Issues

Lower taxes to create jobs

It’s no secret we live in tough economic times.  As State Representative, my focus has been to recreate our state image as one favorable to business development and progress is being made.  Business Facilities Magazine has picked Louisiana as the number 2 state in the nation for business growth potential and ranked it seventh for best business climate as part of its 2011 rankings.  I have worked to pass tax credits for local and small business, keep taxes low and supported legislation that has brought billions of dollars from the movie industry to our state.

Reign in Government Spending

Since being elected in 2007, I have been a constant opponent to the tax-and-spend attitudes in Baton Rouge.  Like you, I grew tired of watching our local, parish, and state governments continuously finding new ways to waste our tax dollars while important infrastructure and flood protection projects were neglected.  As a member of the appropriations committee, I have fought to weed out legislator pet-projects, and make sure that government spending remains limited while focusing on the important priorities that improve the quality of life in Louisiana.

Improve Education

Ensuring our children receive a top-notch education should be a top priority here in Louisiana.  Study after study shows that access to quality education not only improves the lives of our children, but it attracts the best and brightest businesses hoping to hire an educated workforce, resulting in a better economy and a better quality of life for all of us.  That is why I have supported programs that have given scholarship opportunities to low income families, pressed for more accountability in our public schools, and fully support funding our higher education programs in Louisiana.

Keeping Our Neighborhoods Safe

When speaking to neighbors and constituents, it’s clear that crime is increasingly becoming a burden on Jefferson Parish families.  No one should have to fear for their safety in their own home, or anywhere else for that matter.  As State Representative I have supported laws allowing law abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms, and voted in favor of requiring known drug dealers to carry designated driver’s licenses, helping law enforcement identify repeat offenders.  I will always work with local law enforcement to ensure they have the tools they need to fight crime and keep our neighborhoods safe.

Stopping Illegal Immigration

Illegal immigration is a financial burden on state and local government, health care providers, and law enforcement.  While I fully support one’s right to immigrate to this country legally, I believe there should be a zero tolerance policy for those that take advantage of our system and live here illegally.  As a legislator I have helped pass several laws that target those that harbor and/or transport illegal immigrants in Louisiana.  In addition, I voted for HB 646, which prohibits employers from hiring illegal aliens, requires the employer to verfity immigration status prior to employment and increases the monetary penalty for violations.  I co-authored HB342, requiring verification of citizenship of employees engaged in public contract work.

Hurricane/Flood Protection

As a resident of Jefferson Parish, I know full and well the stress each hurricane season and the threat of evacuation brings to our families and loved ones.  That is why I believe there is perhaps no greater issue than ensuring our homes and property are properly protected by well-funded hurricane protection infrastructure.  As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I have worked to obtain unprecedented funding for coastal restoration.

Improving Ethics

Since being elected, I have worked diligently to create tougher ethics laws and more accountability for government officials.  I have been an author and co-auther of bills which provide for greater transparency in the public contracting process to insure that taxpayers are informed and protected.  I have supported the creation of an Inspector General in Jefferson Parish and authored legislation that will allow our parish to adopt its own ethics ordinances that would supplement state laws.

Rep. Ligi in the News

HB 204 – Public Employee Bargaining Transparency Act

HB 204 – Public Employee Bargaining Transparency Act (Editorial)

HB 305 – Giving State Prosecutors Another Tool Against Violent Crime

HB 58 – Granting Kenner the Ability to Commercially Develop Laketown

HCR 160 – Urging animal shelters to discontinue the use of gas chambers

HB 69 – Pension Forfeiture for Politicians Convicted of Public Corruption Crime

HB 69 – Pension Forfeiture for Politicians Convicted of Public Corruption Crime (Editorial)

New Orleans City Business Editorial on Pension Forfeiture of Public Officials

Fox 8 Story on Pension Forfeiture Legislation

Legislators Refuse to Take Pay Raise