ABC - Aug 2018
"We want Louisiana to do better because that makes Texas and this country better."
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott spoke these words at ABC Pelican's Baton Rouge, Louisiana, campus during his economic tour of the state this past spring. During his time here, the governor met with our members, local business leaders and Louisiana Republican gubernatorial candidates for a roundtable discussion on our state's business climate. He also listened to the struggles we face when doing business in Louisiana and shared how they do things differently in Texas.
Texas' business climate under Gov. Abbott has set an outstanding example of what Louisiana is capable of with the right leadership in place. And it's our job as business and community leaders along the Gulf Coast to elect the kind of leaders who work with our industries to ensure that we have the policies and skilled workforce in place that we need to build America.
"Louisiana has all of the makings of a strong business sector that should be fueling our robust economy," Gov. Abbott shared at ABC Pelican. Gov. Abbott serves as the Republican Governors Association vice chairman, so he has a vested interest in the outcomes of Louisiana's 2019 elections.
If social media, commercials, phone calls, ads and billboards haven't informed you yet, I'll give you a brief synopsis of the magnitude of these elections: Every statewide office is up for election, as well as the 144 Louisiana legislative seats, not to mention a nationally-publicized Louisiana gubernatorial election. It's also important to note that those newly elected to the Louisiana legislature in 2019 will redistrict and reapportion our Louisiana legislative and congressional districts after both the 2020 and 2030 U.S. Census. This election will have a generational impact.
As business leaders, it is our job to find, educate and throw our weight behind lawmakers who support free enterprise and are committed to moving our states and country down a more prosperous path. In addition to hosting the Texas governor during his economic tour, here are some ways ABC Pelican has lived our motto, "Get into politics or get out of business":
- Sharing our workforce development stories at the White House. Two of our craft training graduates were recently honored by President Trump, Vice President Pence and Ivanka Trump for completing our earn-while-you-learn educational programs. This reinforces our commitment to upskill and reskill America's workforce.
- Hosting a legislative day for our young professionals and membership at the Louisiana State Capitol, where they saw firsthand how laws that affect our day-to-day lives are enacted. They learned about how bills are introduced, the legislative process in each chamber, committee structures, voting procedures and amendment introductions.
- Attending ABC National's Legislative Week. Each year, ABC members from across the country gather in Washington, D.C., to educate lawmakers about the issues that affect our businesses and to showcase the opportunity and diversity that ABC members contribute to our industry and the economy.
We all want our companies and communities to be better. I've seen firsthand how political advocacy can strengthen free enterprise, open competition and economic growth. As Gov. Abbott shared with us, we need to support lawmakers and government leaders who "create an economy that provides high-paying jobs for all." I hope you choose to get into politics because your job depends on it.
For more information, contact David Helveston at (225) 753-2590 or dhelveston@abcpelican.com, or contact Russell Hamley of ABC of Greater Houston at (713) 523-6ABC [6222] or r.hamley@abchouston.org.
