NOVEMBER 2022

Affiliate and
Partner News
LaMATS Gives Thanks to All Who Make This Possible
For nearly twenty-five years, LaMATS
has been powered by a welcomed
source of renewable energy - your
support. In this time of annual thanksgiving,
it’s important we acknowledge
the LMA membership’s active
participation in our service programs,
as both the reason for their development
and why they work so well.
Time and again, Louisiana’s hundreds
of incorporated municipalities and
other local governments have proven
we’re truly better together. Through
cooperative purchasing, we increase our combined
buying power for essential goods and services and attract
the attention of national brands to our neck of the
woods. By sharing information about surplus properties
and new bid opportunities in an online marketplace, we
reach unprecedented numbers of potential purchasers
and high quality providers.
And by allowing LaMATS to advise and represent your
communities in the efficient collection of revenues—from
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14: BRIEFS
is a matter which lies solely between man and his God,
that he owes account to none other for his faith or his
worship, that the legislative powers of government reach
actions only, and not opinions…”
Jefferson’s dedication to religious freedom prevented
him from endorsing a day of thanksgiving and prayer for
fear of running afoul of the First Amendment. He further
believed that proclaiming such days was a responsibility
belonging to the states, not the federal government. An
annual holiday now marked by food, family, and friends
engaged two core concepts of the Constitution for
Jefferson: the separation of church and state, and the division
of power between federal and state governments.
Regrettably, Jefferson never adequately explained his
reasons for not declaring a day of thanksgiving and
prayer to the public. On the advice of his Attorney
General, Jefferson edited much of his 1802 letter to the
Danbury Baptist Association, which fully explained his
choice, resulting in vicious attacks by his political rivals
and years of misunderstanding about his intentions.
Nearly two centuries later, the original draft of that letter
was restored using modern technology. The full text reveals
that Jefferson really wasn’t a Thanksgiving grouch
after all, but an ardent constitutionalist.
insurance premiums and franchise
fees to occupational licenses and
millage management—you improve
the lives of local residents all across
Louisiana.
“We couldn’t accomplish a fraction
of what we have without member
participation,” said LaMATS Executive
Director, Cliff Palmer. “Our members
make everything possible. And the
more we enroll and serve, the more
we can do.”
As part of our longest-running program, more than 86%
of Louisiana municipalities (from Abbeville to Zwolle)
participate in LaMATS Insurance Premium Tax program
(IPT), which collects and distributes tens of millions of
dollars annually through an efficient process appreciated
by cities and industry alike. Through its nominal service
fee, the same process funds dozens of other LaMATS
and LMA programs that members receive free of charge
each year.
Rayne City Clerk, Annette Cutrera, has been participating
in the IPT program for each of her eight years at City
Hall. Cutrera says the program is invaluable to her city,
which might otherwise miss out on an important source
of revenue. “We wouldn’t know where to begin without
this program,” she says. “Working with the LaMATS staff
has been such a pleasant and positive experience. We
never worry—we know they’re on top of it!”
LaMATS is also grateful for member participation in one
of our newest initiatives, the Louisiana Cooperative Purchasing
Commission (LACPC). Established just last year,
Commissioners from nearly twenty-five participating
Louisiana local governments now cooperatively bid and
share contracts on hundreds of thousands of dollars in
materials and services.
“It’s been truly gratifying to see communities benefit
from the power of cooperative purchasing,” said the
program’s chief administrator, LaMATS Procurement
Consultant Paul Holmes. Should its growth continue, the
potential impact of the LACPC will be tremendous: “In
effect, the LACPC brings all the benefits of a State Contracting
system, but tailored specifically to the needs of
local governments,” explained Holmes.
Thanksgiving is not the only time of year we appreciate
the support of the LMA membership in our effort to
make the work of local government more effective and
efficient. But it’s as good a time as any to say it: From
everyone at LaMATS, our staff, consultants, partners, and
Board of Directors, thank you!
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