership.  This is pandering to the lowest denominator.  First, it was college football.  That didn't work.  Next it was sending out letters to elderly in the nursing facilities threatening eviction.  That didn't work.  Let's go after the college kids now.

Honor Code my ass.

Cut spending and live within your mean like everyone else in this state has to do in times of crisis.

2109 can't come soon enough to get rid of this turd.

Read more: Gov. Edwards in Lafayette to address upcoming special session

Citizens for Louisiana Job Creators: AG Landry Fights Opioid Crisis

Photo source: The Advertiser

Last week, Attorney General Jeff Landry took the fight against the Opioid crisis to the front lines. Thanks to recent legislation authored by Sen. Fred Mills and a partnership between the Attorney Generals office and British pharmaceutical company Mallinckrodt, hospice providers will have the authority and the tool necessary to dispose of deceased patients opioids. 
 
Mallinckrodt has donated 30,000 bags that, once an opioid is placed into the environmentally safe, drug-deactivating pouches, it becomes house-hold waste. This technology, and the authority for hospice professionals to utilize it is a huge step in combating the Opioid epidemic that plagues Louisiana. 60% of all Opioid addictions begin by using someone else's prescription. 
 
Louisiana currently has more Opioid prescriptions than it does residents.Thanks to the leadership of AG Jeff Landry, Louisiana is making incredible strides to change the Opioid epidemics narrative.

For more information on this important initiative, check out this story from KATC.

Julie Stokes Announces Candidacy for Secretary of State

Through an email announcement and YouTube video, Louisiana State Representative Julie Stokes has announced her candidacy for the open Secretary of State position in Baton Rouge:

“With the blessings and encouragement of family, friends, constituents, and doctors, I am announcing my candidacy to become our next Secretary of State.  I have tremendous respect for the proud history of this office, its role in protecting the integrity of our election system, and the service it provides to entrepreneurs.  I will strive to improve upon what I can, remove the obstacles that drag the office back, restore morale across the entire department, and ensure that our elections are fair, honest, secure, and carried out with professionalism.  Being a CPA, small business owner, and reform-minded legislator,  I am prepared for this challenge and expect to take this office to new heights for the citizens of Louisiana.” - State Representative Julie Stokes (R-Louisiana)

More Consequences of Honor Code’s Lawsuits

Photo source: Twitter

As we’ve reported on quite a bit, Gov. Honor Code and his trial attorney band of brothers have had a vendetta against the oil and gas industry in this state, being bound and determined to milk this vital life blood in this state to the last drop.  

Now, the latest to turn away from the Pelican State because of our legal atmosphere is the Bassmaster fishing tournament, which contributes millions in revenue.  

 “For the foreseeable future, we can’t have a level playing field there because of the access problems,” said BASS Conservation Director Gene Gilliland. “Louisiana just has some very peculiar laws that don’t mesh well with tournaments and that are going to deter a lot of recreational fishermen as well. Who knows how much they’ll lose?”

But, if you listen to the mainstream media here in Louisiana, what we have is a moderate Democrat leading this state.  

Don’t blame me though. I voted for Vitter. 

Read more:  Bassmaster tournaments seek calmer waters as La. trial lawyers spoil ‘sportsmen’s paradise’

JBE and His Trial Lawyer Buddies At Work

Photo source: Twitter

Don’t blame me. I voted for Vitter. 

Here is the latest in John Bel Edwards’ and his cronies scheme to milk the oil and gas industry for billions.  

But shakedowns aren't usually grounded in compelling evidence, and Louisiana appears to view liberal New York City and San Francisco as models to follow. A network of trial lawyers recently filed 42 lawsuits for six parishes alleging oil and gas companies are responsible for the state's coastal erosion and seeking damages.

Read more:  Louisiana Follows Liberal New York City's Lead In Going After Oil Companies

Louisiana AG Suggests Gov. Edwards Betraying Commitment to Second Amendment

Photo source: Breitbart

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry suggests Governor John Bel Edwards (D) is betraying previous commitments to the Second Amendment.

Landry supported a resolution to block Bank of America and Citibank from doing business with the state of Louisiana after both financial institutions adopted anti-gun policies.

