Rep. Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice, and Sen. Heather Cloud, R-Turkey Creek, are listed as “Most Valuable Policymakers” and “Session Champions” in the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry 2020 Legislative Scorecard that highlights the lawmakers and leaders inside the State Capitol who supported pro-business legislation in both this year’s regular session and the first special session.
The Scorecard details the votes taken on 19 key bills that LABI identified as having a tremendous impact on Louisiana’s economy, business climate, and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The story of these legislative sessions is one of broad, bipartisan consensus on important issues,” said LABI President and CEO Stephen Waguespack. “Time and time again, we saw Republicans, Democrats, and Independents come together to support common-sense measures that both help businesses recover in the short-term, and start the process of breaking down the persistent barriers to business growth that have held Louisiana back for decades.”
During both the regular and special sessions, legislators addressed the business community’s concerns about COVID-19 liability relief, put $275 million towards direct small business assistance, passed regulatory and tax relief measures and took a meaningful step forward in improving Louisiana’s broken legal system and rebuilding a competitive auto insurance marketplace.
Waguespack continued, “This new Legislature has shown they are not afraid to buck the status quo of state government and embrace bold solutions and innovative ideas rooted in the principles of free enterprise. Going forward, we’re going to face even more challenges associated with the pandemic and rebuilding Louisiana’s shattered economy, but as this document shows, we have a very new, inspiring body of lawmakers with which to work.”
This year, a record 97 lawmakers (nearly 70% of the entire body) scored above 80% on bills LABI identified as important to Louisiana businesses. By comparison, in 2019, LABI recognized 67 members as Session Champions. The increase clearly demonstrates the new Legislature’s commitment to growing Louisiana’s economy, a LABI news release stated.
To be eligible for a score, members had to be present and voting on at least 80% of the bills scored by LABI.)
Leading those high scores, a record 69 legislators (nearly 50% of the entire body) were named as “Most Valuable Policymakers” (MVPs), scoring a perfect 100% on bills important to LABI and the state’s business community during both sessions. Those members from the Acadiana region are:
Senate President Page Cortez (R-Lafayette)
Sen. Heather Cloud (R-Turkey Creek)
Sen. Bob Hensgens (R-Abbeville)
Rep. Beau Beaullieu (R-New Iberia)
Rep. Stuart Bishop (R-Lafayette)
Rep. Ryan Bourriaque (R-Abbeville)
Rep. Ronda Butler (R-Ville Platte)
Rep. Phillip DeVillier (R-Eunice)
Rep. Julie Emerson (R-Carencro)
Rep. Jonathan Goudeau (R-Lafayette)
Rep. Mike Huval (R-Breaux Bridge)
Rep. Blake Miguez (R-Erath)
Overall, 20 legislators earned the ranking of “All-Stars,” scoring 90% or higher on legislation important to LABI and the state’s employers during both sessions. Those All-Star members from the Acadiana region are:
Sen. Fred Mills (R-Parks)
Rep. Jean-Paul Coussan (R-Lafayette)
Rep. John Stefanski (R-Crowley)
This year’s LABI MVPs, All-Stars and Honorable Mentions will be honored by LABI members on Nov. 12 at the fifth annual LABI Free Enterprise Awards reception alongside other businesses and individuals who have proven their exemplary commitment and contributions to their local communities and improving the state’s business climate.
The scorecard is online at labiscorecard.org.