Posts filed under Louisiana

Trump: A Win in 2020 and Lake Charles Gets a New Bridge

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In what was likely a moment of levity during his visit today, President Trump promised a new bridge on I10 for Lake Charles if he is re-elected. Or, it may have been because the motorcade had to cross that disaster. Either way, see the video below:

Posted on May 14, 2019 and filed under Louisiana, Donald Trump.

LAGOP: LOUISIANA- FIRST IN LAST, AGAIN

So once more Louisiana is dead last in a ranking of all fifty states! This particular ranking, by U. S. News & World Report magazine, is, unfortunately, one of the older, more respected and widely noted of such rankings.


This ranking evaluated education, healthcare, infrastructure, opportunity, crime and quality of life metrics- precisely the sort of things that we elected John Bel Edwards to fix in 2015. However, the Governor faults the evaluating criteria, accusing the magazine of using old data sources, presumably pre-2019 data. But then 2019 is not yet over, so one hesitates to cast aspersions on U. S. News & World Report for this omission.
The sad fact is that this magazine has reached the same conclusion that Louisiana is the worst state to live in for three straight years. There can be little doubt where we will be in the rankings next year, and let us not forget the many other state rankings by numerous other institutions which confirm our terrible condition.

Harken back to the heady days of the 2015 campaign and the many promises made by John Bel Edwards: That he would reform our bloated and inefficient state government, that he would not raise our taxes, that he would repair our infrastructure, etc., etc. Yet what do we have to show for all the bitterness in tone, the innumerable legislative sessions, the threats to throw nursing home patients out in the street and end the LSU football program, and so forth?

We have higher taxes, decaying infrastructure, a terrible public education system, an out-of-control Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals (which will break us financially in the next several years), and one of the slowest growing state economies in the country. And all the while tens of thousands of our fellow citizens leave Louisiana every year for greener pastures...

The missed opportunities of this administration boggle the mind, but John Bel Edwards faults the data. We fault this Governor!

On to Victory in 2019!

Louis Gurvich, Chairman
Republican Party of Louisiana

Posted on May 14, 2019 and filed under Louisiana, LAGOP, John Bel Edwards.

LOGA Responds to President Trump Celebration of Louisiana’s Energy Producers

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BATON ROUGE, LA (April 14, 2019) — The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association applauds President Donald Trump’s actions to unleash an American energy revolution on American soil.  

“It’s refreshing to hear an administration celebrate the oil and gas industry and see their continued push for American energy dominance,” said Gifford Briggs, President of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association. “The oil and gas industry has been an economic powerhouse for our country, our state, and our local communities. It is long past time Louisiana moves on from the job and investment stifling litigations and taxation policy, and unleash the true potential of Louisiana’s oil and gas industry. We thank President Trump for his visit and look forward to working alongside his administration to unleash the true potential of the American energy producer.”  

About The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association

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

Posted on May 14, 2019 and filed under Oil and Gas, Donald Trump, Louisiana.

President Trump Arrives in Lake Charles

The President recently touched down in Lake Charles to start his tour of a Cameron LNG plant. Several members from Louisiana’s delegation in DC arrived on Air Force One with the President and several from the state delegation were there to greet him.

Posted on May 14, 2019 and filed under Oil and Gas, Louisiana, Donald Trump.

HIGGINS: Welcome to Southwest Louisiana, President Trump

Photo source: The Advocate

Photo source: The Advocate

 Congressman Clay Higgins, Special to the American Press

    Louisiana will soon welcome President Donald Trump for a visit to Sempra Energy’s Cameron LNG Export Facility. With over $100 billion in announced energy projects and $65 billion in projects already underway, Southwest Louisiana has a story worth sharing.

    Our region is home to historic economic growth and job creation as part of the LNG boom, and I am honored that President Trump recognizes Louisiana’s significance regarding American energy dominance. South Louisiana is blessed with a strategic location on the Gulf Coast that is home to vast natural resources, major ports, industrial airfields, rail and pipeline hubs, and generational skills. With critical investments in new and existing infrastructure, Southwest Louisiana can become the epicenter of national economic prosperity.

