Year: 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2024
CONTACT: communications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATS APPLAUD FEDERAL JUDGE DECISION RULING EXTREME REPUBLICANS’ TEN COMMANDMENTS LAW UNCONSTITUTIONAL

Chair Gaines: “This is something our government has no place in doing… we have separation of church and state for a reason”

BATON ROUGE, LA — Today, a federal judge ruled that Louisiana’s new law mandating public schools to display the Ten Commandments is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced. 

The decision, issued by U.S. District Court Judge John deGravelles in the Middle District of Louisiana, means that public K-12 schools and colleges are not required to display the religious text in every classroom by the January 1 deadline set by the law. The ruling blocks enforcement of the law, HB 71, and instructs state officials to notify schools that the law is unconstitutional.

Louisiana was on track to become the first state in over 40 years to require public schools to display the Ten Commandments, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1980 ruling against a similar law in Kentucky. The law, signed by Republican Governor Jeff Landry in June, mandates that every classroom display the Ten Commandments on posters with specific wording and size requirements. 

The law has sparked significant national debate, with many arguing that it violates the separation of church and state, religious freedom protections, and students’ First Amendment rights.

In today’s ruling, Judge deGravelles ruled that the law is coercive, effectively forcing students to be exposed to religious messages in every classroom. He also pointed to statements by Governor Landry and the bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Dodie Horton, which revealed the law’s primary religious intent, dismissing claims of a secular purpose as insincere.

Louisiana Republican Attorney General Liz Murrill promised to appeal the ruling.

Randal Gaines, Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party, released the following statement:

“Louisiana Democrats strongly agree with Judge deGravelles’ decision today, and I applaud his fortitude to stand up for the constitutional rights of all Louisianans. It is only right for personal beliefs, including those shaped by religion, to not impose restrictions on the rights of others. 

“Since Day One of discussion on this law, the dangerous duo of Jeff Landry and Liz Murrill have made it clear that they want to impose their religious beliefs on every Louisianan. They do not care for anyone who believes differently from them, and regardless, this is something our government has no place in doing. We have separation of church and state for a reason, and everyone’s First Amendment rights should be protected and respected, regardless of their age or personal faith. 

“Individuals should be able to hold their own religious views while also respecting and supporting others, especially our state’s impressionable children. Louisiana’s people aren’t forcing our Governor and Attorney General to compromise their faith. We respect their personal spiritual beliefs, and they should do the same for all of us. It’s basic human decency.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org or commsdirector@ydlouisiana.org

GOVERNOR LANDRY DOUBLES DOWN ON CENSORSHIP, THREATENS LSU PROFESSOR FOR ENCOURAGING CRITICAL THINKING

Louisiana deserves leaders who protect, not persecute, academic freedom

BATON ROUGE, LA — Governor Jeff Landry, a self-proclaimed champion of free speech, is once again showing his true colors by attacking LSU Law Professor Nicholas Bryner for remarks that encouraged students to reflect on their personal accountability and political values. This blatant effort to intimidate an educator is not just an attack on academic freedom — it’s a troubling display of political censorship.

Professor Bryner’s statement — urging students to ensure their behaviors align with the policies they support — was far from controversial. It was a call to integrity, encouraging students to think critically and act responsibly. Yet, Landry chose to politicize the classroom, falsely framing the professor’s remarks as an attack on Trump voters.

“The so-called ‘party of free speech’ seems intent on silencing voices in our classrooms when those voices don’t align with their agenda,” said YDL President Jay Braxton. “This isn’t about protecting students or fostering dialogue — it’s about shutting down educators who dare to challenge the status quo.”

Landry’s recent actions are part of a larger pattern of authoritarian overreach, where political leaders attempt to control the narrative by targeting teachers, professors, and other educators. This undermines the principles of free speech and academic independence that are vital to our democracy.

“Louisiana deserves leaders who protect — not persecute — academic freedom,” said Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines. “Unfortunately, Landry’s actions come at no surprise considering his other recent acts of political encroachment. He is not respecting the personal views of those whose opinions and perspectives are different from his, and he is improperly using his elected position to push his own personal agenda in our publicly-funded schools and spaces. We have to fight back.”