Read more: Louisiana AG Suggests Gov. Edwards Betraying Commitment to Second Amendment

LANDRY: Government Should Protect Gun Rights

LAGOP: A First Step Towards Fiscal Sanity

The Louisiana House has passed its proposed budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year. Traditionally known as House Bill 1 (or HB1), the bill is now on its way to the Louisiana Senate. This action is the Constitutionally mandated first step in the legislative process of passing a final budget, one that we can only hope will spend money which is actually available and force state government to live within its means.

All and sundry know full well that HB1 will be revised in the Senate and the final version must be approved by both chambers before it can be sent to the Governor for action. Yet John Bel Edwards immediately assailed the House budget for being so miserly that it would (allegedly) force the shutdown of hospitals, the cancellation of home care programs, and cause irretrievable damage to higher education in Louisiana. (At this point we should remind our readers that this is the same Governor who until a few short days ago maintained that the “fiscal cliff” was far higher than it actually was, in order to alarm the voting public and justify a massive and as it turns out, largely unnecessary tax increase.) He went on to unhelpfully proclaim that the Senate could not fix the budget presented by the House, preferring to sabotage HB1 so that the difficult battle to pass a budget could be fought all over again in the upcoming special session.

Indeed, the Governor is in an unbecoming hurry to entirely shut down this regular session of the legislature, because state law forbids the raising of taxes in regular sessions in even numbered years. Although he evaded this law in 2016 and will do so once again in 2018 by calling special sessions wherein taxes can be raised, in the meantime any legislature which cannot raise taxes is obviously of no use to him whatsoever. He has long since reneged on his explicit and frequently repeated campaign promises to the people of Louisiana that he would not raise their taxes but would cut wasteful government spending.

The remaining weeks of this regular session could be gainfully utilized in cutting government waste, prioritizing spending cuts to make them more palatable and effective, and revisiting the hundreds of statutory dedications currently exempt from the budget. These actions would further reduce the fiscal cliff and minimize the need for new taxes, but efficient and responsible government is not what John Bel Edwards is all about.

What certainly could be accomplished in this regular session is the passing of a budget by the Louisiana legislature, exactly as was intended by the framers of our Constitution. The legislature could then have a budget to work from and could begin to identify any specific areas which required fiscal adjustments, without revisiting the difficult and painful budgeting process all over again. We hope that our entire Republican delegation in the legislature can work towards this goal, along with the near extinct breed of fiscally responsible Democrats which may still occasionally be found within the Capitol’s environs.

Louis Gurvich, Chairman - Republican Party of Louisiana

Pro-Life Day at the Capitol

The following information was provided by Louisiana Right to Life:

Photo source: Louisiana Right to Life

Join us April 4 for Pro-Life Day at the Capitol. There will be pro-life agency booths in the Capitol Rotunda and pro-life testimony in committee, and it’s a great time for you to interact with your legislators from home.

Testimony on the Adoption Option Act, authored by Rep. Rick Edmonds and sponsored by Louisiana Right to Life, is scheduled for the Health and Welfare Committee, which begins at 9 a.m.  in Committee Room 5. David Scotton, the subject of the adoption documentary I Lived on Parker Avenue, and others will be testifying. The committee room will fill up, so it is recommended you arrive early to get a seat.

Beginning at 1 p.m., the pro-life leadership will be recognized on the floors of both the House and Senate, and a special “Pro-Life Birthday Cake” will be served in the Rotunda.

Also in the afternoon (time TBA), Attorney General Jeff Landry will meet with pro-lifers and join in for a photo on the steps of the Capitol.

What You Won't Hear About Alton Sterling Today

Photo source: KNOE

Today, Attorney General Jeff Landry declined prosecution of officers that were involved in the 2016 shooting of Alton Sterling outside of a business on the north side of the city.  Throughout the coming days, you'll hear the liberal mainstream media drone on and on regarding the shooting with excuses for Landry not pursuing prosecution, such as political motivation.  However, what you won't hear are some of the facts of this case.

