People who purposefully mislead the public about issues as important as our kids' education have absolutely no place at the table.
I'm working for solutions, and I won't be distracted from the fight to save our education system.
Coming from a family of law enforcement officers, I have great respect for the work that they do and the risks they take to ensure our safety.
The men and women who put their lives on the line every day, often under very dangerous circumstances are true heroes and they deserve every protection that we can give them. They serve and protect our communities and our families.
Veterans' issues were always a priority in my work in the legislature and continue to be now as governor.
I am proud to stand with the brave men and women who sacrifice so much to keep our country safe and secure and provide them with the resources they need to transition back into civilian life.
I believe that a strong public education system is essential to the well-being of Louisiana children and communities.
Each and every student deserves equitable access to a quality public education that prepares them for college, career, and citizenship.
We know that at 17 a young person's brain is still developing. We recognize this when it comes to voting, joining the military, or even buying a lottery ticket.
We must reduce the lavish tax giveaways enjoyed for too long by too many businesses without regard for their poor return on investment and their negative impact on the state budget. This spending must be cut so the revenue can be redirected to more critical priorities.
Contrary to what some folks might say, I do not want to raise taxes.
Let's always remember that we work for the people of Louisiana. They honored us with the opportunity to serve.
I am committed to improving our state's infrastructure to support Louisiana's growing economy, and that starts by bringing our federal tax dollars home.
For too long, infrastructure needs in this state have been ignored, but by partnering with state, local and federal officials, we can make a real impact on the lives of our citizens.
I made a commitment to the people of Louisiana to bring our federal tax dollars home to invest in our road, bridges and ports.
Law enforcement officers must carry out their sacred duty to protect and serve in a way that earns the trust of our communities.
Louisiana and France have, perhaps, one of the oldest and strongest bonds. Our culture is shaped by this historic relationship, and the peace and security of both of our nations are intertwined.
Louisiana is a trade powerhouse.
The TPP will directly impact Louisiana businesses and open the pathway for improved commerce and trade between the United States and our Pacific Rim partners.
We are surrounded every day by countless acts of immeasurable kindness and goodwill.
We will always be strong together because we know love has the power to defeat hate every time.
From the beginning of my administration, I have made it clear that I will budget openly and honestly with the people of Louisiana.
Louisiana has a storied history in filmmaking, with one of the world's most diverse settings for cinematic and television productions.
Since the dawn of Louisiana's modern-era film program in 2002, we have played host to more than $6 billion in film and TV production. We've developed an infrastructure that supports thousands of jobs, boosts small businesses and communities statewide, and provides a powerful impact that we seek to retain.
Small businesses play a big role in Louisiana's economy, but many that do good work face hurdles that are beyond their control.
If we can make it easier to put smaller, local, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses to work, our communities and our state will benefit.
In Louisiana, we are known for our ability to come together in times of great need.
God has a way of loving us and giving us what we need, and many of the things he does for us we don't even understand at the time. But there is a peace that comes from God if we allow ourselves to be silent and accept it.
I have tremendous respect for law enforcement.
Like every other profession that can be improved, law enforcement can also be improved.
Given our historic budget shortfalls, the people of Louisiana stand to benefit most from better roads and other infrastructure.
We never know when or where harm may strike but, we can take proactive steps to protect ourselves.
The REAL ID Act is one tool to help safeguard against potential danger.
Our children are our future, and we should do everything within our power to protect them and show them how to live a healthy life.
Louisiana's coast is disappearing at an alarming rate, but we cannot ignore the important role the offshore energy industry plays in breathing life into Louisiana's economy.
Coastal restoration and a robust offshore energy industry have to co-exist because Louisiana's future depends on it.
Our approach in Louisiana has been to build meaningful partnerships that attract the leading employers of the future in a way that grows our economy and provides our people with outstanding career opportunities.
When we leave our kids with more student debt than necessary, we've failed them.
Many people may automatically associate breast cancer with women only, but that is a huge misconception because this disease does not discriminate.
It's shocking to learn that thousands of men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer each year and that hundreds may die. Education and early detection are important for women and men.
Considering our highly skilled workforce, our geographic resources, and the robust economic development partnerships on the state, regional and local levels, companies from all across the globe continue to look to Louisiana as a smart and strategic destination for their next business investment.
The safety of our citizens is my top priority, and to that end, Louisiana needs our very best public servants working to implement innovative public safety measures across state agencies and throughout Louisiana.
The evidence is clear that Medicaid expansion has already been life-changing and life-saving for thousands of Louisianans.
One of the greatest honors of a Catholic and Christian is to meet the Holy Father.
Louisiana's rural communities are vital to the strength of our state.
Meeting the unique healthcare needs of the hardworking men and women who call rural Louisiana home can be challenging. It is important for us to recognize the rural healthcare providers, health care organizations and volunteers who work diligently to offer comprehensive, compassionate, patient-centered care to these communities.
I encourage anyone who has a heart for children and the desire to expand their family to consider adoption and make a powerful difference in the life of a child.
Black History Month is an annual opportunity to recognize the central role of African Americans in our state's economic, cultural, social and political history.
We often say that we value Louisiana families, but the lack of state policies that ensure families are supported in meaningful ways suggests otherwise.