The Louisiana Democratic Party and the Young Democrats of Louisiana stand with Professor Bryner and all educators who dedicate their lives to fostering critical thinking and open dialogue. We call on Louisianans to reject these attacks on education and stand firm in support of free expression and the rights of teachers and students alike.

The Young Democrats of Louisiana is an organization dedicated to engaging and empowering young people in Louisiana to participate in the political process. Their mission is to advocate for progressive values and to work toward a better future for all residents of our state. They are available for interviews to further discuss this issue. To schedule an interview, please contact Lauren Loisel, Communications Director, at commsdirector@ydlouisiana.org or (251) 644-1419.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 27, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

THIS THANKSGIVING, LOUISIANA DEMOCRATS SEE NOTHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR IN GOVERNOR LANDRY’S TERRIBLE TAX OVERHAUL

“Jeffreynomics” will hurt working families, benefit the wealthy and large corporations

BATON ROUGE, LA — This Thanksgiving, Louisiana Democrats across our state are finding absolutely nothing to be thankful for with Governor Jeff Landry’s new tax plan. 

Simply put, this recent tax overhaul will disproportionately burden working families while providing significant tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Louisianans. Landry’s plan would cost the state billions over the next five years, forcing Louisiana to rely more on regressive taxes that disproportionately affect both middle and low-income families. Additionally, by cutting taxes for corporations, Landry and lawmakers are ensuring that those with the greatest means to contribute pay less — while everyday Louisianans shoulder the financial burden.

Key elements of #Jeffreynomics include:

• Sales Tax Increase: A last-minute decision to raise the state sales tax from 4.45% to 5%, with the potential to push total taxes over 10% when local parish taxes are included. This hike disproportionately impacts poor and middle-class Louisianans.
• Regressive Tax Shift: By replacing the state’s graduated income tax system with a flat 3% rate, the plan fails to create a fairer tax system. While the new standard deduction increases, it still places a heavier burden on low-income residents through higher sales taxes.
• Corporate Tax Breaks: The elimination of the corporate franchise tax and reduction of corporate income tax rates to 5.5% will deprive the state of critical revenue. Large corporations, including out-of-state businesses and shareholders, will benefit, while local communities lose funding for schools, healthcare, and infrastructure.
• Impact on Savings: Louisiana will put less money into reserves, weakening its financial stability. The lost revenue from the corporate franchise tax will not be replaced by any new streams of income, endangering future budget flexibility and lead to huge deficits and devastating cuts.
• Taxing Digital Goods: A new sales tax on services like Netflix, UberEats, ticket sales, travel, laundry, mail, property repair, and many other personal and professional services will increase costs for everyday Louisianans and put a new burden directly on small businesses. See the entire list here. Local governments also retain the option to tax prescription drugs. 
• Business Tax Credits: While some business tax breaks are eliminated, including the Quality Jobs program and Enterprise Zone credits, others—such as those for movie production, historic preservation, and digital companies—will remain intact, though capped at lower levels.

The tax overhaul has passed the Louisiana Legislature, but many elements will not take effect until voters weigh in on a proposed constitutional amendment in March 2025. 

Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines released the following statement:

“Jeff Landry clearly isn’t in a giving mood this holiday season. The Louisiana Democratic Party strongly opposes the recent tax overhaul pushed by our governor and the far-right special interests, which will disproportionately hurt working families while benefiting the wealthy and large corporations. 

“We disagree with the Democrats who gave into Landry’s damaging plan, and we expect more from them in the future when it comes to protecting our children’s education, our healthcare system, and our working families. We cannot allow a tax plan that primarily benefits the rich and large corporations at the expense of these other critical factors. This is a backward approach that will make Louisiana less competitive and less capable of meeting the needs of its people.