    What we are seeing is reflective of President Trump’s efforts to unleash America’s energy potential and establish an era of American energy dominance. In Calcasieu and Cameron parishes, projects like Sasol, Cheniere, Sabine Pass LNG, Driftwood LNG, Magnolia LNG, Cameron LNG, and many others are creating tens of thousands of jobs and generating billions in economic development. Southwest Louisiana is quickly becoming a global leader in energy exports.

    Historic tax cuts, regulatory reform, and an America-first business climate are driving energy projects forward. Continued economic growth in Louisiana relies on modern infrastructure and a strong workforce. I will continue to reinforce that message directly with President Trump and his Cabinet.

    We must invest in our ports, waterways, roads, and bridges. We should also invest in workforce development to ensure that local workers can meet growing job and industry demands.

    When President Trump visited Lake Charles after Hurricane Harvey, I asked him to invest in dredging and water management for South Louisiana. I looked in his eyes and stated that we’ve seen this much water fall, but we haven’t seen this much water rise. His administration followed through. The Calcasieu Channel and Port of Lake Charles have received over $194 million for dredging since 2017. That investment enables greater trade, attracts new business, and will generate more than a billion dollars in revenue over the next five years.

    On Tuesday, I will speak to President Trump about the need to continue investing in our region. This includes federal resources for our ports, waterways, airfields, and a new I-10 bridge. With strategic investments, we can unlock Southwest Louisiana’s full economic potential, which will be a major benefit to the entire nation.

    I am grateful for our Commander in Chief and for his upcoming visit. He leads from the front, and he follows through on his promises. That spirit is certainly welcome here in South Louisiana.

--Congressman Clay Higgins represents Louisiana’s 3rd District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Source: Congressman Clay Higgins 

Posted on May 13, 2019 and filed under Clay Higgins, Donald Trump, Louisiana.

Louisiana Citizens for Job Creators: AG Landry Continues to Win on Obamacare

This week the Louisiana Senate passed AG Landry's Obamacare fix with almost unbelievable support: 38-0. This overwhelming, bipartisan display of approval proves that the plans set forth by AG Landry are sound steps in the path to addressing the UNAFFORDABLE Affordable Care Act.

AG Landry has worked diligently with Louisiana Department of Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, Senator Fred Mills, and House Speaker Taylor Barras to craft this important legislation that would protect some of the most vulnerable patients in the state: those with pre-existing conditions. The ideas proposed by AG Landry are revolutionary and are real solutions to real health care problems. Should this bill, the Louisiana Families Protection Act, become law it stands to be an example for the entire country on how to fix Obamacare.

Thank you AG Landry for tackling this crucial issue and leading the charge for real solutions! Read more about AG Landry's bill HERE!

Posted on May 9, 2019 and filed under Jeff Landry, Louisiana.

AG Jeff Landry Spearheading Bipartisan Effort on Obamacare Replacement

Photo source: Twitter

Photo source: Twitter

In what is another example of Attorney General Jeff Landry showing true leadership in Baton Rouge, a bill working it’s way through the legislature, which would replace Obamacare, is receiving bipartisan support  

State Attorney General Jeff Landry, a former Republican congressman, has spearheaded the effort, saying it would inject real competition into the health insurance market, reduce costs for consumers and provide a safety net for those whose pre-existing conditions, such as cancer and diabetes.  

 “What we’re doing is going back to federalist principles, working within the long-established powers of the state,” Mr. Landry said. “It will be interesting to see what the governor will do.”

The ball is in the Governor’s court. Let’s see if he truly is worthy of that “Honor Code” label he loves to use

Read more:  Louisiana Republicans win Democrats' support with first Obamacare replacement

LOUISIANA FAMILY FORUM: Oppose Louisiana ERA Bill

Photo source: Baptist Message

Photo source: Baptist Message

LFF OPPOSES SCR 2 by Sen. J.P. Morell (D New Orleans) and the ratification of the 1972 Equal Rights Amendment. This dangerous resolution, which could codify a right to abortion into the U.S. Constitution, will be heard as early as next week.

It is important that your State Senator hears from you today! Click here to find your Senator and urge them to VOTE NO on SCR2!

How does this amendment ERAse women’s’ progress?

  1. ERA would codify a federal right to abortion into the constitution.

  2. Every pro-life law on the books in Louisiana and across the nation would be in jeopardy, including restrictions on taxpayer funding of abortion.

