My Platform

I have posted on numerous topics that outline my platform and why I can best represent this district in the legislature. Please review my ideas, and make sure to read my earlier posts. Feel free to comments by clicking on "comments", or you can email me directly at HolahanFor94@gmail.com. Either way, I'll answer here (or privately if that is your preference). Thanks, John

PROTECTING AND ENCOURAGING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The best climate for a business to move to or stay New Orleans is to establish a sense of stability in our commitment to revitalize the area. The opportunity zones, tax breaks, and economic incentives must remain in place until the economy is vigorous again. Small and medium sized businesses are essential to the rebirth of our district. Without immediate steps to encourage existing businesses to remain, we will continue the “brain drain” of our brightest. Educational initiatives for UNO and Delgado to promote training, bio tech initiatives, entertainment industry incentives, restaurant, art and museum support are all compatible with District 94 and the entire New Orleans Region. As a State Representative, I will pursue additional tax cuts for existing New Orleans flood zone businesses and pursue entirely tax free zones in areas in need of stimulation.

BUDGET SURPLUS

The State is projected to have over a billion dollar surplus. While it is prudent to be fiscally responsible and to save for our future, failing to allocate reasonable amounts of this surplus to essential New Orleans area projects is wrong. There is a common complaint by local storm affected communities that there are insufficient funds to even begin the planning for needed capital improvement projects. If we don’t get these projects started, our communities will become more weary that recovery will be too long. As a result, we will lose momentum, credibility and FEMA reimbursement money. The State can help by stepping up its responsibility to fund immediate maintenance and repair of its own parks, buildings, roads and bridges.

As a State Representative from a storm damaged area, I will work with all coastal area legislators to push through a program of storm relief advances to local government.

HOSPITAL AND HEALTHCARE

Our district needs quality healthcare facilities. I was born at Mercy Hospital on Bienville Street; and, for most of my childhood, I recall visiting many doctors who practiced around this facility. At the time of the storm, the Lindy Boggs Medical Center, operated by Tenet, provided needed clinic, hospital, emergency service and elderly care to the district. The facility needs to be re-opened and State incentives must become available to encourage re-investment into this building. The entire area remains suitable for redevelopment. As State Representative, I will encourage availability of funds and tax incentives to doctors, clinics, and hospital facilities to promote the resurrection of this health care district. This would provide quality jobs and quality services to the public, and it would bring an economic boom to the area.

COASTAL EROSION AND FLOOD CONTROL

The implementation of a plan to restore and preserve our Louisiana delta and coastline has had no political resolve prior to Katrina. The storm brought the spotlight to the consequence of coastline instability, and the political will to implement a plan is now at its highest. The discipline to maintain commitment to coastal restoration must resist short term political expedience. If our coastline continues to disappear, we risk constant hurricane storm surge, economic disaster to all levee protected communities, and an ecological nightmare to our fisheries and wildlife resources. As a State Representative, I will maintain the political resolve and commitment to protect our coast.

INSURANCE

Like it or not, the State is being forced into the insurance business. The Louisiana Citizen’s Insurance Company will soon become the largest insurance provider in damaged hurricane prone areas of Southeast Louisiana. The ability to obtain quality insurance on the open market is vital to individuals and businesses trying to rebuild. However, we cannot allow fear of another hurricane event to unduly manipulate the market price. Even after the storm, insurance filings with multiple state regulators posted a total of forty-four ($44,000,000,000) billion dollars of profit in 2005. If companies are now allowed to sell a product that refuses the option of coverage for risks like wind damage, policyholders will have no protection against catastrophic losses and profits will soar unreasonably. This should not happen in a regulated industry.

As a State Representative, I will make sure that “insurance reform” does not turn into a loss of policyholder contractual rights. The insurance industry has been safely protected by regulation for years in order to assure profit. Now, the insurance industry must protect the policyholders of Louisiana. I don’t want anyone gouged, company or policyholder. A fair rate for a realistic evaluation of risk is appropriate. But, don’t expect to do business in Louisiana if your company is not stable and wants to pull out after years and years of profit in one sector. It would be like the Saints leaving town after all those years of support- it just isn’t right, and it is not good business.

This issue is complex, but it can be solved. Incentives for new companies to come to Louisiana must be explored. Reinsurance requirements for existing companies should be examined so the risk of loss to existing companies will be eliminated or reduced. Federal programs need to be considered and integrated into the Louisiana insurance solution. Policyholders must retain the right to acquire wind protection, and policyholders must know that their claims will be handled fairly and rapidly without the pressure.

EDUCATION

Our school system has half the number of students it had prior to the storm, but it would be foolish to fail to rebuild quality schools in advance of the demand. The implementation of the hybrid system of State supervised Charter and local supervised District schools are underway. The historical problems are well known, and the tolerance for low standards must be removed. The State must do all it can to raise the ability of children to get a quality education. Studies show that this absolutely reduces crime and poverty in our community and promotes economic development. I believe that the return of families, old and new, to New Orleans will be consistent and steady. Quality educational options, for gifted, talented, average, and special needs students are essential. As a State Representative, I will promote legislation that encourages the building of Educational Facilities now, both to respond to our immediate needs and in anticipation of the growth of families in New Orleans.