Category: Uncategorized

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
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.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S STATEMENT ON JEFF LANDRY’S PROCLAMATION TO FLY THE MAGA FLAG AT LOUISIANA GOVERNOR’S MANSION ON JANUARY 20

Chair Gaines: Landry’s actions “completely inappropriate and reckless”

BATON ROUGE, LA — Today, Governor Jeff Landry issued an official proclamation that he will fly the “Make America Great Again” flag at the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion on January 20, Donald Trump’s inauguration day.

Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines released the following statement:

“It is imperative that Louisiana Democrats object to Governor Landry’s decision to fly the MAGA flag at the Governor’s mansion, which is a state-owned facility. ’Make America Great Again’, or MAGA, is a campaign slogan, and not associated with an official governmental entity. 

“Furthermore, MAGA has been associated with conspiratorial, inaccurate, ruthless propaganda and organizations that employ harmful violent tactics, including the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The MAGA movement has had a divisive, destructive impact on this great nation — and undoubtedly, it will continue to have a negative impact on our country’s future. With the looming threats of Project 2025 and extremist Republicans seeking to further harm our state, we can’t let this happen. 

“I’m calling on all Louisianans to send Jeff Landry a message: Flying the MAGA flag at the Governor’s Mansion is completely inappropriate and reckless. It does not represent our best interests, nor does it embody the behavior and values we should be embracing as proud Louisianans.” 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2025
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S STATEMENT ON THE INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT TRUMP

Chair Gaines: “Trump isn’t looking out for Louisianans – he’s only looking out for himself”

BATON ROUGE, LA — Today, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. As Trump prepares to enact his extreme and unpopular Day One agenda, Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines released the following statement:

“Donald Trump isn’t looking out for Louisianans – he’s only looking out for himself and his billionaire backers. Louisianans want lower prices, but Trump’s reckless plans will hike costs while threatening critical programs our state relies on. 

“After campaigning on supporting working Louisianans, Donald Trump has shown us exactly who he is by assembling the wealthiest cabinet in United States history to rip the American people off. From Day One, Trump is making clear he intends to use the might of the U.S. Government to further the interests of the ultra-wealthy – like himself – at the expense of everyone else. Unfortunately for us, Louisiana Republican extremists like Mike Johnson can’t govern without Trump’s approval and will do nothing to stop him, further hurting our state. 

“Today, and every day, Louisiana Democrats will stand up to Trump and his cohorts whenever they put their personal agendas above the interests of the great people of our state.”

Trump’s billionaire cabinet will help him rig the economy for the ultra-rich and big corporations, hike costs, and skyrocket inflation.

• Trump’s administration includes more billionaires than any other in American history, with a combined net worth that exceeds the GDP of 172 different countries.
  
• Trump and his incoming team are also threatening access to health care and critical earned benefits like Social Security — after Trump tried to gut both the last time he was in office.
  
• And after giving away billions to the ultra-wealthy during his first term, Trump is doubling down on plans to give tax handouts for billionaires and big corporations as economists warn he’s setting up an inflation bomb to wreck the economy.

Trump has vowed to impose an expensive national tax on his first day in office, drastically raising the cost of critical goods like groceries and gas, while hurting small businesses.

• Trump is already walking back promises to lower costs, instead pledging a $100 billion national tax on Americans.

• Trump vowed to enact widespread tariffs as soon as he takes office in January, a move that economists warn will jack up costs for just about every type of import – from food and cars to computers and gas.

• Trump’s disastrous plans would raise prices on necessities like groceries and gas, costing American families an extra $1,300 a year.

As he prepares to take office, Donald Trump is cashing in on the power of the presidency for his own financial gain – ripping off regular people in the process. 

• Ahead of his inauguration, Donald Trump announced a crypto token that allows people to “transfer money to the president’s family in connection with his office,” raising widespread concern among legal ethics experts.
• The token, known as a “meme coin,” has “no economic or transactional value and is often seen as a means of speculative trading.”
• Trump is now planning massive giveaways to his special interest backers and billionaire friends, “working closely” with corporations to write legislation to further deregulate the crypto industry. 

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

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S STATEMENT DENOUNCING TRUMP’S RECKLESS FREEZE ON FEDERAL FUNDING

Chair Gaines: “This is not leadership — it’s deliberate destruction”

BATON ROUGE, LA — The Louisiana Democratic Party strongly denounces President Donald Trump’s reckless call for a freeze on federal funding, a move that threatens to devastate communities all across our state. The freeze, which targets critical infrastructure, disaster relief, healthcare, and education funding, puts Louisiana families at risk and undermines the state’s economic stability.

“Donald Trump’s demand to block federal funding is a direct attack on hardworking Louisianans,” said Randal Gaines, Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party. “From disaster recovery to healthcare access, our state relies on federal support to rebuild, grow, and thrive. This political stunt could halt crucial funding for hurricane recovery, delay infrastructure projects, and cut off vital resources for our schools and hospitals.”

Louisiana is particularly vulnerable to the effects of a funding freeze:

• Disaster Recovery Jeopardized: Louisiana depends on federal disaster relief funds to rebuild after hurricanes and floods. A funding freeze could stall recovery efforts, leaving families and businesses stranded.
• Infrastructure Projects at Risk: Ongoing projects, including bridge repairs and coastal restoration, could face indefinite delays, harming local economies and public safety.
• Healthcare Funding Cuts: Medicaid, rural hospitals, and community health centers rely on federal dollars to serve Louisiana’s most vulnerable populations. A funding freeze could force clinics to close and limit access to essential care.
• Education and Public Services Threatened: Federal support for schools, meal programs, and teacher funding could be slashed, hurting Louisiana’s students and educators.

“This is not leadership — it’s deliberate destruction,” added Gaines. “Trump is playing politics with people’s lives, and Louisiana will suffer the consequences. He continues to make reckless, uninformed decisions with no regard for the damaging consequences. We urge our Republican leaders to stand up for their constituents and reject this dangerous move.”

A federal judge in the District of Columbia has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s effort to freeze these funds. The judge has said she would render a more permanent decision on Monday, February 3.

The Louisiana Democratic Party calls on Congress — and our state leaders — to reject Trump’s reckless proposal and protect the funding that Louisiana families, businesses, and communities depend on.

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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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