First, Sterling had an obscene amount of drugs and alcohol in his system.  From the AG report, the following was found during the autopsy:

A toxicology test (Exhibit C) was conducted during the autopsy and the results indicated Sterling’s chest blood tested positive for the following substances:

-          Ethanol (29 mg/dL)

-          Blood Alcohol Concentrate (BAC 0.029 g/100mL)

-          Benzoylecgonine (130 ng/mL)

-          Cocaine (26 ng/mL)

-          Amphetamine (23 ng/mL)

-          Methamphetamine (280 ng/mL)

-          Delta-9 Carboxy THC (13ng/mL)

-          Delta 9 THC (3.8 ng/mL)

            Additionally, Sterling’s urine tested positive for Opioids, Cocaine, Cannabinoids (THC), Amphetamines, and Fentanyl. 

            The toxicology report indicated that blood levels of 200-600 ng/mL have been associated with methamphetamine abusers who exhibited violent and irrational behavior. Sterling’s blood level for Methamphetamine was (280 ng/mL) which placed him in this category.

            The toxicology of Alton Sterling clearly indicated that he was under the influence of a combination of illegal substances.

Secondly, the report highlights Sterling's extensive history of interactions with law enforcement and a criminal history.  In one particular case, the circumstances are very similar to the facts of the current investigation.

This incident was documented by the Baton Rouge Police Department under item number 09-00054712 and, other than a seven year difference, mirrors the exact incident that occurred on July 5, 2016 in all but the outcome.

On May 29, 2009, Baton Rouge Police Officer Timothy Daigre responded to a call for service at 999 Rosenwald Street, Baton Rouge, LA. The complainant, identified as Anthonia Anderson B/M, DOB: 04/12/1980, reported that earlier in the evening on May 29, 2009, he had been driving and was approached by Alton Sterling who produced a dark colored handgun and pointed it at him and his passenger.

After being given this information Officer Daigre was directed to where Alton Sterling was selling contraband CDs. This location was identified as 1375 Rosenwald Street, the Scotlandville Grocery Store. 

Officer Daigre relocated to this location and observed an individual who matched the description provided by the victim as Alton Sterling. Upon the officers approach Alton Sterling was carrying a milk crate full of music CDs.

The officer asked Alton Sterling if he had any weapons.

Alton Sterling did not answer the officer, and was instructed put the milk crate on the ground and place his hands on the officer’s marked patrol unit. Alton Sterling complied with the officer instructions.

Officer Daigre began to conduct a Terry frisk, a pat down, of Alton Sterling’s outer clothing for officer safety. As Officer Daigre began this frisk, he noticed Alton Sterling removed his left hand from the hood of the marked unit and moved his hand toward his left front pants pocket.

Officer Daigre stopped Sterling from going into the pocket, and told him (Alton Sterling) to keep his hands on the hood of the vehicle. 

At this time, Sterling ignored the officer’s instructions, spun away from where the officer was attempting to conduct his frisk, and tried to flee from the officer. Officer Daigre grabbed Sterling by the shirt and was able to push him to the ground. During this process, he was giving loud verbal instructions to Sterling to stop resisting.

Once on the ground, Officer Daigre attempted to gain positive control of Alton Sterling, giving him instructions to stop resisting.

During his attempt to restrain Sterling, the officer was able to use his radio and summon assistance.

As the struggle continued, a black semi-automatic 9mm handgun fell from Alton Sterling’s waistband.

East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputy Dain Lewis had heard the officers call for assistance and responded. Upon arrival, Deputy Lewis helped subdue Sterling and his resistance was brought to an end.

Alton Sterling was subsequently arrested for the following charges: 40:966C Possession of a firearm while in possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, to wit: Marijuana; 14:37 Aggravated Assault; 14:108 resisting arrest; and 14:69.1 Possession of a stolen firearm.

The full report regarding this incident can be found here.

What is The Reasoning Behind Jack Montoucet Moving the LDWF Offices???

Photo source: LDWF

Earlier in the month of March, a story started gaining traction that Sec. Jack Montoucet, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries secretary, was planning to consolidate the offices of the LDWF in New Iberia and Opelousas into a location that was being purchased in Lafayette.  The reason?  Sec. Montoucet has stated that he is unable to expand the location in New Iberia, repairs that are necessary for both locations and the need for a centralized location outside of Baton Rouge. 

