LA Voters End Schizophrenic Gov't, So Can Other Red States

By Michael Reagan - Newsmax

Saturday, July 6, 2024

Up until this legislative session Louisiana suffered from a strange phenomenon found in some red states.

Louisiana had a solidly Republican legislature, but was saddled with a Democratic governor. This problem is easier to solve than the more common red state conundrum: A conservative legislature with a RINO (Republican In Name Only) governor.

Louisiana voters came to their senses and elected a solid conservative in Republican: Gov. Jeff Landry.

What a difference that has made!

As noted left-adherent Barack Obama observed, "Elections have consequences."

And as The Washington Times concluded, "Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, with the help of his solid Republican majorities, signed off on a laundry list of legislation that spells out a Republican agenda that could ping the national GOP’s radar."

This development brought some measure of joy to your authors.

Now we can point to someone other than Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., as an exemplar of using government for conservative ends.

Here a just some of the laws passed and signed by Landry that return a measure of sanity to living in Louisiana:

• $3 billion cut from the state budget

• Universal school choice

• Constitutional carry

• A ban on vaccine mandates

• A ban on ranked choice voting

• A ban on sanctuary cities

• State police can now arrest illegal immigrants

Other improvements made to the Bayou State include:

Public (read government) schools are forbidden to teach DEI (Diversity Equity Inclusion) indoctrination, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Teachers must also use pronouns that match the sex on a student’s birth certificate.

Local governments are banned from passing firearms restrictions exceeding state law.

Protesters demonstrating outside private residences can be fined.

Liability is limited for people in fear of their lives when rioters illegally block a road.

Major expansion of RICO and racketeering law applied to organized riots.

Two abortion-inducing drugs will be classified as controlled substances.

Men pretending to be women, and vice versa, are banned from using facilities that do not match their birth certificate sex.

That’s quite a return on a vote in a single election.

Landry, though, didn’t do all this on his own. "Last October, Louisiana elected a conservative governor and the Louisiana Freedom Caucus doubled their size in the legislature," the Louisiana Freedom Caucus tweeted.

Over 27 new laws were authored by members of the Freedom Caucus and passed by the legislature.

Making a red state red is a two-step process.

Elect a genuinely conservative governor and fill both houses of the legislature with equally conservative members, while expelling the Chamber of Commerce 'conservatives' that have plagued red states for so long.

That’s what Louisiana and Florida have both done.

"Andy Roth, president of the State Freedom Caucus Network, wrote on X above the list of new legislation Friday, 'I’m officially declaring it now — Louisiana is the new Florida!'"

As we wrote earlier, this should be the goal for conservatives.

Make your red state as red as possible.

Create a cultural environment so hostile to leftists that they move to the nearest blue state.

Louisiana and Florida are starting down this path.

Readers outside those states need to ask their state leadership what’s holding them back?

DIRECT LINK:

https://www.newsmax.com/reagan/landry-red-states/2024/07/06/id/1171451/

Kennedy wishes Louisianians a Happy Fourth of July

“We have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to be proud of this July Fourth.” 

Watch Kennedy’s remarks here.   

MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today wished Louisianians and all Americans a Happy Independence Day.

Kennedy’s full statement is below:

“The United States of America is star-spangled awesome. The United States of America is the greatest country in all of human history, and the whole world knows it. When was the last time you heard of someone trying to sneak into China? The whole world wants to come here.

“We have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to be proud of this July Fourth. So, I hope you'll join Becky, Preston and me in celebrating this extraordinary country this Fourth of July. Have a safe and happy Fourth. God bless America.”

View Kennedy’s full statement here.

LA FREEDOM CAUCUS THANKS GOV. JEFF LANDRY FOR SIGNING 10 COMMANDMENTS BILL INTO LAW

BATON ROUGE—The Louisiana Freedom Caucus is grateful to Gov. Jeff Landry for signing the Ten Commandments bill into law. This is not only a religious document, but also the foundational document of the time-honored legal traditions of the entirety of Western Civilization.

