Bossier City, October 4, 2025
News Summary
The Bossier Chamber of Commerce recently held a significant luncheon featuring Senate President Cameron Henry and House Speaker Phillip DeVillier in Bossier City. The event focused on vital topics impacting Louisiana including crime, education, and tax reform. Business leaders engaged with state policymakers to address local concerns, highlighting the ongoing issues in infrastructure and economic development. Future events in the Public Policy Series are scheduled, showcasing continued commitment to improving regional prospects.
Bossier City
The Bossier Chamber of Commerce hosted a luncheon on September 30, featuring Senate President Cameron Henry and House Speaker Phillip DeVillier as part of its Public Policy Series. This event took place at Silver Star Smokehouse in Bossier City and included updates from legislative committee chairs on critical issues affecting Louisiana.
During the luncheon, several important topics were discussed, including crime, education, tax reform, budget priorities, transportation infrastructure, and insurance. The main objective of the event was to connect local business members with state policymakers, ensuring that local concerns are effectively addressed.
Lisa Johnson, President/CEO of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, expressed gratitude for lawmakers directly engaging with the local business community. This luncheon marked the second event in the Bossier Chamber’s Public Policy Series, which began on September 24 with Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson.
Looking forward, the Bossier Chamber plans to host more speakers in October, including:
- October 15: Secretary of Revenue Richard Nelson discussing the Louisiana State of Fiscal Landscape
- October 20: Adam Knapp, CEO of Leaders for a Better Louisiana
- October 27: Secretary Susana Schowen and Tedra Cheatham discussing the State of Workforce & Economic Development
The Public Policy Series is sponsored by Willis-Knighton Health with additional support from Barksdale Federal Credit Union, Expand Energy, Ochsner LSU Health, and Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Homes.
Legislative leaders, during the event, praised recent reforms in insurance, reduced taxes, and improved business rankings in Louisiana. Representative Julie Emerson discussed challenges in tax policy, stressing the need for better economic development to prevent population decline, noting that Louisiana is the only southern state currently losing population. The focus was on attracting businesses and jobs to the state.
Proposed tax reforms included eliminating the franchise tax and advancing an amendment to allow local governments to opt out of the inventory tax by April 2026. Representative Dodie Horton advocated for phasing out the state income tax and spoke positively about ongoing tax reforms. Representative Tammy Phelps highlighted the importance of creating an educated workforce to attract businesses to Louisiana. Senator Sam Jenkins emphasized the critical role of economic development initiatives and local business organizations collaborating effectively with state resources.
The event saw strong attendance, featuring local legislators and community members. This reflects a significant engagement in the future development of the region, as various local leaders committed to addressing the infrastructure and economic needs in Northwest Louisiana.
Upcoming Events in the Public Policy Series
- October 15: Secretary of Revenue Richard Nelson discussing the Louisiana State of Fiscal Landscape
- October 20: Adam Knapp, CEO of Leaders for a Better Louisiana
- October 27: Secretary Susana Schowen and Tedra Cheatham discussing the State of Workforce & Economic Development
Key Topics Discussed
- Crime
- Education
- Tax Reform
- Budget Priorities
- Transportation Infrastructure
- Insurance
Local Leaders’ Commitment
Local legislators and community members expressed their commitment to addressing the region’s needs, particularly related to infrastructure and economic development. Their collective efforts represent hope for improved prospects for Louisiana’s business environment and overall community health.
FAQ Section
What was the focus of the Public Policy Luncheon hosted by the Bossier Chamber of Commerce?
The focus was on connecting local business members with state policymakers to address critical issues such as crime, education, tax reform, and more.
Who were the key legislative leaders at the luncheon?
Senate President Cameron Henry and House Speaker Phillip DeVillier were the key legislative leaders at the luncheon.
What upcoming events are planned in the Public Policy Series?
Events include discussions by Secretary of Revenue Richard Nelson, Adam Knapp, and Secretary Susana Schowen along with Tedra Cheatham.
What are some proposed tax reforms mentioned at the event?
Proposed tax reforms include eliminating the franchise tax and allowing local governments to opt out of the inventory tax by April 2026.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | September 30, 2023 |
| Location | Silver Star Smokehouse in Bossier City |
| Main Speakers | Senate President Cameron Henry, House Speaker Phillip DeVillier |
| Topics Covered | Crime, Education, Tax Reform, Budget Priorities, Transportation Infrastructure, Insurance |
| Future Events | October 15, 20, 27 featuring various local and state leaders |
| Sponsors | Willis-Knighton Health, Barksdale Federal Credit Union, Expand Energy, Ochsner LSU Health, Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Homes |
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Additional Resources
- Bossier Press: State Leaders Address Key Issues
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Legislative Leaders Talk Taxes
- Bossier Press: Henry & DeVillier Headline Event
- KSLA: LA Superintendent to Speak at Bossier Chamber
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Policy
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The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