As a result of the decision to close both locations, parish and city leaders from both areas met with Sec. Montoucet to discuss their concerns.  Among those in attendance was Port of Iberia Director and former State Senator, Craig Romero.  Romero offered property within the Port of Iberia to the LDWF in order to keep the department within Iberia Parish, which was done free of charge. This was offered as a result of the assistance the State of Louisiana has given the Port of Iberia with development costs for many years in the past. The Port felt it was time to repay for all favors in the past. Sec. Montoucet did not respond to that offer.  Additionally, the state owns vacant property in New Iberia that was being used for vocational training.  The campus is large enough to house the operations that are needed in Iberia Parish and can easily meet the needs that Montoucet has stated he requires.

The problem with this whole issue is that, on an almost daily basis, we are reminded by Gov. "Honor Code" that the state is broke.  The property in Lafayette is valued at $7 million dollars and is located in the heart of the city.  Does anyone with a modicum of intelligence think that this is a good idea?  How is it efficient to send boats from Lafayette to respond to calls in Loreauville, Jeanerette or areas in the eastern part of Iberia Parish.  How is it safe to be pulling boats through Lafayette to Dulles Drive?  Some of these boats are over 40 feet long and require a permit to be moved.  How are we going to pay for this location?  Oh, I think I know how.  Raise "fees".

Montoucet has floated the time honored tradition here in Louisiana of raising fees, this time on the backs of hunters and fishermen in the Sportsman's Paradise.  Per this piece from The Advocate, the following is being proposed:

License fees for basic fishing would rise by 42 percent and 33 percent for hunters under a proposal outlined Monday by the secretary for the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Jack Montoucet, a former state legislator who leads the agency, said the increases are needed to offset a wide range of financial problems, including the loss of $65 million since 2009 because of state budget problems.

This seems like nothing more than another attempt to spend money on the backs of the taxpayers of the State of Louisiana.  When are we going to stop letting these "public servants" shove it to us on a consistent basis. 

Similar to the "Drain the Swamp" campaign that is trending regarding Washington, D.C., we need to "Drain the Stick" here in Louisiana.

OPINION: U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, AG Jeff Landry column: Criminal justice reform actually hurting public safety

Photo source: The Advocate  

We’ve got to be smarter about this. We can’t let prisoners go simply to cut down on the cost of bologna sandwiches. Public safety needs to come first.

Read more:  U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, AG Jeff Landry column: Criminal justice reform actually hurting public safety

I Can't Wait Until This "Honorable" Clown is Out of Office

Photo source: YouTube

If you work in the oil and gas industry and continue to support both JBE and the Democrat Party, then you need to have your head examined.  I give you the latest from the "Honorable One".  It wasn't enough to go after the oil and gas industry last year regarding coastal erosion.  He's now determined it's time to extort them even more.

The self righteous that couldn't bring themselves to vote for a true conservative in Vitter, congrats.  This crap is all your fault and when he's done in another year or two, this state will be poorer yet.

Honor Code my ass..............................

#IVotedForVitter

Read more: The Governor and Louisiana Lawyers Plot an Energy Shakedown

"Honor Code" Is Bragging About This?????

After doing all he can to kill the oil and gas industry here in the State of Louisiana, our own "Honor Code" and the Louisiana version of Barack Obama, John Bel Edwards, has come out with a statement touting the creation of a whopping 150 new jobs in the Monroe area with CenturyLink.  

I would be more likely to believe that this deal was done in response to the recent changes in the tax system implemented by the Republicans in Congress and pushed by President Trump rather that the "business climate" within this state.  "Honor Code" has done nothing in his two years as governor, other than raise taxes on both the citizens of the state and the companies that do business here.  

If there is anything more apparent that this clown tripped into his office, then I don't know any.  The sanctimonious Vitter critics should be proud of the circus being run in Louisiana.  But don't blame it on us that supported the Republican candidate in the last governor's election.  We all voted for Vitter.