November 10, 2023 Friends, | |
Veterans Day is a time for us to reflect on the tremendous sacrifice made by US veterans and to express our gratitude for their dedication to our nation. These individuals have displayed courage, resilience, and selflessness, often facing challenges that most can only imagine. But today, let’s remember that honor is not limited to mere thanks. It is about affirming the principles and values for which they served. It is about demonstrating a commitment to building a state and nation where freedom and democracy are preserved and the well-being of fellow citizens is cherished. "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." - John F. Kennedy The highest tribute we could pay to veterans is to build a society where God is honored, life is respected, families flourish, and liberty reigns! These values are the very essence of what veterans sacrifice to protect and uphold. Thank you, veterans, for your service, and those who support and stand alongside them. | |
Last week, the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy at First Liberty Institute published its second annual report on Religious Liberty in the States. The report reveals how each of the states ranks when it comes to protections for religious liberty. The criteria influencing a state's score include factors such as the provision of absentee voting options for religious reasons and/or no-excuse absentee voting, the allowance for healthcare providers to refrain from performing abortions or sterilizations and prescribing contraception if it contradicts their religious convictions, and the existence of a Religious Freedom Restoration Act within the state, among others. Louisiana is ranked 27th in the nation with a score of 42% on the Religious Liberty. The factors that improved our state’s score include the employer exemption from health insurance contraceptive mandate, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, healthcare providers' ability to refrain from carrying out abortions, excused school absences for religious holidays, and more. Take a look at how Louisiana and the rest of the states tested here. | |
Governor-Elect Jeff Landry announced his selections for commissioner and deputy commissioner during a press conference on Thursday morning at the University of Louisiana. Landry chose former Speaker of the House Taylor Barras as the new commissioner and Patrick Goldsmith as deputy commissioner. The Louisiana Commissioner's Office manages the state's finances, oversees the creation of the state budget, and supervises expenditures across various agencies throughout Louisiana. Barras stated that maintaining transparency in the budget is crucial for implementing an efficient and streamlined financial process for the state. “There’s no reason for us to not be able to explain everything that’s in there and why,” Barras said at the conference. “I think once you do that and the legislators have a good understanding of that, it certainly makes the process. Can’t take 100 percent of the politics out, but they’ll have a transparent budget in from of them no doubt.” We are hopeful that this team will protect Louisiana taxpayers and use our funds wisely! | |
Friends, did you know that year-end gifts from partners like you account for around 25% of our annual budget? Your partnership is essential to helping to build a lasting legacy in Louisiana as we fight to preserve life, honor God, and let freedom ring. Thank you for partnering with us! In His Service, | |
Gene Mills
President
Louisiana Family Forum | |
P.S. John Kennedy hit the airways with this: “If dead people can vote in Louisiana, so can you. Geaux Vote!” The general election is November 18th and Saturday is the last day for early voting! LFF’s voter guide is your friend for this election. | |
