Education issues loomed during the most recent session of the Louisiana Legislature, but there were other matters that will impact Acadia Parish.
And Sen. Dan “Blade” Morrish, R-Jennings, and Rep. John Stefanski, R-Crowley, outlined some of those matters when they addressed members of the Crowley Lions Club here.
Morrish, who is completing his third and final term of office as a senator, focused mostly on the education issues since, as he explained, he served as chairman of the Senate Education Committee for the past four years.
“We had the opportunity to increase funding for teachers and support personnel to the tune of about $1.1 million — $1,000 a year for teachers and $500 for support personnel,” Morrish said.
“And add to that the $39 million to the districts and we increased funding for K through 12 education by about $140 million this year.”
The term-limited senator acknowledged that a $1,000-a-year raise amounts to only “about $80 a month,” but added, “I feel like this is just the first step in bringing our teachers up to the Southern Regional average. The last time Louisiana was at the Southern Regional average was during Kathleen Blanco’s term.”
Morrish said additional funding also was provided for early education — K-4 and pre-K, neither of which is included in the state’s Minimum Foundation Program.
“Also,” he continued, “we were able to fully fund TOPS, which is approaching the $350 million mark.”
However, the 23-year legislator — he was elected to the Senate after 11 years in the House of Representatives — added that the TOPS program is one “I personally feel we can’t afford. We should take some of that money and put it into pre-K and K-4.”
In closing, Morrish said the Legislature was “able to fund a number of capital outlay program that had been on hold and we were able to do some things that we haven’t been able to do for a long time because we finally stabilized the budget.”
Stefanski, a first-term representative elected in March 2017, also acknowledged that education issues “were huge” this year, but ticked off a number of other, lesser-known actions that he was involved with or will impact Acadia Parish.
One surprising issue that will have local impact, according to Stefanski, was the extension of the land-based casino deal with Harrah’s.
He explained that a major part of the deal is Harrah’s donation of a percentage of its total annual income — estimated to be “about $100 million annually” — to rural water and the Louisiana Government Assistance Program (LGAP).
All Louisiana municipalities and parishes (except Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Bossier City, Kenner, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans and Shreveport) are eligible to apply for LGAP funds that can be used for such activities as fire protection, sewer, water, renovations to essential government buildings, police protection, land acquisition, demolition, equipment, roads, drainage and reasonable engineering costs (if associated with construction).
“This is going to have huge impact on my entire district,” Stefanski said.
One bill of which Stefanski was particularly proud was HB 36, which strengthens the protective order laws in Louisiana in response to the tragic death of Crowley’s own Heather Mouton, who was shot and killed by her estranged husband although she had filed a restraining order against him.
Dubbed “Heather’s Law,” the new law would require local law enforcement officers to receive and review a copy of protective orders. The new law, which Stefanski said was to be signed during ceremonies Thursday, also requires law enforcement agencies to inform victims that filing a protective order does not automatically press criminal charges against their perpetrator.
“We also approved two pro-life bills, one banning abortions after a heartbeat is detected,” said Stefanski, adding that enactment of that law is contingent upon the U.S. Supreme Court approving a similar law adopted in Mississippi.
The other “pro-life” bill calls for an election on a constitutional amendment proposal to declare that Louisiana is pro-life.
“Regarding infrastructure, we directed $150 million to the I-49 South corridor from the proceeds of the BP settlement,” said the freshman representative. “The completion of I-49 South is something that has long been talked about and will have a huge economic impact on all of Acadiana.”
Finally, approval of a statewide ride-sharing structure will allow access to companies like Uber and Lyft in rural areas of the state, Stefanski said.
Stefanski touched on new laws that:
— Will allow all statewide credentials to be downloaded onto a smart-phone app (similar to LA Wallet);
— Legalization the cultivation of hemp;
— Mandate new product labeling laws;
— Will allow WaitR to deliver beverages of low alcoholic content.
Asked about his favorite memories as a legislator, Morrish touched on his work in forming the Louisiana Citizens Insurance Group and, more recently, the teacher pay raise approved this past session.
“But more than anything,” he continued, “it’s the work that the staff at my office in Jennings does every day to help people who might otherwise fall through the cracks.”
Asked if he was considering running for Morrish’s Senate seat, Stefanski answered “no.”
“I like representing people I know here in Acadia and I feel honored to hold this seat,” he said, adding, “I will be seeking re-election, though,”
Both solons were complimentary toward each other.
“This area has been blessed with a great senator over the past 12 years,” Stefanski said of Morrish. “It has truly been a pleasure and an honor to work with him.”
Morrish had similar words for Stefanski.
“I’ve had the pleasure of serving as the senator for Acadia Parish for the past 12 years and working with two remarkable representatives in Jack Montoucet and now with John Stefanski,” he said. “But 23 years is enough and I want to thank each of you for giving me the opportunity to serve you.
“It’s easy to be a good representative when you represent good people.”
