LABI gives high marks to 'MVP' lawmakers for passing pro-business legislation

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) released its "2020 Legislative Scorecard," highlighting the lawmakers and leaders inside the State Capitol who supported pro-business legislation in both this year’s regular session and the first special session. 

Votes taken on 19 key bills that impact the state's economy, business climate, and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic were the focus of the scorecard, which LABI says gives people an inside look at what happens in Baton Rouge and how legislative action impacts working families and job creators. 

“The story of these legislative sessions is one of broad, bipartisan consensus on important issues,” said LABI president and CEO Stephen Waguespack. “Time and time again, we saw Republicans, Democrats, and Independents come together to support common-sense measures that both help businesses recover in the short-term, and start the process of breaking down the persistent barriers to business growth that have held Louisiana back for decades.” 

According to a press release issued by LABI on Wednesday, during both the regular and special sessions, legislators addressed the business community’s concerns about COVID-19 liability relief, put $275 million towards direct small business assistance, passed regulatory and tax relief measures and took a meaningful step forward in improving Louisiana’s broken legal system and rebuilding a competitive auto insurance marketplace. 

"This new Legislature has shown they are not afraid to buck the status quo of state government and embrace bold solutions and innovative ideas rooted in the principles of free enterprise," Waguespack said. "Going forward, we’re going to face even more challenges associated with the pandemic and rebuilding Louisiana’s shattered economy, but as this document shows, we have a very new, inspiring body of lawmakers with which to work.” 

2020 Session Champions 

The LABI says that this year, a record 97 lawmakers (nearly 70 percent of the entire body) scored above 80 percent on bills LABI identified as important to Louisiana businesses. By comparison, in 2019, LABI recognized 67 members as "Session Champions."

"This drastic increase clearly demonstrates the new Legislature’s commitment to growing Louisiana’s economy," the LABI says in its release. It also indicates that to be eligible for a score, members had to be present and voting on at least 80 percent of the bills scored by LABI. 

Leading LABI's high scores, a record 69 legislators (nearly 50 percent of the entire body) were named as “Most Valuable Policymakers” (MVPs), scoring a perfect 100 percent on bills important to LABI and the state’s business community during both sessions. Members from the Greater New Orleans area are:

• Sen. Cameron Henry (R-Metairie)
• Sen. Kirk Talbot (R-River Ridge)
• Rep. Ray Garofalo (R-Chalmette)
• Rep. Polly Thomas (R-Metairie)

Overall, 20 legislators earned the ranking of “All-Stars,” scoring 90 percent or higher on legislation important to LABI and the state’s employers during both sessions. Those All-Star members from the Greater New Orleans area are:

• Rep. Charles Henry (R-Jefferson)
• Rep. Stephanie Hilferty (R-Metairie)
• Rep. John Illg (R-River Ridge)
• Rep. Tim Kerner (R-Lafitte)
• Rep. Greg Miller (R-Norco)
• Rep. Debbie Villio (R-Kenner)

Greater New Orleans legislators named as “Honorable Mentions,” scoring 80 percent or higher on legislation important to LABI and its members during both sessions are:

• Sen. Patrick Connick (R-Marrero)
• Rep. Joe Marino (I-Gretna)
• Rep. Joe Stagni (R-Kenner)

This year’s LABI MVPs, All-Stars and Honorable Mentions will be honored by LABI members on Nov. 12 at the fifth annual LABI Free Enterprise Awards reception alongside other businesses and individuals who have proven their exemplary commitment and contributions to their local communities and improving the state’s business climate.