“The Louisiana Democratic Party calls for a fairer, more equitable tax structure that ensures adequate funding for essential services like education, healthcare, and transportation while protecting the economic wellbeing of all Louisianans — and we hope voters will agree when voting on the constitutional amendments surrounding these terrible tax plans in March of next year.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

WITH HOLIDAYS APPROACHING, LOUISIANA FAMILIES LEFT WITH NOTHING BUT COAL IN THEIR STOCKINGS AS REPUBLICANS THREATEN SHUTDOWN AND FAIL TO DELIVER ESSENTIAL FUNDING

Chair Gaines: “Democrats will be working to hold our leaders accountable, make progress, and deliver critical funding for our families and workers”

BATON ROUGE, LA — As we get ready for the holidays, Republicans in Washington are planning a disastrous government shutdown that would bring anything but holiday cheer to Louisiana families. 

In June 2023, President Joe Biden and then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached a bipartisan deal to suspend the debt ceiling until early 2025, with caps on discretionary spending and a commitment to avoid any shutdown chaos. However, now-Speaker Mike Johnson’s recent introduction of a massive spending bill just days before the congressional holiday break has caused major rifts — effectively pulling out of the previous deal and putting all bipartisan efforts into jeopardy.

The spending bill extends government funding through March 2025 and includes $110 billion for disaster relief, healthcare policy extensions, and a pay raise for Congress. However, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and other extreme Republicans have publicly eviscerated the bill, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise declared the bill “dead” yesterday, throwing the debt ceiling crisis back into play.

Louisiana families, regularly reeling from natural disasters, now face the loss of $575 million in federal disaster relief and $258 million in agricultural disaster assistance if the bipartisan deal collapses. These funds are crucial for rebuilding communities, restoring economies, and helping farmers recover from crop losses.

Meanwhile, over 1.5 million Louisianans rely on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for health coverage. Any cuts to these programs would severely impact one-third of our state’s population, including children, seniors, and veterans.

With this extremist Republican government shutdown looming, Louisiana families are left with nothing but uncertainty about the future and the vital assistance they need to recover.

Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines released the following statement:

“Unfortunately for us, it’s no surprise that Republicans — including Mike Johnson & Steve Scalise, who are supposed to be leading their members — are now turning their backs on Louisiana families and workers. This is the time of the year when our families, farmers, seniors, and children should be spending time visiting with loved ones and enjoying the magic of the holidays, not worrying about critical disaster relief funds and essential healthcare needs. 

“Louisianans deserve leaders who can work together and deliver solutions, instead of more harm to those who are struggling to make ends meet and recover from misfortunes. Here at the Louisiana Democratic Party, we will be working with Rep. Troy Carter, Rep.-Elect Cleo Fields, and national Democrats to hold our leaders accountable, make progress, and deliver critical funding for our families and workers — it’s what we deserve, not just for the holidays, but every day of the year.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY STATEMENT ON 2024 PRESIDENTIAL RESULTS
“The goals and objectives of the Louisiana Democratic Party are now more vital and important than ever before”

BATON ROUGE, LA — Today, the Louisiana Democratic Party released the following statement:

“Today is a deeply sad, disappointing, and unsettling day for our country and state. Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign and historic candidacy are the best America has ever seen, and we are deeply proud to have stood by her, Tim Walz, and the countless Democrats here in Louisiana and nationwide who believe in everything she stands for. She brought a kind of joy, excitement, and exemplary grace to our political process that inspired and energized so many. 

“Even in times like these, there’s no doubt that Kamala Harris’ vision for a better country will remain with us, and we won’t let those dreams die after the dust settles from this election. The enduring principles and ideals of equity, opportunity, justice, and hope will still serve as our driving force — despite the threats posed by Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, Jeff Landry, Mike Johnson, and the extremists who bow down to their every will. 

“Here in Louisiana, there are some victories to be proud of yesterday, with the re-election of U.S. Rep. Troy Carter in our 2nd Congressional District, as well as the historic election of Cleo Fields in our newly redrawn 6th Congressional District. Louisiana Democrats will need to work extremely closely with them to push back against the dangers Project 2025 and MAGA Republicans will undoubtedly bring upon us, and hopefully, they’ll be able to make substantial progress in a Democratic majority once the remaining U.S. House races are called.

