From Louie Bernard
I have always been able to find the right words to convey thanks or appreciation. But mere “words” somehow seem very inadequate to express the heartfelt gratitude I feel to all of you, for having allowed me to serve as your Senator for District 31 these past four years.
It seems like yesterday that Gayle and I were criss-crossing the parishes of Natchitoches, Sabine, Red River, Winn, Grant, and Rapides, meeting people who are the bedrock of Louisiana. I asked you for your support and your vote. I told you I would always call you back, and that I would exhaust every effort to move our state in a more positive direction. You allowed me to come into your homes . . into your businesses . . to your festivals and parades . . and to the countless number of celebrations of all those events you hold dear. You reinforced what I have believed all my life . . that government isn’t about Governors, or Senators, or Representatives. It is about “people” . . folks just like you and me, who sit down at the kitchen table every month and try to figure out how to make ends meet. The challenge is always about applying common sense to the issues that so affect our lives.
I voted on literally hundreds and hundreds of pieces of legislation during my four years in the Senate. And, while no elected official pleases all of the people, all of the time, I am proud to have represented the basic conservative belief that government should be accountable, transparent, and a good steward of your taxes.
I pray that we will continue to prioritize Early Childhood Education, Higher Education, and teacher pay . . that we will focus on workforce training and development . . that we will look for ways to increase funding for our infrastructure system . . that we continue to recognize and assist small business . . and that Louisiana will take great strides to ensure safer cities, towns, and communities across our state.
Finally, I want to state, as I have many times, that Northwestern State University is foundational to the success and quality of life in Northwest Louisiana, and to our state. I am proud to have been a partner in securing Capital Outlay funding to replace Kyser Hall, and for the renovation of our Health and Performance Center on campus. By working together with both the Senate and the House, we were also able to secure $13M in “P-5” funding for Warrington Place in Shreveport, which is so necessary to continue Northwestern’s premier role in graduating nurses who help staff hospitals across our entire State .In my farewell address to the Senate on May 15th, 2023, I reflected on the temptation elected officials have to talk about their achievements. I said, “The enthusiasm with which we extoll the virtues of our accomplishments, should be tempered by the sobering reality of all that is left to do.”
And so, I congratulate all those who were elected to office this past fall. I especially extend every good wish to my successor, Senator Alan Seabaugh and his wife, Laura. Along with our new Governor and the entire Legislature, they have evidenced a willingness to fight the good fight in Teddy Roosevelt’s “arena.” For ourselves, for our children, and for our grandchildren, I pray for their every success!
My heartfelt gratitude for having been allowed to serve you and your families. It has been the honor of my life!
Sincerely,
Louie Bernard