October 27, 2023

Friends,

In a 220-209 vote, the U.S. House of Representatives elected Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson as House speaker on Wednesday.

In a statement posted to X immediately following his victory, Johnson stated his intention to “advance a comprehensive conservative policy agenda, combat the harmful policies of the Biden Administration, and support our allies abroad.”

While addressing his colleagues following the vote, Johnson brought attention to God’s authority. "I believe that Scripture, the Bible, is very clear that God is the one that raises up those in authority. He raised up each of you. And I believe God has ordained and allowed each one of us to be brought here to this specific moment in this time."

Many conservatives are celebrating this victory, including Tony Perkins, the head of Family Research Council. "I believe God has answered our prayers with his election," he said. "Mike will be the America First Speaker we need and will lead with spiritual insight and political courage."

Prominent pro-life leaders are also celebrating Johnson’s win. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, called Johnson "a longtime defender of constitutional principles, chief among them the right to life" who has "boldly championed life as an activist, litigator, state legislator, and as a member of Congress." 

"These strong credentials will help him lead the pro-life movement in this exciting and challenging new era as speaker of the House," she continued. 

You can also view the statement I issued to the press here.

This is a major victory for the conservative movement and a first for the state of Louisiana! 

Earlier this week, Ascension Councilman Corey Orgeron proposed a video poker ballot measure. He aims to seek the opinion of voters on the potential legalization of video poker machines as early as next spring.

However, fellow council members have deferred a decision until they can gather additional information regarding the revenue it might generate and the possible adverse effects on the community.

Orgeron’s ballot resolution refers to potential changes in attitude on video poker since the election in the late 1990s when it was rejected. It notes that "a significant amount of time has passed since" the video poker election and "the opinion of voters on this issue may have changed."

State regulators and legal representatives from the gambling industry assert that the parish would need state legislation to authorize the ballot measure before any council action.

The suicide rate among gambling addicts is one of the highest of any group, and it’s estimated that 60% of addicts will commit a crime as a result of their addiction. Further, many prolific gamblers have gotten themselves into serious debt with just a few clicks. In fact, the average amount of debt for a male gambling addict is between $55,000 and $90,000.

Gambling destroys families, and Ascension families deserve better!

Amid heightened attention on the 2024 presidential election, concerns regarding election integrity are once again taking center stage in the national discourse.

On October 14th, a resounding majority of Louisiana voters supported a measure to ban the utilization of private or foreign funding for elections, with 72.6% voting in favor and 27.4% against.

The voters' choice outlaws the use of "Zuck Bucks," referring to the donations made by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg through an intermediary nonprofit to local election officials during the 2020 election cycle.

Meanwhile, in North Carolina, the state Legislature overrode the governor’s veto of SB 747 which introduces enhanced security measures for the absentee voting process.

In Georgia, a federal judge refused to grant a preliminary injunction to suspend or halt the enforcement of a law approved by the Legislature that implemented several election integrity measures.

Finally, in Tennessee, a law that bars third parties from distributing the state's official absentee ballot request form will remain in effect, as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit appropriately dismissed a legal challenge against this regulation.

It’s encouraging to see several states address this issue and decide to safeguard the democratic process. Fair and secure elections are a critical part of sustaining our democratic republic.

Friends, as we prepare for the general election on November 18th, let’s pray that God’s will be done. As Speaker-elect Johnson noted, God alone has the power to raise up those in authority. We are meant to carry out His will! Don’t forget to continue using and sharing LFF’s voter guide. 

In His Service,

Gene Mills
President
Louisiana Family Forum

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