Ready to debate, ready to lead
We need everyone to be a part of the debate because that is the foundation of democracy. We need to prioritize engagement over obstruction, participation and partnership over partisanship.
Read MoreBipartisanship
Louisiana’s 2017 Criminal Justice Reforms: The most incarcerated state changes course
The Pew Charitable Trusts highlights the landmark criminal justice reforms passed last year in the Louisiana Legislature, which over the next 10 years will reduce our prison population by at least 10% and save us over $250 million. The best part is that we have committed to reinvesting 70% of the savings into local programs that will work to help victims, reduce reoffending and create valuable re-entry and rehabilitation programs. This is an example of how working together and smart policymaking can benefit everyone, and I am proud to be a part of it.
Read MoreExchanging despair for hope
This week, we begin the 2018 Regular Session. I think we can all agree that it comes on the heels of a disappointing Special Session in which the Louisiana Legislature failed to address the $994 Million deficit that threatens to halt the State’s otherwise positive momentum. I was more than disappointed with the results of the Special Session-I was devastated.
Read MoreI am certain
There’s certainty and there’s uncertainty. Many times, they’re on the opposite sides of the same coin. And when the House adjourned yesterday without fighting for a compromise that would solve the deficit and continue to bring life sustaining services to the people of Louisiana, it became certain that, in the short term, life will be uncertain.
Read MoreI know why I’m here
Yesterday, I posed a question to my colleagues in the Legislature: What are we doing here? What are we doing here if we’re not prepared to make the hard decisions? What are we doing here if we aren’t going to find a compromise? What are we doing here if we won’t find a permanent solution to the structural budget problems that have plagued our State for years? What are we doing here if we aren’t determined to do the best we can for the people of Louisiana?
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