“Make no mistake — the goals and objectives of the Louisiana Democratic Party are now more vital and important than ever before. We still have the power to fight for the needs, rights, and freedoms of those who are underserved and underrepresented. We will persist and persevere in pursuit of these vital goals with resilience and determination. And we’ll need the help of everyone in Louisiana who cares to do so.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEAS
November 5, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATS CELEBRATE BIG WINS AND SUCCESSFULLY GROW CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION WITH CLEO FIELDS VICTORY, TROY CARTER RE-ELECTION
Chair Gaines: “This moment is the culmination of hundreds of years of hard work”

BATON ROUGE, LA — Tonight, as we wait on the full presidential election results and process the results for other key Louisiana races, Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines released the following statement:

“We are overwhelmed with excitement to celebrate Cleo Fields for his outright victory in our newly re-drawn majority-minority district. This moment is the culmination of hundreds of years of hard work for civil rights and fair representation, and we look forward to having another strong Democrat in our congressional delegation. Louisiana Democrats should see this as a huge win for our state and the progress our party is making.

“A big congratulations as well to Troy Carter on his re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Carter is a true voice of the people and a champion for our state. We will continue to work with him to get more federal aid and attention for Louisiana families and children.

“We want to sincerely thank Nick Laborde, Mel Manuel, and Sadi Summerlin for running. While they came up short today, we hope they remain active in Democratic politics, and we look forward to supporting their future efforts. They are the future of the Louisiana Democratic Party, and we are proud of what they stand for and the campaigns they ran.

“When it comes to the Presidential race, we are confident Kamala Harris will emerge victorious and become the first woman President of the United States. While our state did not deliver electoral votes for her, we are proud of all the Louisianans who showed their support for her powerful leadership and vision of a new way forward for our country. 

“We remain encouraged and hopeful for a historic victory, and we look forward to working with the Harris Administration hand-in-hand to improve the lives of Louisianans — from greater tax cuts and lower costs for working families, to fighting extremist Republican efforts to further take away our fundamental rights and freedoms.

“This election is a choice between two different leaders and visions: Vice President Harris, who is fighting for you, and Donald Trump, who is focused on his own problems and grievances instead of the American people. Democrats will not sleep until every eligible vote is protected and counted in this election, and we will keep working with the DNC and our friends in the swing states to help see this process through securely and fairly. Let’s stay strong.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

DNC ANNOUNCES FIVE-FIGURE INVESTMENT IN LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY FOR FINAL PUSH IN NOVEMBER

The $55,000 investment in Louisiana is part of historic investments from the DNC in all 57 states and territories this cycle to fund coordinated campaigns in the final stretch

BATON ROUGE, LA — Today, the Democratic National Committee announced $55,000 in funding to the Louisiana Democratic Party, along with investments to dozens of states. This investment rounds out the DNC’s mission to deliver funding and resources to all 57 states and territories for the first time ever in a single cycle. 

The DNC is investing $55,000 for the Louisiana Democratic Party to expand its organizing program to help the state party engage with voters across the new 6th Congressional District, Louisiana’s new majority-Black Congressional district. This will be essential to increase turnout to build Democratic infrastructure in the district and the state as a whole. 

This infusion of GOTV funding for the Louisiana Democratic Party comes on top of a 25 percent increase in yearly state party investment from the DNC. Under Chair Harrison’s leadership, the DNC has delivered the largest-ever investment in state parties cycle-to-date as Democrats across the country continue to be energized and excited to send Vice President Harris and Governor Walz to the White House and elect Democrats up and down the ballot.

Leveraging its record-breaking fundraising, the DNC is announcing an additional $2.5 million worth of investments in key states in the run-up to Election Day, the latest tranche of funding as part of the DNC’s historic multi-million dollar investment cycle-to-date for targeted resource deployment. These funds, allocated to both traditionally red and blue states, will help strengthen coordinated campaigns and boost Democratic wins in down-ballot races, like in Louisiana.

“The DNC is committed to electing Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz, and ensuring Democrats have the resources to run competitive races across the map in red and blue states alike,” said DNC Chair Jaime Harrison. “The investment we’re announcing today in the Louisiana Democratic Party shows these priorities in action. Louisiana Democrats will ensure working families can get ahead, while standing up to Trump and Republicans’ extreme agenda to rip away Americans’ most fundamental rights. With Vice President Harris at the helm and record-breaking investments in coordinated campaigns, the DNC and Democratic state parties across the country have the momentum to strengthen coordinated operations in the critical final stretch to November to deliver wins for Democrats and all Louisianians.”