“The Ten Commandments comprise the very foundation of our laws in America today. They are a vital part of the American creed,” said the bill’s author Rep. Dodie Horton, founding member of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “Given all of the junk our children are exposed to in the classrooms today, it is imperative that we put the Ten Commandments back into its historic position.”

“The Ten Commandments were the primary force in American education for nearly three centuries before a reckless 1980 court decision, Lemon vs. Kurtzman, blocked teaching this history in classrooms,” Horton continued. “The very first school textbook in America included the Ten Commandments and was published in 1690, the New England Primer. It was used throughout the United States and became the textbook of American education.”

“This law is the first of its kind in America since the 1980 Lemon case was rightly overturned. We have every confidence that it will survive legal scrutiny,” Horton said.

Governor Landry Signs “Dream Big” Education Plan into Law

Bold change now, to improve our education system 

Lafayette, LA- Today, surrounded by legislators, educators, school kids, and community leaders, Governor Jeff Landry signed into law monumental bills that will transform our education system and bring back common sense in our classrooms.  

Governor signed the LA Gator Scholarship Program into law, which ensures every child has the opportunity of a great education, regardless of where they live. Governor Landry’s Louisiana GATOR (Give All a True Opportunity to Rise) scholarships will allow parents to choose the school that best suits their child’s needs. GATOR Scholarships provide parents with a scholarship account that allows them to customize their child’s education. These scholarship accounts can be used for school tuition and fees, tutoring, educational therapies, textbooks and curricula, dual enrollment courses, uniforms, and transportation. 

Also signed into law today were common sense bills that prioritizes learning over government bureaucracy, returns our curriculum back to the basics, and allows our teachers to teach.  

HB 46, Rep. Edmonston: Removes Covid-19 vaccine requirement 

HB 47, Rep. Edmonston: School immunization communications 

HB 908, Rep. Amedee: Prohibits discrimination based off vaccination status 

HB 320, Rep. Owen: Let Teachers Teach 

HB 121, Rep. Crews: Requires parental consent for preferred pronouns 

HB 122, Rep. Horton: Let Kids be Kids 

SB 205, Sen. Miguez: Teacher compensation  

HB 334, Rep. Amedee: Chaplains 

SB 508, Sen. McMath: Tutoring  

HB 244, Sen. Hughes: Literacy 

HB 267, Rep. Carver: Numeracy  

HB 644, Rep. Dickerson: Home study 

HB 967, Rep. Riser: Teacher retirement 

HB 647, Rep. Romero: Teacher regulations 

HB 424, Rep. Phelps: Grading scale 

HB 940, Rep. Turner: Deferred maintenance  

HB 71, Rep. Horton: Ten Commandments 

SB 313, Sen. Edmonds: Education Scholarship Accounts  

“Today, we fulfilled our promise to bring drastic reform to our education system and bring common sense back to our classrooms. A strong education system leads to a strong economy and a strong state. Our historic Dream Big Package puts the focus back on our kids, and allows Louisiana to follow in the footsteps of our neighbors in the South. I am thankful to the legislature for their commitment to making the education system in Louisiana one that students, parents, and teachers can all be proud of,” said Governor Jeff Landry. 

Louisiana Set to Pass Bill Giving Judges Option to Order Surgical Castration for Sex Offenders

Photo source: RedState

Louisiana could be the first state to give judges the option to order surgical castration as part of the sentencing for serious sex offenders. The state legislature passed a bill that is awaiting Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry’s signature. The punishment would be optional for judges to apply to either men or women if they have been convicted of an aggravated sex crime against a child under 13. 

Read more: Louisiana Set to Pass Bill Giving Judges Option to Order Surgical Castration for Sex Offenders

Governor Landry Wraps First Session with Big Wins for Louisiana

Delivers on policy promises

Baton Rouge, LA – Today, the Louisiana Legislature ended the 2024 Regular Session with major wins delivered to the people who live, work, and visit our State. The Governor received approval on all of his priority bills that address the insurance crisis, public safety, our education system, the economy, health care, and more. Watch Governor Landry’s message by clicking here. 