  3. ERA would empower the federal courts to re-define “sex” beyond biology.

  4. Biological sex at birth will be re-negotiated giving sexual politics constitutional status.

  5. ERA threatens fundamental religious freedom.

  6. People who disagree with new gender definitions and want to live out their faith peacefully could be subject to criminal penalties. Church tax exempt status would be in jeopardy over policies and practices regarding all-male clergy.

  7. ERA jeopardizes privacy and safety.

  8. By removing traditional gender norms like separate bathrooms, locker rooms, hospital and nursing home rooms, women’s shelters and other private spaces will be integrated.

  9. ERA would integrate prisons and require that women be assigned to military combat.

  10. ERA would do away with separate women and men’s sports teams.

Laws that prohibit discrimination based on sex already exist in the 5th and 14th amendment as well as federal and state anti-discrimination laws. Under these protections, we continue to make progress when issues come to light.

The legal deadline to ratify the ERA was 37 years ago. Call your Senator and/or email them and let them know that Louisiana celebrates women, and not to ERAse the progress we have made. Urge them to VOTE NO on SCR2!

Click here! Find your Senator and urge them to VOTE NO on SCR2!

Posted on May 7, 2019 and filed under Louisiana.

If We Only Had a Governor Committed to Oil and Gas

At least we have a President who’s committed to one of the greatest industries in the state of Louisiana. The following was announced today regarding President Trump visiting the Bayou State.  

According to Senator Bill Cassidy, President Trump will be touring the Sempra Energy’s Cameron LNG Export Facility on May 14, 2019.

“I thank President Trump for his commitment to unleashing American energy and supporting Louisiana energy workers,” said Cassidy. “Under Republicans’ watch, we’ve seen new investment in projects from the wellhead to the export facility—bringing billions to our state and creating good-paying jobs for Louisiana workers.”

Too bad we have a governor that has done everything he could to break the back of oil and gas in this state with his trial attorney cronies.

Read more: President Trump to visit natural gas facility in Cameron Parish next week

More of “What Makes Cajun Country Great”

Photo source: The Advocate

Photo source: The Advocate

Here in my hometown of New Iberia, a family business is brewing their own brand of whiskey:

NEW IBERIA — It’s true that 98% of all bourbon whiskey is brewed in Kentucky.

That fact hasn't stopped Stephen Mestayer and his sons, Philip and Jeep, from brewing their own bourbon whiskey on weekends from their regular jobs in a tiny warehouse off U.S. 90 in New Iberia.

Read more: New Iberia family behind Distillerie Acadian to unveil new bourbon whiskey this summer

Posted on May 6, 2019 and filed under Louisiana.

BEAU BEAULLIEU ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

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“We have all the ingredients to make Louisiana a great state.

Let’s make it happen.

New Iberia- Local small business owner and community leader, Beau Beaullieu (Republican), has announced that he will become a candidate for the open seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives, District 48.

“Now is the time for effective solutions and conservative leadership in Baton Rouge. We have talked about ridding the state of good ole boy politicians for years, but have yet to set this state on the right path. Effective governance, that understands fiscal responsibility will dig us out. I’ve got my shovel and I’m ready to get to work,” Beaullieu said.

A life-long resident of Iberia Parish, Beau is a graduate of Catholic High School (New Iberia), LSU where he received a degree in Finance and UL Lafayette where he received a Master of Business Administration. Beau has made it his life’s work to build secure financial futures for thousands in south Louisiana and he’s ready to take that mindset to the state capitol.  He was the 2018 recipient of the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce Civic Service Award, named Kiwanian of the Year in 2017 and one of Acadiana’s Top 20 under 40 in 2014.

Beaullieu stated, “My entire life, I’ve seen firsthand the spirit and work ethic of the people here in District 48. Through the years, they’ve inspired me with their resilience.  I’ve worked hand-in-hand with them to help make our home a better place to live, work and play. We have all the ingredients to make Louisiana a great state for our children and grandchildren to prosper. I’m up for the challenge to bring that vision and those values to Baton Rouge – let’s make it happen.”

If elected, Beau will focus on reducing the size of government, improving our business climate by slashing unnecessary regulations and red tape, reinvesting in education and workforce training, protecting innocent life at all stages, standing up for our constitutional rights and bring solutions to address our infrastructure needs.

