Over the past couple of months many of you have heard me speak out about the issues of economic development here in Avoyelles. I have been a staunch supporter of diversifying our economy to build new opportunities, more and better jobs, for all of our families. I supported the sugar mill concept. Being from a family of farmers and from our parish that derives much of its income from agricultural, I believe we should do more to encourage post-harvest processing. Why should we continue to ship our raw products to other states, even other countries, for processing when much of that work could be done right here?
We have a port in Simmesport that could open more doors to interstate and even foreign commerce flow. If I am elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives I will work directly with our port and other ports throughout Louisiana to expand and broaden the traffic and exchange of maritime commerce. Our port has a more direct path into the Gulf of Mexico than most ports. Let’s take better advantage of our geographical position. We have a facility. We have hard-working, skilled and capable men and women who seek better jobs. And, we have a state that is hungry for additional economic growth.
DRUG TESTING WELFARE RECIPIENTS
One of the main issues facing our Parish and State today is the abuse of our welfare system. I have a real problem with people that seem to make a living off of a system that was originally designed to help people in a time of need.
Please understand I know well that most people on assistance of one kind or another truly need it. I not only do not have a problem with that – I strongly support it.
Our elderly or those who have some physical or mental concerns need and should have assistance readily available to them, as well as those who simply need some temporary help until they recover. That is exactly what the system was set up and designed to do.
But, I do have a problem with those who abuse and take advantage of the system. I have had many people speak with me of their concern about the growing misuse of the assistance programs we have in place. People who do this are not only wrong and possibly breaking the law, they harm those who qualify for and need the assistance.
We need a system that helps protect those who are legitimately on these assistance programs, a system that also helps protect taxpayers who provide the funds for these programs.
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How much money could be possibly saved if there was a requirement that recipients would be required to submit to random drug screenings? Did you know that our Veterans, men and women who have placed their very lives on the line for our country, are required to accept random drug screenings if they choose to receive healthcare from the Veterans Administration? Should we expect anything less of those who might abuse our welfare and assistance systems? I don’t think so. If it is good enough for our war veterans, our police officers and fire fighters, why not others as well?
If a hard working American is required to pass a urine test in order to keep his job and in order to keep paying the taxes that ultimately fund these government programs, shouldn’t one be required to pass a random test in order to receive the benefits from it?
As a hard working law abiding citizen I would have no problem submitting to random drug screening. Is it too much to ask that the benefactors of our tax dollars do the same?
If you elect me to represent Avoyelles Parish in the legislature, I will introduce a bill that would require random drug screening. We must not be afraid to challenge those who abuse our system. Those who legitimately need the assistance will be appreciative that we have taken steps to rid the system of those who take advantage of others. And, taxpayer dollars can be saved and used for the purposes they are intended – to help others.
In closing let me say again that those who need the assistance, those who legitimately qualify for it, those who are in temporary need and their families will not have a problem with this. That is the reason the system was created – to protect and help people in their time of need.
The rising price of fuel has driven us to search for alternative sources of fuel. It is crucial to Avoyelles and Louisiana that we get involved in the research and development of these alternative fuel sources. In Avoyelles, the rich farmlands coupled with the abundance of farmers and skillful workforce, River access, the port in Simmesport, I-49 transportation and our rail system make us a prime candidate for the disbursement of raw materials to the nation and international markets.
The State of Louisiana and more particularly the Parish of Avoyelles contains a wealth of resources such as Timber, sugarcane, rice, soybeans and other crops. The forestry and Agriculture industry contribute 7 percent of the gross state product. Processing this variety of products generates billions of dollars throughout Louisiana each year and creates many jobs.
Avoyelles has the opportunity to become a leader in the alternative fuel business.
ETHANOL
Greener, Cleaner & Cheaper
Ethanol is a greener fuel that is cheaper for the consumer and doesn’t help feed mid-east terrorism. If we as a Nation would advance towards the use of Ethanol we would be able to strengthen our national security and help save our planet at the same time. I always say lets support a mid-west farmer instead of a mid-east terrorist.
If we moved towards using homegrown bushels rather than imported barrels we could eventually eliminate America’s dependence on foreign oil. Last year Exxon recorded a $36 billion dollar profit. Making the switch to alternative fuel sources, those dollars can be moved into rural Americas’ economies, such as Avoyelles Parish. Ethanol would reduce the gasoline and oil consumption in our country thereby relaxing the demand for oil and causing the prices to fall. We have all the right tools here at home to make this happen we just need help from our legislature to get the ball rolling.
The country of Brazil sets a good example for the rest of us; Brazil is completely foreign oil-free. They do not import one single barrel of foreign oil. This is a direct result of their conversion to Ethanol.
Today we spend $250 billion per year to import foreign oil. If we move towards alternative fuels such as ethanol and bio-diesel that money is pumped into rural America.
Creating jobs
Spurring local economies
Making our country more secure
Cleaning up the planet
Helping us solve other national issues we face today in the United States.
Petroleum crisis
Energy crisis
Climate crisis
Farm crisis
All of this without any tax payer dollars. This would drive oil prices down and in turn make fuel more affordable for Americans. With today’s current prices and unstable markets gas prices are consuming the majority of our income.
What can we do about it?
It starts right here in Avoyelles Parish.
Send me to Baton Rouge to lead the fight against higher oil and gas prices. We can lead the fight for economic growth in Avoyelles Parish. Economic growth that starts with the basics that we have before us today; we build on what we know and what we have. The farmers will prosper, local businesses will prosper, schools will prosper and it will open up new opportunities for our Avoyelles Parish and our people.
