America was based on the ideal that if you work hard, you and your family will be able to thrive.  But we see too often Louisianians working two or three jobs barely making ends meet. Unlivable wages, inflation, and a profits over people mentality have stalled a strong and burgeoning middle class in Louisiana. As in so many categories, Louisiana ranks among the lowest of all the states in economy and infrastructure at 47th out of 50. Gary is committed to ensuring Louisiana has an economy that is built to benefit everyone, not just a select few at the top. 

Louisiana is caught in a struggle where working people are bearing the brunt of a struggling economy. The state of Louisiana does not have a state minimum wage, giving employees in our state the  national minimum wage of $7.25/hr. Louisiana has the second highest percentage of workers in the nation paid this abysmal wage. This rate is simply unlivable, and needs to change nationally so that we can all prosper.  

Income inequality in Louisiana ranks the second highest in the nation. Contributing factors to this include globalization and lack of community development, lack of technological advancement, a stagnant minimum wage, disparities in tax contributions and the decline of labor unions.

Gary is committed to building an economy that works for all Lousianians, not just those at the top. 

1. Gary is a vehement supporter of worker’s rights and the right for labor to organize. 

With Louisiana’s economy revolving around agriculture and energy, the workforces powering these industries have the right to collectively bargain for fair pay, safe work conditions and appropriate leave time.  That is why Gary is a supporter of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. This critical piece of legislation significantly strengthens the ability of workers in the private sector to form unions and engage in collective bargaining for better working conditions and fair wages.

2. Gary supports raising the national minimum wage to ensure that Louisianans have a livable income. 

Louisiana ranks 43rd in household income with many working multiple jobs just to get by. By adopting a $15/hour minimum wage, working families will have the opportunity to earn a living wage and through that, are afforded more economic freedom. With this, they will be able to start businesses, pay off debt, buy homes and ultimately revitalize a stagnant economy.   

3. Gary supports the Real Corporate Profits Tax Act of 2021 to make sure the wealthiest companies pay their fair share.

The disparity in household income and income inequality, ranked 2nd in the nation, in Louisiana can not be more glaring. Gary’s conviction that a strong economy is built from a strong working class is the basis for making corporations and the ultra wealthy pay their fair share through the Real Corporate Profits Tax Act of 2021.  It makes no sense that working families are paying more in taxes than some of the wealthiest individuals and companies in the country.  This is a major opportunity to reinvest in our communities to give them the social and economic services they deserve, bolstering Main Street over Wall Street.