ALEXANDRIA – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today toured Alexandria to discuss how to continue growing their economy, and how the One, Big, Beautiful Bill and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) can help. He first visited the Rotary Club of Alexandria, where he discussed with attendees these goals.
“People in Central Louisiana are optimistic about the future,” said Dr. Cassidy. “They know the One, Big, Beautiful Bill and my infrastructure bill will help businesses expand and put money in worker’s pockets. Combining local leadership with taking advantage of these laws will drive central Louisiana forward.”
Thanks to the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, tax relief on small businesses from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 has been made permanent. That includes the ability of small businesses to deduct money spent on capital expenditures off their federal tax returns. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill also includes tax relief for workers, including on tips and overtime pay. It extends the Child Tax Credit and allows most seniors to deduct their Social Security taxes off their federal return.
On infrastructure, Cassidy included $65 billion for high-speed broadband in the IIJA, of which $1.35 billion was announced for Louisiana last August. Alexandria has benefitted in other ways from the IIJA. Last week, over $4.8 million was granted to the Alexandria International Airport to improve their south apron, and over $5.7 million to support the extension of Runway 18-36, among improvements. Additionally in January, the Rapides Area Planning Commission received $320,000 to begin planning for major upgrades to the parish’s transportation grid.
Before speaking to the Rotary Club, Cassidy was welcomed by Mr. Mike Upton, President of the club.
“We are honored to welcome Senator Bill Cassidy to the Alexandria Rotary Club,” said Mr. Upton. “His service and leadership at the national level reflect a deep commitment to Louisiana and the people he represents. We are privileged to have him share his time and insights with our club, and we extend our gratitude for his dedication to public service.”
Later, Cassidy visited the Alexandria location for UTLX (Union Tank) Manufacturing, LLC, which is a leading manufacturer in the railcar industry. Cassidy learned how they produce tank cars in Alexandria.
“Louisiana workers are the best in the world,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Union Tank knows that, which is why they produce rail cars here that ship goods across America. This is proof that there’s no better place for manufacturing than Louisiana.”
While there, Cassidy met UTLX employees and toured their plant. UTLX employs 366 people in Alexandria, with a payroll of $31 million in 2024 and an average hourly wage of over $28.00 for non-salaried workers.
Cassidy was led on the tour by Mr. Randy McDougal, General Manager for UTLX.
“Senator Cassidy’s visit underscores the importance of strong partnerships between policymakers and manufacturers,” said Mr. McDougal. “We shared how our team builds industry leading tank cars, drives innovation, and contributes to the local economy, while also discussing the challenges and opportunities facing our industry.”
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