Action Through Advocacy

The Jefferson Chamber serves as the voice of business for Jefferson Parish, but also on local, regional, and statewide issues. The Chamber listens closely and acts proactively on the issues and concerns of its members and the business community. The Jefferson Chamber supported numerous pieces of state legislation that were WINS in the 2020 legislative session: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: A bill recreating the Early Childhood Care and Education Commission was passed; existing early care and education funding was not cut; federal stimulus money was used wisely to assist the struggling child care industry; and a dedicated funding stream for the Early Childhood Education Fund was found through a tax on fantasy sports betting. AUTO INSURANCE: Legal reform to lower auto insurance rates was a priority for both the regular and special session. Louisianans received a major win with the Civil Justice Reform Act of 2020 being signed into law during the special session. This resolution lowers the jury trial threshold to $10,000, reforms direct action, repeals the seat belt gag rule, and addresses collateral source which allows judges the discretion to award no more than 40% of the difference between the amount billed and the amount paid after the verdict. GRANTS TO SMALL BUSINESS: The Coronavirus Local Recovery Allocation Fund was signed into law, creating the Louisiana Main Street Recovery Program administered by the State Treasurer. This resolution took $300 million of Louisiana’s CARES Act funding to establish a special fund to provide relief grants to small businesses. ECONOMIC RECOVERY: Our goal was to provide businesses confidence to reopen without fear of COVID-19 related liability claims. These resolutions were all signed into law: a resolution limiting liability of persons who provide relief or recovery equipment or services during a declared state emergency; a resolution limiting liability for restaurants that provide food-to-go during a declared state emergency; a resolution providing limited liability protection for COVID-19 exposure to individuals and entities, including local or state government, that follow government standards and guidance during a state of emergency; a resolution seeking to ensure that liability protections are in place for individuals and local or state government that has operated in accordance with public health guidelines during the COVID-19 crisis. Looking forward into 2021, we expect the major statewide issues important to the business community to be tax reform and infrastructure. Specifically, to simplify the tax code, repeal personal and corporate income taxes, establish a centralized sales tax collector (or equivalent), phase out the state’s inventory tax and franchise tax, reduce severance taxes, and fund infrastructure upgrades through a gas tax. Of course, additional funding for early childhood care and education will remain a priority.

Members of the Chamber traveled to the Louisiana State Capitol to meet with Jefferson Parish’s Legislative Delegation and Parish officials in June 2020. Evening at the Legislature, presented by Uber, included a legislative briefing and an evening reception catered by Drago’s Seafood Restaurant. Typically held during the business day and known as Day at the Legislature, the event is 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.

This year was especially important in terms of transparent communication with our Members of Congress. Private conference calls, small group settings, and often membership discussions were had continually with the likes of Congressman Steve Scalise and Senator Bill Cassidy. COVID-19 necessitated this additional communication to discuss financial relief to small businesses in a manner that would be efficient and meaningful. Of equal importance, liability protection for business owners.

Ready Louisiana and the Chamber, along with a growing number of other business, faith based, advocacy and community groups in Louisiana, have committed to work together to advocate for additional funding for early care and education programs from all possible funding sources – to ensure that every child has access to high quality early education programs that meets their needs, prepares our students for success in school, and supports their parents’ workforce participation and productivity, and our state’s economy. In 2020, the coalition advocated for the use of one-time federal funds, including funds from the CARES Act and other emergency funds, to stabilize the child care industry; a commitment of $25.1 million in new state funds to expand access to the Child Care Assistance Program for 4,000 more children birth to age three; and authorize CCAP payments for parents actively looking for work. While the coalition and other advocates were unable to secure the $25.1 million in new state funds this past year, our other goals were achieved, and we hope to make several inroads in the future. For more information and ways to get involved, visit readylouisiana.org.

Each year, business leaders and local elected officials travel to Washington, D.C. to promote and discuss the Chamber’s federal legislative agenda. Due to COVID-19, the Chamber opted to travel to Baton Rouge in 2020. The 2020 Reverse DC Fly-In – Congressional and State Leadership Summit, presented by Zito Companies, offered business and community leaders the opportunity to hear from and share feedback with Louisiana’s congressional delegation and state legislators during a cocktail reception and congressional breakfast briefing.