Governor Landry Delivers End of Session Message

“Since January, our Administration has been working diligently to create a government in Louisiana that is as good as her people. I am proud to say we have delivered on our promises this session—a promise of a safer, healthier, and more prosperous state. I want to thank the entire Legislature for their hard work. Our work throughout this session has proven that failure is no longer an option in the State of Louisiana,” said Governor Jeff Landry. 

Major Wins to be Enacted by Governor Landry:

Insurance

HB 315: Extends prescription on tort actions.

HB 120: Repeals the sunset on the Louisiana fortified homes program.

HB 611: Phases out the 3-year-rule, allowing more competition in the insurance market.

SB 295: Provides an open invitation for insurance companies to do business in Louisiana.

SB 323: Streamlines the insurance claim process.

Public Safety

HB 720: Adds the crime of distribution of fentanyl where the fentanyl or packaging of the fentanyl is designed to resemble branded prescription medication or its generic equivalent.

SB 377: Prohibits the possession or concealed carrying of a firearm by any person who was adjudicated at age 15 or 16 of a felony-grade delinquent act, until that person turns 22 years old or has been accepted into the United States Military or Louisiana National Guard. Similar legislation was previously vetoed by John Bel Edwards.

SB 105: Increases the penalty for the crime of attempted possession of a firearm by a felon.

HB 208: Increases penalties for strangulation in domestic violence cases.

HB 541, HB 138, and HB 12: Expands the crime of nonconsensual disclosure of a private image to include when an identifiable victim is engaged in a “sexual performance” and includes images stolen from someone’s phone. 

HB 451: Provides for the crime of retail theft. Similar legislation was previously vetoed by John Bel Edwards.

HB 173: Creates the crime of approaching a police officer lawfully engaged in duty. Similar legislation was previously vetoed by John Bel Edwards.

HB 268: Maintains the confidentiality of the First Family’s security details and of public employees’ personal information.

SCR 21: Memorializes Congress to support the nation of Israel.

SB 184: Increases penalties for aggravated flight from an officer. 

SB 220: Allows impounding of vehicles used in drag racing.

HB 206: Provides mechanisms for district attorneys to seek release on supervised probation for dangerous but no longer mentally-ill insanity acquitees. 

SB 388: Creates crime of unlawful entry into Louisiana by illegal aliens.

HB 776: Updates and expands DWI law to include impairment by any drug or substance.

SB 431: Creates the Criminal Justice Priority Fund to review applications and provide priority funding for urgent criminal justice needs such as: new regional juvenile justice facilities, crime labs, upgrades and integration of criminal justice data systems, and repairs/upgrades to adult detention facilities.

Education

SB 313: Creates the LA GATOR Education Scholarship Account program for parental choice in K-12 education.

HB 320: Repeals certain student instruction and teacher training requirements. 

HB 121: Requires parental approval for preferred pronouns to be used in the classroom. Similar legislation was previously vetoed by John Bel Edwards.

HB 46: Prohibits any mandate of the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of enrollment or attendance at any public or nonpublic school. Similar legislation was previously vetoed by John Bel Edwards.  

HB 122: Provides relative to discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools. Similar legislation was previously vetoed by John Bel Edwards.

HB 78: Authorizes initial proposals for charter schools with corporate partners to be made to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education as Type 2 charter school proposals.

HB 267: Provides relative to numeracy education to students in kindergarten through third grade.

HB 244: Expands the purpose of the Steve Carter Literacy Program to include educational services in math.

HB 588: Provides relative to the membership of the Workforce Investment Council.

HR 281: Creates a study group to study K-12 education and submit a report by December 1.

HB 143: Authorizes the state superintendent to provide for a chief operating officer to make recommendations relative to the financial practices of local school systems failing to comply with the MFP's minimum instructional expenditure requirement.

Economy

SB 494: Restructures Louisiana Economic Development.

SB 60 and HB 716: Creates universal recognition of occupational licenses. 

