Cassidy Reaffirms Commitment to Louisiana Sheriffs at Annual Conference in Destin
- Dr. Bill Cassidy Press
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
Destin, FL — U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) addressed the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association on Tuesday morning, reaffirming his commitment to supporting law enforcement and ensuring Louisiana’s communities remain safe.
Senator Cassidy discussed ongoing legislative efforts focused on mental health services, public safety funding, and crime reduction initiatives that support law enforcement across Louisiana. He also highlighted wins, including funding for forensic labs, disaster recovery aid, and federal grants to strengthen Louisiana law enforcement.
Background:
Disaster Recovery Assistance for Law Enforcement
Worked tirelessly following the 2016 Louisiana flooding to secure reimbursements for law enforcement damages and lost revenue.
Secured $15 million in EFLEA program funding in the 2017 Omnibus Appropriations bill (Louisiana ultimately received $3.85 million).
Collaborated with FEMA to ensure sheriff’s offices received reimbursement for eligible expenditures.
Continued this support following Hurricanes Laura, Delta, Ida, and other natural disasters.
Support for Emergency Preparedness
Secured $375,000 in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill for a new Louisiana Sheriff’s Task Force Mobile Emergency Operations Center in Ascension Parish.
No Space for Anti-Police Violence
Fund the Police: Forcefully opposed “defund the police” proposals and introduced legislation to block officials from withholding federal grants from local departments.
Jobs for Officers & First Responders: Pushed for funding in 2020 to protect local government jobs for officers and first responders.
Keeping Officers Safe: Introduced legislation in 2021 to expand self-defense rights for officers and crack down on criminals who target them.
Protecting Retirement Benefits for Law Enforcement
Led efforts to repeal WEP-GPO, ensuring officers receive the full retirement benefits they earned.
Combating Substance Abuse and Recidivism
Sponsored the STRONGER Act, which expands access to drug treatment programs in prisons to reduce recidivism and help individuals rebuild their lives.
Honoring Law Enforcement Officers
Sponsored the Senate resolution designating National Police Week (May 12–17), honoring fallen officers and reiterating support for law enforcement nationwide.
Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program Support
Strong advocate for robust Byrne JAG funding to support crime reduction initiatives, pretrial diversion, and behavioral health coordination.
Secured funding in the FY 2026 Senate CJS Appropriations bill for projects benefiting Louisiana law enforcement:
$1.25M – East Baton Rouge Crime Gun Intelligence Service Upgrades
$794K – West Monroe Police Department Safety Equipment
$1.5M – City of Ruston Police Real Time Intelligence Crime Center
$1.395M – Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Advanced Forensic Center Equipment
$250K – Tensas Parish Police Security Equipment Upgrades
$300K – Grant Parish Law Enforcement Security Upgrades
Supporting Local Law Enforcement Near National Forests
Secured $86,000 in additional funds in the National Forestry Service budget to support cooperative law enforcement agreements for parishes adjacent to Kisatchie National Forest (Grant, Winn, Vernon).
Contact: Ashley Bosch
214-228-1889
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