METAIRIE – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) met with business and community leaders in the New Orleans area to discuss how the One, Big, Beautiful Bill and other initiatives will help them create jobs with better wages. Cassidy first met with leaders at the Westbank Business and Industry Association (WBIA) in Gretna.
“The Westbank Business and Industry Association is about making their community more successful. I share that goal and am working so that the benefits of my Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, President Trump’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill and other congressional legislation have maximal impact on the West Bank and throughout the state,” said Dr. Cassidy.
While there, Cassidy highlighted legislative wins specific to Gretna. His Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act included $51.8 million for flood mitigation projects in Gretna. Cassidy also secured $8 million in the FY26 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill for the West Bank Rail Alignment Project.
Cassidy was welcomed to the WBIA luncheon by Ms. Danica Ansardi, President of the Westbank Business and Industry Association.
“The One, Big, Beautiful Bill positions the Westbank for a new era of growth,” said Ms. Ansardi. “From expanded small business tax relief to record coastal restoration funding, these investments will fuel opportunity for our industries, strengthen our infrastructure, and create quality jobs. The Westbank Business and Industry Association looks forward to working with Senator Cassidy to ensure these benefits reach every corner of the Westbank and beyond.
Later, Cassidy took part in a roundtable convened by New Orleans & Company to discuss tourism in the region, and how companies are responding to changing economic conditions.
“Louisiana’s unique culture drew over 35 million travelers last year. This creates jobs and tax revenue for us and great memories for the visitor. We have to build on this success to make Louisiana even more of a destination than it is now,” said Dr. Cassidy.
Cassidy has been a steadfast ally for the tourism and hospitality industries. For example, in April 2021, he announced an $824,000 grant to support improvements at the National World War II Museum, one of New Orleans’ major destinations.
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