HB 5: Accepts cash at public events at public postsecondary education institutions.

HB 588: Provides relative to the membership of the Workforce Investment Council

SCR 11: Urges the Congress of the United States to amend federal law to allow states to provide for the consolidation of federally funded workforce development services with federally funded social safety net services.

SB 332: Repeals the Occupational Licensing Review Commission.

HB 972: Allows the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to grant certain temporary permits and licenses.

HB 488: Provides relative to block chain and digital asset regulation.

Healthcare

SB 165: Puts restrictions on physician’s non-compete agreements.

SB 148: Addresses maternal wellness and postpartum depression.

SB 133: Rejects the World Health Organization’s authority over healthcare and protects state sovereignty. 

SB 276: Creates the crime of coerced criminal abortion, and adds Mifepristone and Misoprostol to the Controlled Substances Act.

HB 961: Creates the inmate mental health pilot program.

HB 853: Creates the office of surgeon general within the Louisiana Department of Health.

HB 558: Provides relative to the Local Healthcare Provider Participation Program. 

HB 972: Requires the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to grant licenses to qualified international doctors.

Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans

HB 965, HB 525, HB 593, and SB 305: Improves deficiencies in the billing, operations, and drainage process of the SWBNO.

Government Reform

SB 498: Provides for special charitable trusts.

HB 799: Creates the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion Advisory Commission.

HB 810: Streamlines the Department of Energy and Natural Resources.

SB 357: Authorizes the legislature to terminate emergency declarations.

HB 768: Limits custodian personal liability for failure to comply with public records requests.

HB 806: Provides for the enactment of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board.

SB 462: Provides for gubernatorial appointments.

HB 906: Makes revisions to the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act.

SB 497: Amends provisions concerning the selection of members of the Board of Ethics.

HB 114: Provides for an expanded annual canvass of registered voters.

HB 738: Streamlines the Department of Transportation and Development.

HB 767: Requires certain public record requestors be Louisiana citizens.

LA FREEDOM CAUCUS SUPPORTS DONALD TRUMP

BATON ROUGE—The Louisiana Freedom Caucus issued the following statement in support of President Donald Trump following the illegitimate outcome of his political persecution.

“We all watched the Soviet Union-style communist show trial unfold in New York City with sadness and disgust as today’s Democratic Party engineered yet another Big Lie in an attempt to take out their political opponent. Yet they keep making Donald Trump stronger as his support continues to increase while they continue to abuse their power at every level.

“What has come from this trial is the exposure of the lengths these desperate Democrats will go to hold on to their corrupt power. They will stop at nothing, up to and including the complete destruction of the Rule of Law. This is stunning proof this administration cannot be trusted with the reigns of power again. We all look forward to November and, between then and now, we will redouble efforts to make sure this travesty of justice does not stand on Election Day.”

Historic Louisiana Gator Scholarship Bill Heads to Governor’s Desk

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

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

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

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

LA FREEDOM CAUCUS CONDEMNS BIGOTED SENATE AND HOUSE RESOLUTIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full text of the bill is available here.

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

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

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

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

Governor Landry Declares State of Emergency Following Deadly Storms

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

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

The State of Emergency can be found here.

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

Finally! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the report include the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who sits on the House Select Committee on Homeland Security?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Rep Owen, for bringing this resolution!

Gov. Jeff Landry & Legislators Visit Texas Southern Border

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

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

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

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

Kennedy confirms future of LNG center with Buttigieg: “It’s going to be placed in Lake Charles”

“Some days it seems like it takes longer than medical school to get something done around here.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today confirmed with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg that the National Center of Excellence for Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Safety will be located in Lake Charles, La. The exchange occurred during a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.

“We have directed the GSA [General Services Administration] to provide options in Lake Charles for that LNG Center of Excellence. Of course, we need to make sure we follow the procurement process, and we need to make sure that there are adequate resources coming in from the Center, and we’re working with you on that,” Buttigieg said.