Beau is married to Kaci Smith Beaullieu; together they have four children: Mary-Alizabeth, Emma, Beau and Thomas. The Beaullieu’s are parishioners at Sacred Heart of Jesus where Beau is a lector and has served on the Church Parish Council.

For years, Beau’s lifelong ambition has been to make Louisiana and Acadiana a place all of our children can be proud to call home.  As an effective leader in the community Beau is a Board Member for the Iberia Cultural Resources Association, former Board Member of the Acadiana Red Cross, Charter Member and former Chairman of the Iberia Parish Foundation, former Board Member of the Iberia Chamber of Commerce, member and Past President of the New Iberia Kiwanis Club, former Chairman of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Council and the Knights of Columbus Council No. 11793 among others.

House District 48 includes portions of Iberia, Lafayette and St. Martin Parishes. The seat is being vacated by Speaker Taylor Barras due to term limits. Election Day is Saturday, October 12, 2019.

CITIZENS FOR LOUISIANA JOB CREATORS: Senate Approves AG Landry's Healthcare Bill

Today, the Health & Welfare Senate Committee unanimously approved SB 173 - the Health Care Coverage for Louisiana Families Protection Act which provides protections for patients with pre-existing conditions should Obamacare be repealed. 


AG Landry has worked diligently with Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, Senate Health & Welfare Chairman Fred Mills, House Speaker Taylor Barras, and the entire committee to craft this legislation that addresses numerous concerns for health insurance recipients and those with pre-existing conditions. The win today is a huge step in the process for this important bill to become law.

Thanks to the Senate Health & Welfare Committee members Senators Regina Barrow, Gerald Boudreax, Norby Chabert, Dan Claitor, Yvonne Colomb Dorsey, Dale Erdey, Bob Hensgens, Jay Luneau, & Chairman Fred Mills for referring the bill out of committee!

And, THANK YOU AG Landry for standing up for everyone across Louisiana to ensure that health insurance coverage will not be in jeopardy for those with pre-existing conditions!

Posted on May 1, 2019 and filed under Jeff Landry, Louisiana, Heathcare.

Oil and Gas is Still an Important Economy in Louisiana, No Matter What “Honor Code” Thinks

Photo source: Oil and Gas IQ

Photo source: Oil and Gas IQ

While “Honor Code” Edwards and his trial lawyer cronies are bent on crippling one of the greatest economies that this state has ever had, oil and gas still proves to be a bountiful source of revenue for Louisiana.

WASHINGTON — Louisiana will get nearly $95 million for coastal protection and restoration efforts in the latest round of payments from the federal government’s Gulf energy royalties.

State officials quickly hailed the announcement of the latest round of Gulf of Mexico Energy and Security Act funding as a win for the state’s conservation and hurricane protection efforts.

Read more: Louisiana gets nearly $95 million for coastal restoration from federal oil revenue-sharing pact

Posted on May 1, 2019 and filed under John Bel Edwards, Louisiana, Oil and Gas.

LAGOP: John Bel Edwards Has Failed Louisiana's Oil and Gas Industry

(Baton Rouge, LA) – Today, as we observe Oil & Gas Day in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards continues his assault on Louisiana’s lifeblood, the oil and gas industry, thereby jeopardizing the economic security of hundreds of thousands of workers and their families.


Since taking office Edwards has bombarded the oil and gas companies with lawsuits, regulations, and higher taxes, and the sad results clearly show in Louisiana’s diminished importance in the nation’s energy economy.
To illustrate the damage that John Bel Edwards has caused, read below:

  • He has actively encouraged lawsuits against the oil and gas industry in parishes across the state, which is unsurprising since the trial lawyer lobby spent over $2.6 million electing him.

  • The Wall Street Journal:“Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards was elected in 2015 with substantial support from trial lawyers, and he’s now repaying them in kind. The former minority leader of the state’s House of Representatives is effectively extorting oil and gas companies to backfill the budget while engineering what could be a handsome payday for his friends at a politically connected law firm.” (March 2018)

  • His changes to Louisiana’s highly successful, eighty plus year old Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) have burdened energy companies by creating uncertainty in the cost of future investment in the state. ExxonMobil has taken the extraordinary step of publicly stating that they will no longer factor the program into their decision-making.

