LABI Responds To Governor’s Announcement About Stay-At-Home Order

The president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says he's disappointed by the Governor's decision to extend his stay-at-home order through May 15th. Stephen Waguespack said in part, "We are obviously disappointed in today’s decision. Essential service industries such as groceries, hardware, maintenance, and construction have operated safely and productively for weeks now and have shown us all that smart steps can be taken to protect the public AND serve the public at the same time". In a press conference Monday, Governor John Bel Edwards said the data does not support a change at this time. He points to growth in the number of cases in the state but says New Orleans is actually seeing fewer cases. There has been a push by many in the state to re-open parish by parish. That is something the Governor has said is not a part of his plan.

You can read the full statement from LABI's Stephen Waguespack below:

"We are obviously disappointed in today’s decision. Essential service industries such as groceries, hardware, maintenance, and construction have operated safely and productively for weeks now and have shown us all that smart steps can be taken to protect the public AND serve the public at the same time. Right now, other small businesses are simply asking for the same right to show they too can operate safely and responsibly to serve their community and hire back their workers. Throughout this unprecedented crisis, Louisiana's business community has been a good-faith partner for the state, aiding our neighbors and acting in the best interest of public health at great sacrifice. Every one of the 350,000 lost jobs represents a family that needs income and stability in both the short and the long term. Flattening the curve has taken a team effort by everyone, an effort we all can be proud of. Rebuilding this economy will be just as monumental of a team effort. We hope state officials use this additional time to develop a robust and targeted plan that gives clear safety guidance going forward and takes bold actions to jump-start our badly damaged economy. We will need both to overcome this and we will need it soon."

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