Pelican State News

Louisiana's small business community, represented by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), has expressed support for Governor Jeff Landry's recent commitment to prioritize insurance reform. In his opening address to the Legislature, Governor Landry emphasized the need for reform to stabilize the market, a move that has been welcomed by NFIB State Director Leah Long.

"Small businesses across Louisiana face unprecedented insurance costs, and we appreciate Governor Landry for recognizing that reform is essential to stabilizing the market," Long stated.

Ahead of the current legislative session, small business owners in the state have been actively reaching out to their legislators, advocating for significant legal reforms aimed at reducing costs and enhancing fairness within Louisiana’s legal system.

The NFIB endorses several legislative measures including the repeal of the Housley Presumption. This proposal aims to eliminate the presumption in injury cases that symptoms appearing immediately after an accident are automatically work-related. By addressing this, the NFIB believes it can alleviate undue burdens on employers and reduce insurance expenses.

Additional initiatives supported by the NFIB focus on promoting fairness in personal injury litigation, implementing rigorous standards for causation, and ensuring transparency in medical expense reporting to prevent inflated settlements. One more area of concern is third-party litigation funding, where the NFIB calls for enhanced oversight to ensure these financial arrangements do not inflate settlements or undermine legal integrity.

"Lawsuit abuse drives up insurance premiums and diverts resources that small businesses could otherwise use to hire, grow their businesses, and support their communities," Long remarked. She argued that passing these reforms would help restore fairness in the legal system and provide certainty for small businesses.

The NFIB has also expressed its gratitude for Governor Landry's dedication to creating a supportive environment for small businesses. Long conveyed appreciation, saying, "Our members are grateful to Governor Landry for recognizing the crucial role small businesses play in Louisiana’s economy and look forward to working with the governor and legislative leaders on legislation that enables Main Street businesses to succeed."