Lawmakers see bright future for SWLA, state

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Hundreds of Louisiana leaders gathered today for the 19th Annual LegisGator Luncheon.

Sen. Mark Abraham and Rep. Troy Romero both were in attendance representing their districts in Southwest Louisiana.

Abraham says he believes the state is headed in the right direction due to changes made during this year’s legislative session and the new governor’s vision for Louisiana.

“Number one, I think he’s going to scrub the budget,” Abraham said. “He’s going to find sufficiencies in the overall budget of the state, which in turn is good for taxpayers. That’s number one, number two, you heard here today, they mentioned the transformation of the Louisiana Economic Development Department.”

Abraham explained that bringing in private enterprises and making changes within the department would attract more industry to Louisiana. One of the ways to do that is by keeping Louisianians in Louisiana, Abraham said.

“I think Southwest Louisiana is an economic engine so we are probably a little different,” said Abraham. “But we need to make sure we train our workforce to keep people here. That is very important. Make sure our education system is working at a top level.”

“We always hear that Louisiana is last or very close to last, but with the leadership of Cade Brumley and the governor, we’re working to lower those numbers. I believe that education is the key to the whole pie right,” said Romero.

Romero says Louisiana’s agriculture industry is number two in the nation and encourages lawmakers to continue to work to grow industry and rural development.

Abraham brought home the Public Policy Award, while Speaker of the House Mike Johnson was given this year’s LegisGator Award.