FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Eva Kemp, eva@dfer.org
DFER-LA’s Statement on Inauguration Day
As many Democratic education champions take office across Louisiana this week, our state begins a new chapter that will build on and accelerate the incredible progress made on behalf of a high-quality public education for all students.
Baton Rouge, La — With inauguration festivities underway in Louisiana today, DFER-LA’s state director, Eva Kemp, released the following statement:
“Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter in Louisiana. With the inauguration of our new Democratic Governor, John Bel Edwards, and the swearing-in of several Democratic leaders in the legislature and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), it is clear that the tide is changing in Louisiana. Last fall, voters chose to continue to advance, rather than roll back, the progress that’s been made on behalf of our kids and the world-class education that each one of them deserves. We look forward to working with these leaders to ensure that every student in Louisiana has the opportunity to receive a high-quality public education.
“We also want to lift up two strong and visionary Democratic leaders being sworn in to BESE this week: Kira Orange Jones who will return to BESE for a second term and represents District 2, and Jada Lewis, representing District 8. They both embody exactly what it means to be a DFER, tirelessly advocating for quality educational opportunities for all Louisiana students. I look forward to working with Kira and Jada as they serve on BESE, and I’m eager to witness their proven leadership in action as we continue to further pro-student education policies together in Louisiana.
“Finally, DFER Louisiana also recognizes and congratulates Representative Walt Leger as our next Speaker Pro Tempore of the Louisiana House of Representatives. Walt is a true champion for education, and his bold leadership and passion for putting students first is unparalleled. Walt helped usher in our DFER Louisiana chapter and has been a key ally not only to our organization, but more importantly to the students of Louisiana. Walt has advocated and introduced pro-student policies that are making a positive difference in the daily lives of students across the state — from decisions on accountability and early childhood education, to promoting the expansion of high-quality public charter schools. We look forward to working with him as a leader in the legislature and the party for years to come.”
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