LOUISIANA DEMOCRATS APPLAUD FEDERAL JUDGE DECISION RULING EXTREME REPUBLICANS’ TEN COMMANDMENTS LAW UNCONSTITUTIONAL
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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GOVERNOR LANDRY DOUBLES DOWN ON CENSORSHIP, THREATENS LSU PROFESSOR FOR ENCOURAGING CRITICAL THINKING
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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THIS THANKSGIVING, LOUISIANA DEMOCRATS SEE NOTHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR IN GOVERNOR LANDRY’S TERRIBLE TAX OVERHAUL
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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LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY STATEMENT ON 2024 PRESIDENTIAL RESULTS
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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LOUISIANA DEMOCRATS CELEBRATE BIG WINS AND SUCCESSFULLY GROW CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION WITH CLEO FIELDS VICTORY, TROY CARTER RE-ELECTION
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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