“But we certainly recognize the importance and the potential of this facility and the value that it could bring, making sure that we have the safest and most environmentally responsible LNG processes in the world,” the secretary concluded.

Buttigieg confirmed that the Center would be located in Louisiana in partnership with Louisiana colleges, including McNeese State University.

“Within Louisiana, it’s going to be placed in Lake Charles, is that right?” asked Kennedy. 

“That’s what we’ve directed the GSA to do: to find sites in Lake Charles that would meet the mission,” Buttigieg confirmed.

In 2020, Kennedy advocated for the creation of a new National Center of Excellence for LNG and drafted legislation to guarantee it would be built in Louisiana. He later secured funding to build and operate the Center. Kennedy also fought to ensure that Lake Charles would overcome the efforts of several competing sites along the Gulf Coast to become the Center’s home.

Kennedy then worked to secure a partnership between the Center, McNeese State and other Louisiana colleges to create opportunities for students to get hands-on experience with industrial-grade LNG equipment. Once completed, the Center will promote and facilitate training, education and research and development within the LNG sector.

Kennedy told Buttigieg that Louisianians have been waiting for years for this project to move forward.

“We’re trying to get this built. It’s frustrating, of course. It’s not, altogether, your fault. Some days it seems like it takes longer than medical school to get something done around here,” Kennedy explained.

Watch Kennedy’s full exchange with Buttigieg here.

Governor Jeff Landry Issues Statement Following the Clearing of Unlawful Tulane Protests

Baton Rouge, LA– Today, Governor Jeff Landry and the Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert Hodges issued the following statements following law enforcement’s clearing of the unlawful protests on Tulane’s campus. 

“My appreciation goes out to Tulane President Michael Fitts, the Tulane Police Department, Tulane Police Chief Frank Young, New Orleans Police Chief Anna Kirkpatrick, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police for safely clearing the Tulane campus of those who sought to illegally occupy the campus! Many colleges across our country may allow this lawlessness, but Louisiana will NOT. This State will not tolerate those who seek to disturb the peace by means of criminality,” said Governor Jeff Landry.

“At the request of the Tulane University Police Department and the New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana State Police assisted with removing the unsanctioned protests on Tulane’s campus this morning," stated Colonel Robert P. Hodges, Louisiana State Police Superintendent.  “Our Troopers worked alongside our partner agencies to ensure the safety of students, protestors, and the surrounding community while restoring order and peace to the Tulane University campus.”

Mills on Speaker Mike Johnson

I have seen numerous attacks on US House Speaker Mike Johnson in the last few weeks regarding his vote on funding the government and intelligence-driven security measures. Those attacks are short-sighted, poorly reasoned and severely lacking in context. I know Mike very well. He is an honorable man, a trustworthy leader and an engaged statesman. 

Admittedly, the circumstances America finds herself facing and the political remedies being offered are not ideal! Johnson is one of 435 votes in the US House and enjoys a single vote Republican majority. The GOP’s one-vote margin gives colorful critics like Marjorie Taylor Greene (R) enormous opportunity to find a camera with a light on or reporter trying to capture a salacious moment to opine or call attention to a lesser or unpassable measure. 

If an expulsion attempt is made, and the mainstream media would like you to believe it might be, the dissociative GOP disorder could allow a renegade GOP’er to cut a deal with opposition for a Democrat Speaker. We may actually have a Democrat-controlled House with a GOP majority…all while Iran attempts to initiate World War 3!   

I can only imagine that China, Russia and Iran, along with illegal immigrants, traffickers and terrorist plants, would be thrilled by a motion to remove the Speaker. I can further imagine that Israel, Ukraine and the rest of liberty lovers throughout the free world would simply mourn.  

Let me assure you, as one who knows Mike: he is dependable, humble and possesses the highest integrity. Besides, He was hand-selected by God as America's Daniel for this moment. Be patient; something Spirit-led is underway. We will witness the fruit of Mike’s leadership very soon!

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR STATE, NATION, WORLD AND SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON!

Gene Mills
Louisiana Family Forum