To encourage municipal and parish governments; educational institutions (McNeese State University, SOWELA Technical Community College, and regional school districts); the business community; volunteer organizations and non-governmental organizations to support the creation and funding of permanent English as a Second Language programing throughout the five parish region.  

• United States Census figures indicate that the five parish region has a total of 6,982 Hispanic residents. Note: It is understood that more residents could possibly be in the area.
• Learning English will allow these residents to enter different employment sectors in the regional workforce which has been depleted due to COVID-19 and the two hurricanes of 2021.
• Speaking fluent English will allow these residents to utilize business assistance services that can lead to entrepreneurship which strengthens the local taxing/revenue base.
• Speaking fluent English will allow these residents to be fully integrated into the body of SWLA therefore allowing them to share their culture and intellectual expertise and diversify the region’s thought process.

Saturday’s elections proved once again that a low turn-out can allow a small percentage of voters to determine the outcome. My Dad was a Marine and he always impressed upon me that those in the armed forces were there to be sure all Americans could have freedom. It was our patriotic duty to vote.

Voters have an opportunity to make meaningful changes to the constitution of Louisiana which will result in a more business-friendly climate. The result of that will be increased investment and jobs for our people. The Board of the Directors of the Chamber SWLA are urging approval of all of the amendments to the Louisiana Constitution.