  • ExxonMobil:“Due to the uncertainty, we will have to assume there is no ITEP incentive as we make cost projections on future investment opportunities in Louisiana.” (January 2019)

  • In 2018 alone, Louisiana under John Bel Edwards lost 1,100 jobs in the sector that includes the oil and gas industry, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

  • Under John Bel Edwards, Louisiana has raised taxes and fees at a higher rate than any other state in the country, further weakening the business climate for the state’s oil and gas industry.

  • Former Democratic Congressman Chris John:“It is the engine that drives our economy… A governor who would not recognize that, I think, is doing a disservice to Louisiana.” (July 2018)

With more than 260,000 employees across the state and an average annual wage of more than $96,500 (almost double the state’s average wage), and a contribution of more than $2 billion in annual state taxes, it is clear that the energy industry is critical to Louisiana’s employment, state budget and overall economic success.

“Our state deserves a governor who will work to build up our economy, not tear it down. Governor Edwards continues to show that he is willing to put Louisiana’s economic health and working families at risk to boost his trial lawyer backers,” commented LAGOP Chairman Executive Director Andrew Bautsch

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LAGOP: JOHN BEL EDWARDS CHOOSES CAMPAIGN CASH OVER SENIOR CARE

(Dallas, TX) – After funneling over $40,000 into John Bel Edwards’ campaign pockets, Senior Care Center Management LCC has filed for bankruptcy protection in federal court. Senior Care Center Management operates senior care, assisted living and hospice facilities in Texas and Louisiana.
 
Many of their Louisiana facilities have been trusted to treat some of our most vulnerable populations and rely on Medicaid to reimburse their facilities and cover the cost of care. After expanding the Medicaid program in 2016, Governor Edwards is now trying to dedicate an additional $1 billion from our state budget to cover the growing cost of Medicaid here in Louisiana.
 
Unfortunately, while running up hundreds of millions of dollars in debt and refusing to PAY RENT at their facilities, the team at Senior Care Management was busy working with Governor Edwards’ campaign to funnel over $40,000 into their campaign account through eight of its corporate subsidiaries.
 
April 2015 – Spring Lake SCC LLC, Shreveport SCC LLC, Normandie SCC LLC, Ruston SCC LLC, Colonial SCC LLC, Bradford SCC LLC, Booker SCC LLC, and Bossier SCC LLC are all registered with the Texas Secretary of State.

These EIGHT entities all share:

  • The same registered agent, Amarillo Corporate Services, LLC

  • The same address, 600 N Pearl St, Suite 1100, Dallas, TX

  • The same roster of officers, with Andrew Kerr, listed as President & CEO, John Heller as Vice President, and Alan Boerner, Alan Munday, and Scott Rickard as Directors. Kerr is also listed in a press release as Chief Financial Operator at the time.


November 2015 – Spring Lake SCC LLC, Shreveport SCC LLC, Normandie SCC LLC, Ruston SCC LLC, Colonial SCC LLC, Bradford SCC LLC, Booker SCC LLC, and Bossier SCC LLC all donate $2,500 contributions to Edwards’ campaign for governor. (See Below)
 
January 2016 – Edwards expands Medicaid in Louisiana.
 
March 2016 – Spring Lake SCC LLC, Shreveport SCC LLC, Normandie SCC LLC, Ruston SCC LLC, Colonial SCC LLC, Bradford SCC LLC, Booker SCC LLC, and Bossier SCC LLC all donate $2,500 each to Edwards’ re-election. (See Below)
 
November 2016 – Senior Care Center Management LLC donates $4,000 to Edwards’ re-election. (See Below)
  
These entities, all of whom have the same registered agent, officers, and location, have donated a total of $44,000 to Edwards.

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Posted on April 24, 2019 and filed under Louisiana, Oil and Gas, John Bel Edwards.

LOGA Names Heavyweight Champions of the Oil And Gas Industry

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BATON ROUGE, LA (April 23, 2019) — At the 2019 Louisiana Oil and Gas Association’s Annual Meeting, President Gifford Briggs, on behalf of the entire association, honored Sen. Norby Chabert, Speaker Taylor Barras, Rep. Neil Abramson, and Rep. Jim Morris as LOGA Heavyweight Champions for their support of Louisiana’s oil and gas industry.

