Landrieu has helped state economy

As families enjoy the long weekend, we must remember what Labor Day is really about — honoring the American workforce. Unfortunately, today, many in our state are struggling to make a living, proving there is still great need for good jobs.

Louisianans need Sen. Mary Landrieu to keep advocating for all of us who work hard for a paycheck. She supports raising the minimum wage and understands that flourishing local businesses and a thriving oil and gas industry make our state great and create jobs. She opened 8.3 million acres in the Gulf for drilling and got our state millions to help rebuild after every disaster. She has secured billions for growing small businesses and supports the Export-Import Bank that allows hundreds of Louisiana businesses to export products worldwide, while keeping thousands of workers employed right here.

Looking ahead, Landrieu is working to support future generations with her “Passport to the Middle Class” that increases financial aid for college students and lowers interest rates on their existing loans. And for Louisianans who have worked hard their whole lives, she is fighting to keep the promises made to seniors on Social Security and Medicare.

But legislators like U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy turn a blind eye to the struggles of ordinary Louisianans. Cassidy has repeatedly chosen to support Washington budgets that hurt middle-class families and cut jobs. He not only opposes raising the minimum wage, but has supported cutting over 40,000 Louisiana jobs — all while raising taxes on our middle-class and giving tax breaks to multi-millionaires and billionaires. He even opposes the Export-Import Bank.

The budgets he supports also cut federal Pell Grants and programs helping those who are unemployed or need job training. And they hurt our seniors by transforming Medicare into a voucher system, cutting Social Security benefits for current retirees, and raising the retirement age.

We need legislators to grow Louisiana jobs for the long haul, instead of supporting harmful policies. We need to re-elect Landrieu so she can continue the fight for Louisiana jobs. In honor of Labor Day, I strongly urge Louisianans to support her this November.

Joshua A. Pellerin, President, Pellerin Energy Group, L.L.C.

Lafayette