The Jefferson Chamber serves as the voice of business for Jefferson Parish but also contributes on local, regional, and statewide issues. The Chamber listens closely and is proactive on the issues and concerns of its members and the business community. During the 2024 Louisiana Regular Legislative Session and several special sessions, the Jefferson Chamber provided a series of weekly email updates to membership on a variety of bills that were introduced. The Jefferson Chamber addressed numerous state and local issues, including crime, insurance, education, tax, economic development, industrial zoning, and more.
CRIME: Prior to the Regular 2024 Session, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry called for a special session on criminal justice reform. The session began on February 19, 2024, and lasted through March 6, 2024. With over two dozen bills filed before the session started, the Legislature was successful in getting key legislation passed. This includes revisions to juvenile sentencing, adjustments in parole procedures, enhanced penalties for crimes against peace officers, and stricter regulations on drug offenses. It also included the appropriation of $11.5 million for Troop NOLA, which is the Louisiana State Police troop stationed in New Orleans created to support NOPD. Many credit the drop in crime throughout the city to the work of Troop NOLA.
INSURANCE: During the 2024 Legislative Session, several property insurance reform measures were passed to promote insurer market growth and correct idiosyncrasies of Louisiana law. These measures included the elimination of the three-year rule for all new policies, the change of the state’s regulatory system from “Prior Approval” to “File and Use,” and to provide for fair claims processing. Policyholder protections such as the extension of the fortified grant program and the requirement of LDI to publish fortified discounts annually also passed. Auto insurance reform measures included collateral source changes and direct action, which promoted insurer market growth and reduced unnecessary litigation.
EDUCATION REFORM: The most substantial education reform in the 2024 Legislative Session was the LA GATOR Scholarship Program. This program provides the framework for an education savings account (ESA), administered by the Department of Education, or program manager, with rules adopted by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, implemented in three phases. The scholarship will provide families and students access to broad fund usage for a customizable education, with universal eligibility by the third phase. Aside from the LA GATOR Scholarship Program, education reform also saw wins through bills that ease the burden of creating a charter school with corporate partners. In the final days of session, the Senate restored the $24.2 million in funding for early childhood programs across the state. Overall, legislators continue to make strides in education reform to ensure the education system in Louisiana is strengthened.
TAX REFORM: The 2024 Regular Session did not see any bills directly related to the current tax system since it was not a fiscal year. Because of this, Gov. Jeff Landry called for a Special Session regarding tax on Wednesday, November 6. Throughout the session, the legislature focused on lowering personal income tax, repealing franchise tax, and centralizing the sales tax collection system. Some of the key reforms included reduced, flat 3% personal income tax rate; lowered, single 5.5% corporate income tax rate; elimination of the corporate franchise tax; state sales tax rate of 5%; and retention of certain incentives.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Several economic development reforms were also passed during the 2024 Legislative Session. Most significantly, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) was restructured and modernized. This will advance the state’s long-term economic development strategy and empower the department to operate at the speed of business. Gov. Landry also issued an executive order on the Industrial Tax Exemption Program, which standardized the process and eliminated job creation requirements.
INDUSTRIAL ZONING: On May 22, 2024, the Jefferson Parish Council voted to approve a measure to modernize its industrial zoning regulations, which had not been modified in over 50 years. For more than two and a half years, the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce worked alongside business and industry to ensure the Industrial Zoning Code struck a fair balance of being both business-friendly and addressed the concerns of some environmental advocates. For more information, please see our featured story on page 14.
Legislative Issues Breakfast
On Thursday, March 7, at the Hilton New Orleans Airport Hotel in Kenner, President and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), Will Green, and President and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc., Michael Hecht, presented legislation they supported during the subsequent legislative sessions. Boasting a crowd of 300 attendees, the discussion between Green and Hecht focused on a wide range of subjects, including the newly elected Governor’s Administration and the special legislative session on crime and insurance. Sponsored by Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company, the event also featured a pass the mic “Two Minute Take,” which is extended to members of the Jefferson Delegation to speak briefly on their 2024 priorities. Senator Kirk Talbot, Rep. Vincent Cox, Rep. Polly Thomas, Rep. Debbie Villio, and Rep. Kyle Green each provided commentary during the segment.
Evening at the Legislature
On Tuesday, May 7, the Chamber held its annual Evening at the Legislature, presented by Peoples Health, at the LABI headquarters in Baton Rouge. The event offers leaders in the Jefferson Parish community an opportunity to learn about the legislative process and receive information on the status of key legislation critical to Jefferson Parish and the business community. The 2024 event included a legislative briefing to approximately 85 attendees, which featured presentations by president and CEO of LABI, Will Green, and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple. A comprehensive overview of current bills that impact Jefferson Parish and Greater New Orleans preceded a reception with members of the Jefferson Legislative Delegation.
Mayoral Luncheon
The Jefferson Chamber’s bi-annual Mayoral Luncheon, presented by USI and hosted at the Metairie Country Club, took place on Wednesday, August 14. Our luncheon panel led by Jerry Bologna, President and CEO of JEDCO, featured Mayor Tim Baudier (Harahan), Mayor Robert Billiot Sr. (Westwego), Mayor Belinda Constant (Gretna), Mayor Michael Glaser (Kenner), and Mayor Timothy Kerner Jr. (Jean Lafitte). Our panelists shared updates on progress being made in each municipality. There was also an opportunity for attendees to network with our mayors, local businesses, and community leaders.
Washington, D.C. Fly-In
The Jefferson Chamber made its annual trip to our nation’s capital on September 10-13 for the 2024 Washington, D.C. Fly-In, presented by International-Matex Tank Terminals (IMTT), as top business leaders met with federal officials to discuss important issues vital to the Greater New Orleans region, such as coastal restoration, insurance reform, education, and more. Events during the three-day visit included U.S. Chamber of Commerce Briefings, a Po’Boys & Politics Rooftop Reception, a reception in the Lincoln Room of the U.S. Capitol hosted by Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and briefings with several members of the Louisiana congressional delegation.
State of Jefferson
On Tuesday, October 29, the Jefferson Chamber hosted its annual State of Jefferson business luncheon at the Alario Center in Westwego. Selling out since its creation, each year’s attendance includes a “who’s who” roster of local business leaders and politicians. Each year, the Chamber invites Jefferson Parish leadership to discuss and evaluate progress, performance, and future planning in the community. In 2024, Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng and Jefferson Parish Councilman-at-Large, Division B, Scott Walker provided updates and participated in a panel discussion. During the State of Jefferson, we were also honored to unveil the official bicentennial poster designed by local artist Becky Fos. For more information on the bicentennial, please see our featured story on page 10.
