Party News

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

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

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

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

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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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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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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