U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy visited West Monroe to take part in a Coffee and Conversation event organized by the West Monroe Chamber of Commerce, joined by Mayor Staci Mitchell. The meeting focused on economic development in Northeast Louisiana and the impact of federal funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and other legislation.
“Leaders in West Monroe want their community to thrive,” said Dr. Cassidy. “They want better jobs with good pay, and quality health care. We discussed partnering to make our community, state, and country better for us all.”
The IIJA has provided significant funding for local infrastructure projects. In May, over $355,000 was allocated to Monroe Regional Airport for runway rehabilitation, while last October another $2.5 million supported the replacement of two passenger boarding bridges at the same airport. Additionally, a $509,000 grant was issued last October to improve sewer infrastructure in downtown West Monroe.
Cassidy also highlighted his role in securing $1.35 billion for broadband internet expansion across Louisiana under IIJA funds. This investment aims to increase broadband access for 35,000 businesses and 100,000 homes statewide—including 60,000 rural households.
Further appropriations secured by Cassidy include $4.5 million for Monroe’s Benoit Community Center and $794,000 for the West Monroe Police Department as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Senate appropriations bills.
Cassidy expressed support for President Trump’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill aimed at maintaining low taxes on regional businesses. During the event, Mayor Mitchell thanked him for his involvement.
“We thank U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy for being in the City of West Monroe today,” said Mayor Mitchell. “We appreciate Senator Cassidy’s efforts to bring millions of dollars in infrastructure projects to West Monroe, and for his help to keep health care at the forefront of discussions at the federal level as he worked with us to fight for Glenwood Regional Medical Center.”
Later that day in Ruston, Cassidy toured Life Choices of North Central Louisiana—a pregnancy resource center offering support services such as pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STD testing, parenting classes, material aid like diapers and clothing through its Hope Shoppe program—and is part of the Abortion Pill Reversal Network.
“We stand for life,” said Dr. Cassidy. “That means the life of the unborn child, and the life of the mother caring for her baby. Life Choices provides that for young mothers in need of their support”
Mrs. Kathleen Richard led Cassidy on a tour as Executive Director of Life Choices.
“The heartbeat of Life Choices and hope that the pregnancy help community offers is far different from the clamor and noise of the politics that often plays out around this tender topic in the media,” said Mrs. Richard. “The humanity of each person who walks through our doors is deserving of respect and hope for the situation she finds herself in. I am thankful for friends like Senator Cassidy in DC, who understands the important work of pregnancy centers like Life Choices and work tirelessly to pass life-affirming policies.”
