Year: 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2025
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

WHY OUR NATION NEEDS DEI PROGRAMS

Baton Rouge – Why Our Nation Needs DEI Programs
DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs have proven to be among the most effective
initiatives for strengthening America’s workforce. A diverse workforce leads to more effective
decision-making and strategic organizational planning. Businesses that embrace DEI as part of
their organizational structure often experience higher financial returns compared to those that do
not.
Marginalized communities — including women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community
— frequently encounter unjust career barriers. DEI programs address these disparities by
implementing fair hiring practices, which attract larger pools of qualified applicants and reduce
turnover rates. Women of all races have particularly benefited from DEI programs through
increased access to business opportunities, development capital, and career advancement.
A common misconception about DEI programs is that they result in the hiring of unqualified
candidates. In reality, DEI initiatives aim to ensure that the most qualified applicants are not
unfairly excluded due to race, gender, or other biases. These programs do not give advantages to
unqualified individuals; rather, they work to prevent the most capable candidates from being
overlooked because of prejudice.
DEI remains a crucial strategy for creating a fairer, more just society. Advocates of these
programs should continue to voice their support and dedicate collective efforts to maintaining
DEI as a core part of our national agenda. These initiatives align with the founding principles of
our nation, promoting fair representation in our workforce while enhancing organizational
performance.

#

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2025
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

“Louisiana Democrats Secure Major Victory against Jeff Landry and Harmful Amendments”

Baton Rouge – I am overjoyed to see the groundswell of Democrats come together from across Louisiana to give Jeff Landry a resounding defeat. Together, with voters from every party, people came to the conclusion that the constitutional amendments were at best misguided – at worst an attempt to give tax breaks to the rich while locking up more of our children. That is not the Louisiana values we stand for. Let us take this victory and continue to build toward a more equitable prosperous future for everyone in our state. 

The Louisiana Democratic Party along with our dedicated supporters, worked tirelessly to educate voters about the dangers of the amendments. The Louisiana Democratic Party is committed to fighting for policies and initiatives that prioritize working families, protect civil rights, and ensure a stronger, more equitable Louisiana. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the voices of everyday Louisianans are heard and respected on every level of government.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2025
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S STATEMENT – A COMMITMENT TO KEEP

BATON ROUGE, LA — The Louisiana Democratic Party is aggressively engaging in efforts to transform our newly revitalized party into a party that fights for the rights and beneficial interest of all Louisiana citizens. In this era of challenging political circumstances, our collective voices and unified efforts must be directed toward any political or systemic effort that seeks to obstruct and or diminish the fundamental rights and personal choices of the citizens who we have been given the privilege and opportunity to represent. 

To combat these divisive and oppressive actions, we commit to advancing policies that promote economic justice, healthcare access, environmental sustainability, and social equity. We reject the Republicans’ reprehensible use of government power to fracture our communities and instead commit to fostering a more just and inclusive society that uplifts the voices and experiences of the most vulnerable among us. We believe that through collaboration, compassion, and unwavering resolve, we can create a more equitable future and ensure that every voice is heard and valued. 

The Louisiana Democratic Party remains dedicated to empowering individuals and families striving for a better life and amplifying the voices of those silenced by a lack of opportunity and hope.

###

A Democratic Call to Action

Trump and his republican enablers have damaged the moral fiber of this country. Many
Americans who voted for Trump are facing the dire consequences of unheeded vividly clear
warnings of what would result from electing an individual grossly unqualified and unfit for the
Presidency.  We are witnessing an unprecedented power grab, and we are approaching an era
of Democracy under siege. Trump has unleashed a wave of reckless, disruptive, extremely
damaging decisions and actions with the intent of removing the long-standing institutionalized
guard rails of our vital governmental institutions in order to denigrate this great nation into a
personalized political authoritarian regime.   
    
He has indiscriminately fired thousands of highly qualified tenured federal employees with the
intent of replacing them with unqualified political cronies.  All under the disguise of reducing the
size of government.  Under this current Republican regime, truth, honesty and accurate facts
are viewed merely from a political perspective as opposed to laudable concepts that should
govern all political and governmental actions and endeavors.  
   
These misguided attempts to dismantle the core values of our state and nation in pursuit of
unrestricted and uncontrolled political power must be met with stern opposition and our
unwavering commitment to ensure that the interest and well-being of our citizens must remain at
the top of our state and nation’s agenda. It’s our charge as Democratic leaders to stand against
the obsessive quest for unbridled power by mal-intended individuals or small groups of
individuals.
 
We are urging every Democratic voter in Louisiana and across this nation to use the power of
their VOTE in the upcoming mid-term elections to enable our Democratic leadership in
Washington to regain the Democratic majority in Congress in order to help stop the onslaught of
abusive and disruptive acts of the Trump administration.
 
Randal L. Gaines
Chairman, Louisiana Democratic Party

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT BIDEN’S FINAL OVAL OFFICE ADDRESS

Chair Gaines: “Biden has fought for working people and ushered in historic gains for Louisiana… Louisiana Democrats will build on this progress”

BATON ROUGE, LA — Last night, President Joe Biden addressed the American people from the Oval Office for the final time. You can view his full speech here. 

Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines released the following statement:

“For over 50 years, President Joe Biden has served the American people with courage, conviction, and clarity. Louisiana Democrats offer our thanks for his lifetime of service, and a recognition of the remarkable progress achieved for Louisiana under the Biden-Harris administration. 

“From championing historic legislation like the CHIPS and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to guiding our state and the nation out of the health and economic disaster of the coronavirus pandemic — the Biden-Harris administration has fought for working people and ushered in historic gains for Louisiana. Biden built the strongest economy in the world, restored American leadership on the world stage, and brought decency and honor back to the office of the President. 

