Cassidy Highlights Efforts to Create Jobs and Grow Small Businesses in Monroe

MONROE -This morning, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) spoke to the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. Through his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), there have been significant investments that make it more likely people will move to Monroe to start their family or small business.

"I had the privilege of speaking with government and business leaders today," said Dr. Cassidy. "We talked about the partnership we have to make sure as much of the bipartisan infrastructure bill and other federal resources come to this region to help our people. Businesses take these dollars and create jobs. I am glad to have this partnership."

Thanks to the IIJA, Monroe is a step closer to having a passenger rail line connecting it to Ruston, Shreveport, and ultimately Dallas, thanks to a $500,000 investment last December. Passenger rail will make it easier for business owners in Monroe to visit clients in Texas, and for their residents to visit towns and cities in North Louisiana. Additionally, $2.2 million was awarded by the Delta Regional Authority to widen and upgrade 0.98 miles of Fontana Road, which is located near the Monroe Regional Airport. Finally, through a separate appropriation, $520,000.00 was dedicated for drinking water improvements in west Sterlington.

While at the Monroe Chamber, Cassidy also spoke on his efforts to halt illegal immigration, encourage domestic energy production, and stop a 21% cut in Social Security benefits in nine years while eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset that reduces benefits for state and local government retirees. Cassidy was welcomed to the Chamber breakfast by Mr. Roy Heatherly, President and CEO of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce.

"Senator Cassidy is a true champion for Louisiana, especially Northeast Louisiana," said Mr. Heatherly."The Senator's help has been a key factor in the success of many of our projects and moving other projects forward. He always makes time to come see us, share updates and hear our concerns. Thank you Senator Cassidy."

Afterwards, Cassidy visited Mid South Extrusion (MSE), where he learned how they make plastic films which package everything from fresh produce, frozen foods, and paper towel and tissue products to be sold at grocery stores.

"Mid South Extrusion is in North Louisiana employing 220 people making products that ship across the country and that we all come in contact with," said Dr. Cassidy. "They are also active in workforce development, helping workers get better paying jobs. My goal is to help their business and help them in their workforce training. I like workers getting better paying jobs."

MSE is also the industry leader in supplying package films and bags for the comfort industry. Many of the mattresses, furniture, carpets, and foam products available for sale across the United States are partly produced by MSE. They employ 220 people in Ouachita Parish, with plans for expansion. Cassidy was welcomed to the company's headquarters by Mr. Mark Kent Anderson, Jr., Executive Vice President for Sales and Marketing.

"Today, Mid South Extrusion had a productive visit from Senator Cassidy and his team," said Mr. Anderson. "We discussed important topics including plastics, sustainability, and workforce development. The visit marks a significant step forward, highlighting the unwavering dedication of both policymakers and industry leaders to work together. This collaboration is not just about dialogue, but about tangible actions aimed at paving the way towards a sustainable future. It's a testament to how unity and a shared vision can drive impactful change for the betterment of our world. We thank Senator Cassidy and his team once again for their visit and look forward to continuing this valuable conversation for the betterment of our community and industry."

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