“We are very proud to honor these legislators for their commitment to the industry and willingness to stand up to fight and protect it,” said Gifford Briggs, President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association. “Time and time again, these men have taken to the mic, passed legislation, and stood for common sense solutions on a multitude of issues. I am proud to have worked so closely with these legislators and proud of the work we have been able to accomplish for the companies, families, and communities that fuel our economy. ”

Remarks from Gifford Briggs at the awards ceremony:

Senator Norby Chabert

With a family history of public service, Sen. Chabert was elected to the Louisiana State Senate in 2009 to represent the constituents of Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes. Serving as the Chair- man of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, Sen. Chabert consistently advocated for a ro- bust oil and gas industry in south Louisiana. Sen. Chabert has proven himself to be a fighter for the oil and gas industry, being the first on the senate floor to stand up against onerous taxes and regulations that would hurt the families who rely on oil and gas jobs and opportunities in his community.

Speaker Taylor Barras

In 2007, Rep. Taylor Barras was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in District 48, which is made up of portions of Iberia, Lafayette, and St. Martin parishes. In 2016, he was cho- sen by his colleagues as Speaker of the House. Representing the Acadiana area, Speaker Barras has fought for policies and legislation that would be conducive for a dominant oil and gas indus- try in Louisiana.

Rep. Neil Abramson

A college athlete, a fiscal conservative, and a New Orleans Democrat, Representative Neil Abramson was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2007 to serve the people of Orleans Parish. Serving as the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, he has fought for sensible solutions to Louisiana’s fiscal problems. Rep. Abramson understands the val- ue of a working Louisiana, and especially a roaring oil and gas industry.

Rep. Jim Morris

Rep. Jim Morris was elected to serve the people of Bossier and Caddo parishes in 2007. Making his living as an oil and gas producer, Rep. Morris serves on the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee, and there he has shown unwavering support for small oil and gas pro- ducers in North Louisiana.

The LOGA Heavyweight Champion’s belt goes to individuals, groups, or companies who have significantly contributed to the betterment of Louisiana and the oil and gas industry. The cham- pion’s belt represents the fighting spirit of the hard working men and women of the industry.

About The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association

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

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Posted on April 23, 2019 and filed under Oil and Gas, Louisiana.

LAGOP: Edwards’ Administration Caught Manipulating Jobs Data to Avoid Federal Food Stamp Work Requirements

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(Baton Rouge, LA) – Last week The Foundation for Government Accountability published a report titled “Waivers Gone Wild,” detailing the steps taken by Governor John Bel Edwards to sidestep work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, allowing them to still receive food stamp benefits.

Federal law generally requires able-bodied adults without dependents to work, train, or volunteer at least part-time to maintain food stamp eligibility. These rules apply to non-pregnant adults who are between the ages of 18 and 50, who are mentally and physically fit for employment, and who have no dependent children or incapacitated family members living at home.

However, in Louisiana, Governor Edwards has gone to great lengths to game the system. According to the report, Louisiana starts its waiver period in September, the last month of the federal fiscal year. This exploits a regulatory loophole that lets Governor Edwards use unemployment data back to December 2015. Further, Governor Edwards decided to put all 64 parishes together into one single group, allowing many parishes to qualify for waivers even if the local economy is thriving.

Today in Louisiana, 60,310 able-bodied adults without dependents are on food stamps and under the guidance of John Bel Edwards, 76% of those able-bodied adults are not working. That means there are 45,850 able-bodied adults without dependents that are cooperating with Governor Edwards to game the system and take advantage of taxpayers across the state.

“My colleagues and I want those who need help to get it; however, with that help should come opportunity - the opportunity to learn a new skill, improve their resume through community services, and find a job that will help them thrive instead of just survive. This report shows that that the Governor’s administration is leading our state further down a pathway of government dependence, while other states are choosing a path toward prosperity, ” said State Representative Rick Edmonds.

“We cannot ignore the facts on, or the implications of, this issue. Most of the nation is experiencing record job growth and economic success because they empower their people to become successful; however, our state allows able-bodied food stamp recipients with no dependents to bypass federal work requirements that could ultimately help them find a good job.”