“We are grateful to the DNC and Chair Jaime Harrison for investing in our state,” said Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines. “Since taking office 5 months ago, the new Louisiana Democratic Party leadership and I have been working hard to rebuild relationships, demonstrate our political prowess and organizing, and show our national friends that we can be a reliable partner who is worthy of trust and impactful investments. Sizeable investments like these are clear indicators that what we’re doing is working. With this national support — and the help of all the Louisiana Democrats fired up for a Harris-Walz administration — we can flip the 6th Congressional District, secure Democrats’ chances of taking back the House, and make Mike Johnson the Speaker no more.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

NATIONAL AND LOCAL DEMOCRATS SPEAK OUT AGAINST NEW LOUISIANA LAW CRIMINALIZING
LIFE-SAVING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE MEDICATION
Louisiana set to make history as first state to criminalize possession of misoprostol, mifepristone, and other
medications that treat women’s health needs

BATON ROUGE, LA — On Tuesday, October 1, Louisiana will make history as the first state to reclassify mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled substances, due to the passage of Republican-led Senate Bill 276 during the 2024 Legislative Session.

These safe medications, with no potential for abuse or dependence, are used for routine conditions, emergencies, and to prevent women from bleeding out after giving birth or having a miscarriage.  

Dr. Jennifer Avegno, ER physician and head of the New Orleans Health Department, says that for a hemorrhaging mother, “That drug is now going to be in some kind of locked cabinet, which means that likely a nurse or somebody will have to leave the bedside, run down the hall or wherever the locked cabinet is located, and do a series of steps to access the medication and bring it back… those extra minutes could mean life or death.”

It’s a stark reality that Louisiana has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation. In Louisiana, four black mothers die for every white mother. Hemorrhaging, a condition that accounted for 17% of pregnancy-related maternal deaths from 2011-2016, is a serious concern.  Women with hypertension, who are at an increased risk of maternal death, can’t use one of the primary alternatives to these medications. 

More than 200 doctors sent a letter to legislators this past spring, urging them to reconsider the reclassification. Their advice was clear: This decision would be detrimental to women’s health. Yet, Republican politicians chose to disregard their expertise and the potential consequences. 

“This is not just a policy change, but a blatant disregard for the well-being of every person of childbearing age and those who care for them. The impact on women’s health cannot be overstated,” said Pamela Steeg, Co-Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party Women’s Caucus. “This is not a distant concern, but an urgent matter that demands our immediate attention.”

“Thanks to Donald Trump, who proudly claims credit for ripping away women’s freedoms, we in Louisiana live in constant fear of losing even more rights. Already our state has one of the most extreme abortion bans in the country — which provides no exceptions for rape or incest and has created a dangerous and difficult environment for women seeking care,” said Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines. “This new law is a harrowing preview of how much worse things could get under Governor Landry and the extreme GOP leadership. Criminalizing possession of these medications, which have a wide range of uses to protect women’s health, will; further endanger the lives of Louisianians.”

Harris-Walz 2024 Spokesperson Sarafina Chitika said, “Let’s be clear: Trump is the reason Louisiana women who are suffering from miscarriages or bleeding out after birth can no longer receive the critical care they would have received before Trump overturned Roe. Because of Trump, doctors are scrambling to find solutions to save their patients and are left at the whims of politicians who think they know better. Trump is proud of what he’s done. He brags about it. And if he wins, he will threaten to bring the crisis he created for Louisiana women to all 50 states.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

HARRIS CAMPAIGN WEIGHS IN ON LOUISIANA REPUBLICANS’ CRIMINALIZATION OF LIFE-SAVING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE MEDICATION
“Louisiana is unfortunately now THE cautionary tale for the rest of the United States.”

BATON ROUGE, LA — On Tuesday, September 3, The Louisiana Illuminator published an article detailing their interviews with countless doctors across Louisiana worried about treating patients — and potentially saving lives — now that Governor Jeff Landry and House Republicans have passed a law criminalizing misoprostol, mifepristone, and other medications that treat women’s health needs. 

