State Capitol honors LRA Board in the House and Senate

LRA Day at the Capitol sees record attendance

The LRA’s annual “lobby” day at the Louisiana State Capitol was May 3, 2022 and more than 50 were in attendance. At a time when restaurateurs are clawing their way through the pandemic recovery, they took time out of the bustling spring schedules to turn out in record numbers, warranting an additional table at the luncheon. Leading the program was LRA President and CEO Stan Harris, who gave a briefing on recent issues and those ahead in the final weeks of the session, which ends June 6.

Guest speakers included Senator Sharon Hewitt of District 1 in Slidell, who has made her intentions known that she plans to run for governor in 2023; and Senator Kirk Talbot, Chairman of the Insurance Committee, and LRA Member, who owns the famed Lucky Dogs hot dog carts throughout the French Quarter.

Senator Kirk Talbot addresses his fellow LRA members and speaks to insurance issues on his legislative agenda.

“The conversations I have with Kirk are almost identical to those I have with LRA members across the state,” said Stan Harris, LRA President and CEO. “Questions like, ‘Why have wages increased so quickly? Why are all my costs growing so fast? I can’t find enough qualified workers even though they are averaging $30 per hour.”

Prior to the LRA Day at the Capitol program, members have the opportunity to visit and meet their peers from across the state.

Following the lunch program, LRA members shuttled over to the Louisiana State Capitol where Istrouma and Plaquemine High Schools’ ProStart students were providing samples of their cuisine in the Rotunda. Prior to the Senate convening at 1 p.m. there was a flurry of activity and Plaquemine ProStart was quickly depleted of their treats. Istrouma ProStart served street tacos before the House convened at 2 p.m.

Senator Sharon Hewitt speaks to her vision for the future of Louisiana – improving the business climate and the educational outcomes.

In both the Senate and the House, the LRA and the 2022 Leadership were recognized by Senator Hewitt and Representative John Illg, respectively. Members visited with the LRA Advocacy Team and had the opportunity to send a floor note requesting face time with their lawmakers.

The finale of the day was the LRA Member reception at the LRA House—the association’s advocacy home base used year-round as a place for meetings, fundraisers and receptions political in nature. Restaurateurs noshed on chargrilled Gulf oysters from Acme Oyster House and street tacos from Tio Javi’s.