“Biden’s accomplishments will continue to benefit Americans for years to come, but our work is not done. In 2025 and beyond, Louisiana Democrats will build on this progress on behalf of working Louisianans, while standing up against Donald Trump and his Cabinet of corporate interests.”

Under the Biden-Harris administration, Louisiana saw record investment and job growth. 

• During President Biden’s tenure, Louisiana saw the creation of 116,900 new jobs.

• Under the Biden-Harris administration, Louisianans submitted 324,900 new applications to start a small business. 

• $2.1 billion in student debt cancellation has been approved for 37,730 people in Louisiana under the Biden-Harris Administration. 

• Louisiana received $18.3 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments under the Biden-Harris administration, including:

• Koura plans to invest a total of $800 million in St. Gabriel in electric vehicle battery materials manufacturing, which will produce enough material to supply more than one million electric vehicles per year. This investment is supported by a $100 million grant from the Department of Energy.

• First Solar is investing $1.1 billion in a new plant to manufacture solar panels, which will create 700 jobs.

• Syrah Technologies has begun producing graphite at its plant in Vidalia, which is designed to supply batteries needed for electric vehicles. This project is supported by grants and loans from the Department of Energy. 

President Biden made health care more accessible for Louisiana and lowered the cost of health care and prescription drugs for the most vulnerable Louisianans. 

• President Biden and Democrats lowered prescription drug prices to $35 per month for more than 928,000 seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries in Louisiana.

• President Biden has overseen record enrollment in the Affordable Care Act marketplace. In December 2024, 212,000 Louisianans signed up during the Affordable Care Act’s Open Enrollment Period. 

• In a major step to secure Louisianns’ financial freedom, this month, the Biden-Harris administration finalized a rule to remove medical debt from the credit reports of millions of Americans. 

The Biden-Harris Administration has made historic investments to improve Louisiana’s

infrastructure and build a clean energy economy, including:

• Port of New Orleans Container Terminal: The Department of Transportation has awarded $300 million to construct a new container terminal on the Gulf Coast for the Port of New Orleans. The terminal will be an alternative to terminals farther inland and will be able to accommodate larger vessels.

• Flood Resiliency Improvements: The state was awarded $148 million to help homeowners and communities improve their resilience to flooding through FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance program. This funding will help elevate 753 homes above floodwaters, buy-out homes in repeated flood zones, and support community-wide projects to decrease flood risk.

• North Baton Rouge Mobility Project: The City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge received $59.6 million for the North Baton Rouge Mobility Project. This includes the Airline Highway North Expansion, improvements to Florida Boulevard, and additional pedestrian and bicycle lanes for the Scotlandville Parkway Mobility Network.

• Louisiana International Terminal Project: The project will construct a new container terminal on the Gulf Coast for the Port of New Orleans that is not air-draft restricted. The project will include approximately 1,700- feet of wharf, two ramps to connect the wharf to the container yard, an automated stacking crane yard, utilities, storm drainage, all necessary buildings for operations, entry and exit gates, intermodal rail yard, realignment of the Norfolk Southern rail and realignment of St Bernard Highway.

• Hubs for Energy Resilient Operations (HERO): The state will receive up to over $249 million from the Department of Energy to launch a strategic initiative with 15 government entities, energy companies, and community and academic institutions to enhance statewide emergency response operations by deploying a network of Community Resilience Hubs powered by distributed energy resources microgrids. These microgrids can stand alone or integrate with utility-owned electric grid infrastructure and back-up generation assets. The project will help solve energy security challenges and protect the residents of Louisiana from climate-related threats.

• The Rural Louisiana Short Line Rail Modernization Initiative: The Department of Transportation has awarded $16.8 million to the Louisiana Southern Railroad LLC for rail infrastructure and safety improvements in the state. The proposed project involves final design and construction activities for various track-related improvements, repairs or replacement of certain bridges and culverts, and grade crossing upgrades. The project will improve the mainline by increasing safety standards on a rail corridor that transports hazmat loads, eliminating operating capacity inefficiencies (e.g., increasing load carrying capacity to 286,000 pounds), and increasing resiliency.

• Calcasieu I-10 River Bridge Replacement: Public-private partnership project includes the replacement of the Calcasieu River Bridge and reconstruction of I-10/I-210 mainline within the project area. The Department of Transportation awarded $150 million in Mega grant funding. The project will relieve a national freight bottleneck and improve regional mobility challenges in the areas surrounding the 70-year-old Calcasieu River Bridge.

• Solar Energy: Louisiana’s Department of Natural Resources has been awarded $156 million in funding to launch a new resilient solar initiative, focused on low-income and disadvantaged communities, to deploy solar, energy storage, and enabling upgrades on single-family and multi-family homes.

• Greenhouse Gas Reduction: The City of New Orleans will receive $49 million in funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sectors. Solutions include improving access to non-vehicle transportation, supporting adoption of energy efficiency measures in large buildings, installing rooftop solar panels, and implementing urban forestry programs.

President Biden strengthened our state and nation’s democratic institutions.

• President Biden oversaw the largest number of confirmations of federal judges in a single term since the Carter administration — including Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. These highly qualified men and women — all committed to the rule of law and the Constitution — will serve the federal Judiciary for decades to come. 

• President Biden signed the Electoral Count Reform Act into law, which establishes clear guidelines for our system of certifying and counting electoral votes for President and Vice President, to preserve the will of the people and to protect against the type of attempts to overturn our elections that led to the January 6 insurrection. 

Thank you, President Joe Biden.

###