October 2023

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GOVERNOR’S COLUMN Continuing the Work We Started Is it October already? Time is truly marching on, and there is no shortage of work to do, as this busy month gets underway. While our state has been dealing with some very challenging weather related events recently, I could not be more proud to have a partner like the Louisiana Municipal Association to help protect our state and our people. It means more than words can express, which is why I want you to know that as I approach my final three months in office, you can be confident that my administration will continue the work we started together nearly eight years ago to leave Louisiana stronger and better for our children, grandchildren, and many generations to come. I will begin with the good news first. Fortunately, we have had some recent successes including achieving the lowest unemployment rate ever recorded in Louisiana. In addition, our record-low unemployment rate of 3.3% is well below the national rate of 3.8%. That is a testament to the talent and work ethic of our people. We have been able to work across party lines to invest in job creation and workforce training and bring us back from a 6% unemployment rate when I took office in 2016. That hard work is paying off. Since August, we have faced historic wildfires due to the extreme drought. To date, more than 60,000 acres of land have either been damaged or destroyed. Thanks to many dedicated firefighters from across Louisiana and other states, we have been able to make significant progress in controlling the fires. As a result, the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry have modified the statewide burn ban. Parishes are now able to assess and determine whether to keep it in place or opt out. The abnormally dry conditions remain, so it is important that we all stay vigilant, encourage our constituents to adhere to guidance from the state and local officials, and exercise caution. Last month, we celebrated several historic investments in our state’s infrastructure. I joined local leaders in St. Tammany Parish to celebrate the completion of the first two phases of the I-12 widening project and the start of the third and final phase. Improving Louisiana’s infrastructure statewide has always been among my top priorities, and the widening of one of our most heavily traveled interstates is important for businesses, families, and visitors. Speaking of generational investments, continued investments in sustainable energy is why Louisiana is leading the global energy transition and creating good-paying jobs as a result. We recently broke ground on First Solar’s $1.1 billion investment in Iberia Parish for its newest solar panel production facility that will produce 700 new direct jobs with a total annual payroll of at least $40 million. These billion-dollar investments are proof positive that Louisiana’s ‘all-of-theabove’ approach to energy is growing and diversifying our economy. We have also been able to invest in our most precious natural resource that God has entrusted into our care– our children. Hungry children cannot learn, and I signed HB 282 into law so that more of our children will not have to worry about whether they will have breakfast and lunch every day. While this is a great first step, I am hopeful that in future years the legislature will see fit to make breakfast and lunch free for all K-12 stu- Building roadmaps from right now to what's next John Bel Edwards Governor dents in Louisiana. No doubt, we are building a better Louisiana, and your dedication to Louisiana is making all the difference. Thank you and God bless. CONTACT ANITA TILLMAN 800-920-9826 EXT 700 WWW.TEAMAMCORP.COM We help you find your voice, own your narrative, and captivate the right audience. Messaging Crisis Communication Speechwriting Transition Management Social Media Management Strategic Planning Publication Development Outreach Process Improvement Communication Training Page 6 LMR | OCTOBER 2023
TREASURY NOTES Money in the Newspaper: Louisiana’s Unclaimed Property In a world where we make financial transactions at every turn, it’s not uncommon for money to slip through the cracks. Forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, and overlooked insurance benefits often find their way into the Louisiana Department of Treasury Unclaimed Property Program, awaiting their rightful owners to reclaim them. In an effort to reunite Louisianans with their long-lost funds, the State Treasurer’s Office is preparing to publish over 80,000 names of individuals entitled to unclaimed property money, in local newspapers across the state. Watch your local newspapers for the lists in early October. These names are individuals whose money was received by our office during the past year. Combined with money from prior years, there is now over one billion dollars remaining to be claimed. Unclaimed Property is Cash The Louisiana Treasurer’s Office plays a crucial role in safeguarding and redistributing unclaimed property. Unclaimed property is money and not physical property. This money encompasses a wide range of assets, from unpaid life insurance benefits to dormant bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, stock dividends, and utility deposit refunds. When the rightful owners of these assets cannot be located, the companies holding them are obligated to send them to Louisiana Attorney General’s Opinions Dual Officeholding Opinion: 23-0077: The provisions of the Dual Officeholding and Dual Employment Law do not prohibit the Deputy Director of the Lake Providence Port Commission from also being employed as the part time Chief of Governmental Affairs of the Northeast Louisiana Railroad Development District. Released: 8/30/2023 Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Program for safekeeping. The most common reason the money becomes lost is because the holder of the money cannot locate the rightful owner due to an old address. Whether it’s a forgotten paycheck from several years ago or a long-lost life insurance policy from a decade past, this is your money, and you never lose your right to claim it. The Louisiana Treasury is dedicated to holding it in trust until it finds its way back to you. Easier than Ever to Reclaim your Property It’s easier than ever to claim your money thanks to advances in technology. In fact, you can claim your money online from LaCash- Claim.org or by calling Monday through Friday from 10 A.M. until 3 P.M. to 888-925- 4127. And, as of September, you Waterway Regulation Opinion: 23-0092: Parishes do not have the authority to establish “no wake zones” within their jurisdictions. They may, however, set speed limits on waterways within their jurisdiction, and parish presidents have the authority, during a properly-declared disaster, to establish temporary “no wake zones” in order to protect public health and safety. Recalls La. Atty. Gen. Op. 82-702. Released: 8/29/2023 Prohibited Donations Opinion: 23-0065: Parish governments may not use public funds to conduct drainage operations on, or to acquire a right-of-way over, private property for the sole benefit of the owner of immovable private property, as this would amount to a gratuitous donation of public funds in violation of La Const. art. VII, § 14(A). Released: 8/25/2023 John Schroder State Treasurer can now claim your funds straight from the LA Wallet app from your smartphone. No matter which way you choose, it’s free and easy to make a claim. And it’s your money. In a world where money can often seem elusive, the Louisiana State Treasury is on a mission to ensure your money winds up where it belongs, with you! Don’t let your unclaimed wealth remain a lost treasurer any longer, it’s time to claim what’s rightfully yours. Jeff Landry Attorney General LMR | OCTOBER 2023 Page 7
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Page 3 and 4: CONTENTS | OCTOBER OBER 2023 DIRECT
Page 5: PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE We Are Better
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Page 11 and 12: for our Sportsman’s Paradise - na
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Page 17 and 18: and state funding today, or for tho
Page 19 and 20: ALWAYS ON FOR YOU. JOHN M. SCHRODER
Page 21 and 22: get ordinance. The Local Government
Page 23 and 24: 2023 Annual Meeting November 3, 202
Page 25 and 26: Tallulah Mayor Charles Finlayson ex
Page 27 and 28: 2023 Gubernatorial Primary Election
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Page 31 and 32: BBQ, Bourbon and Blues Festival Nov

October 2023

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