Misoprostol and mifepristone are prescribed for a number of medical scenarios — they are an essential part of reproductive healthcare that can be used during emergencies, as well as for miscarriage treatment, labor induction, stopping postpartum hemorrhage, and IUD insertion. But because they are also used for abortion, these drugs have been targeted by conservatives in Louisiana — an unprecedented move for a medication that routinely saves lives.

When the criminalization law, SB276 by State Senator Thomas Pressly, passed the Louisiana legislature in May, Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines said, “This action by extreme House Republicans is yet another example of their pursuit to take away reproductive freedoms for women in Louisiana. Thanks to Donald Trump, who proudly claims credit for ripping away women’s freedoms, women in Louisiana live in constant fear of losing even more rights. Already our state has one of the most extreme abortion bans in the country…and these actions are a harrowing preview of how much worse things could get under Governor Landry and the extreme GOP leadership. Criminalizing possession of these medications, which have a wide range of uses to protect women’s health, could further endanger the lives of Louisianians.”

And it has. As shown in the article, doctors and pharmacists are already scrambling to come up with postpartum hemorrhage policies that will comply with the law while still providing proper medical care for women, fearing that new mothers across the state will suffer.

Also yesterday, the Harris-Walz campaign weighed in on this critical issue, highlighting the “confusion and angst” over new Louisiana law, and placing the blame squarely on Donald Trump and those that push his policies, like the Project 2025 agenda. 

Harris-Walz 2024 Spokesperson Sarafina Chitika said, “Let’s be clear: Trump is the reason Louisiana women who are suffering from miscarriages or bleeding out after birth can no longer receive the critical care they would have received before Trump overturned Roe. Because of Trump, doctors are scrambling to find solutions to save their patients and are left at the whims of politicians who think they know better. Trump is proud of what he’s done. He brags about it. And if he wins, he will threaten to bring the crisis he created for Louisiana women to all 50 states.”

Shortly after, the Louisiana Democratic Party released a statement saying, “Thank you, Vice President Harris and Governor Walz, for echoing the truth. The country is now getting a glimpse of what we’ve been dealing with under the Trumpian dangerous duo of Jeff Landry and Liz Murrill. Louisiana is unfortunately now THE cautionary tale for the rest of the United States.”

The new legislation empowers the state government to monitor every pregnant woman prescribed misoprostol and mifepristone, and people possessing abortion medication could be criminalized and jailed for years — including a woman’s friends and family members. The law goes into effect on October 1.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATS ENERGIZED & ACTIVATED OVER VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS’ UNDENIABLE DEBATE WIN OVER DONALD TRUMP
Chair Gaines: “The path to a better country runs through Louisiana”

BATON ROUGE, LA — Tonight, Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris decisively won the debate against convicted felon and insurrectionist Republican nominee Donald Trump – communicating a new way forward to the American people that protects our freedoms and ensures every person has the opportunity not to just get by, but to get ahead. 

She held Donald Trump accountable for his dangerous Project 2025 agenda that would roll back Americans’ rights and freedoms, hurt the middle class, and threaten our democracy.

Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines issued the following statement: 

“Kamala Harris just stepped off the debate stage, where she wiped the floor with Donald Trump — and tonight, she showed Louisianans what a new way forward could look like. 

“As Vice President Harris commanded the stage on every issue that matters to the American people, Louisiana voters saw two visions for our state and country on the debate stage, and the contrast couldn’t be clearer: Trump barely articulated a coherent thought, much less a coherent vision for the American people – instead spewing lies, conspiracy theories, and talking about himself. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris spoke to us about how a Harris-Walz administration will fight for reproductive rights, lower the costs of healthcare and groceries, and make wealthy corporations and billionaires pay their fair share in taxes, all while cutting taxes for the middle class. 

“Vice President Harris decisively won tonight’s debate, and the Louisiana Democratic Party is ready to help her carry this momentum through November. We’re all in to ensure every neighborhood in Louisiana is buzzing with enthusiasm, help elect the first woman President, and deliver a blue Congress on Day One of her administration. The path to a better country runs through Louisiana.”

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