The full report can be found at:
https://thefga.org/research/work-requirement-waivers-gone-wild/

Posted on April 23, 2019 and filed under Louisiana, John Bel Edwards, LAGOP.

Taxing Citizens and Businesses and Suing Oil and Gas Isn’t the Best Idea After All

With election season in full swing and “Honor Code” looking for re-election to the Governor’s seat, you’ll be hearing all kind of spin about how his liberal policies have made Louisiana better. However, suing one of the largest industry in the state and massive taxation in Louisiana doesn’t nearly work out as well as it seems.

The drop caused Louisiana to end March with 1,981,100 jobs, according to preliminary numbers released Friday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The numbers are not seasonally adjusted.

Construction fell by 6.3%, or 9,600, over the past 12 months to 143,400 jobs. Information was down by 2,200 jobs, or 9%, to 22,200. Mining and logging, which includes oil and gas jobs, fell by 1,100 jobs, or 3.1%, to end at 34,400. Professional and business services was down by 0.7%, or 1,500, to 211,300. Trade, transportation and utilities was down by 0.2%, or 800 jobs, to 378,700.

LAGOP: John Bel Edwards Accepts Maximum Donation From Harvey Weinstein’s Cover-Up Machine

(Baton Rouge, LA) – Terrified at his dimming prospects for re-election, Governor John Bel Edwards is desperate for campaign cash and will apparently take money from ANYONE. On December 5, 2017, the New York Times published an article titled “Weinstein’s Complicity Machine.” In the center of this cover-up machine was Brian Lourd, longtime partner at Creative Arts Agency.[i] 

“When asked if he had known of Mr. Weinstein’s alleged harassment of clients, Bryan Lourd, a partner at C.A.A., declined to comment, citing client confidentiality. In mid-September, Mr. Weinstein stormed into Mr. Lourd’s office to complain about an article that Ronan Farrow, a C.A.A. client, was writing on Mr. Weinstein’s alleged misconduct for The New Yorker, according to someone familiar with C.A.A.’s dealings with Mr. Weinstein. Later that month, Mr. Lourd tried to set up a meeting at the producer’s request. “This guy won’t meet right now,” he wrote to Mr. Weinstein on Sept. 26. “He did say he will call you soon. I think he is absolutely pursuing the story.”

On January 14, 2018, one of Harvey Weinstein’s accusers, actress Rose McGowan, bravely pointed the finger at C.A.A. and Brian Lourd for acting as “pimps” for Harvey Weinstein.[ii] “Who do you think is behind this ‘great’ PR? Why, it’s the company of pimps that sent so many into the Monster’s Lair themselves. CAA. #TIMESUPfakes,” McGowan tweeted. On March 4, 2019, Harvey Weinstein’s fixer, Brian Lourd, sent a $5000 maximum donation to Governor John Bel Edwards. “John Bel Edwards needs to spend more time re-learning his honor code and less time begging Harvey Weinstein’s buddies for campaign cash.” Said LAGOP Political Director Jason Harbison. 

Sources:
[i] https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/12/05/us/harvey-weinstein-complicity.html


[ii] https://pagesix.com/2018/01/14/rose-mcgowan-caa-agents-were-weinsteins-pimps/ 

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Posted on April 18, 2019 and filed under LAGOP, John Bel Edwards, Louisiana.

Former Gov. Kathleen Blanco is Under Hospice Care

Photo source: Wikipedia 

Photo source: Wikipedia 

Politics aside, Gov. Kathleen Blanco was a Governor who deeply cared for the State of Louisiana and was unfortunate enough to be thrown into the chaos of Hurricane Katrina, which ultimately cost her the Governor’s seat. She was also a daughter of Iberia Parish, where I live, and a devoted mother and wife. Our prayers are with Gov. Blanco during this time.

BATON ROUGE — Former Gov. Kathleen Blanco, who has been battling cancer since 2017, has entered hospice care.

The former governor announced in 2017 she suffered from ocular melanoma, which was first diagnosed in 2011 and reappeared in October 2017 during a routine checkup in Memphis.

Read more: BREAKING: Gov. Blanco enters hospice care

Posted on April 17, 2019 and filed under Louisiana.