BATON ROUGE – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) visited Ascension Parish to speak at the Ascension Chamber Business Expo luncheon in Gonzales and tour the Grove Recovery Center in Sorrento.
At the Ascension Chamber Business Expo luncheon, Cassidy discussed his work to help small businesses in Ascension Parish continue to succeed.
“Ascension Parish’s small businesses keep our community strong,” said Dr. Cassidy. “President Trump’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill lets them hire more workers and open new locations.”
The One, Big, Beautiful Bill made permanent tax cuts on businesses from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, including deductions for capital expenditures. It also included tax relief for workers, who will have to pay less taxes on tips and overtime work.
Cassidy was welcomed to the luncheon by Mr. Donnie Miller, President and CEO of the Ascension Chamber of Commerce.
“We are thrilled to welcome Senator Bill Cassidy to our 2025 Business Expo,” said Mr. Miller. “His leadership and dedication to fostering economic growth make him an inspiring voice for our exhibitors, attendees, and community partners. Senator Cassidy’s presence is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when community leaders, business owners, and policymakers come together to drive opportunity and success across America.”
At the Grove Recovery Center in Sorrento, Cassidy learned how they serve formerly homeless and incarcerated individuals by reintegrating them into society. The Grove Recovery Center provides mental health counseling, substance use disorder support, employment assistance, transportation, and transitional housing.
“Addiction and homelessness need solutions. The Grove Recovery Center helps people regain stability and rebuild their lives,” said Dr. Cassidy. “As a Doctor and Senator, I look for programs that should be in every community. This is one of them.”
Recently, Cassidy introduced the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, which bolsters prevention, treatment and recovery services for Americans with substance use disorders and mental illnesses.
At the Grove Recovery Center, Cassidy was welcomed by Mr. Cody Gautreaux, the co-owner and administrator for Grove Recovery Center.
“We are especially grateful to Senator Bill Cassidy for his leadership, and to the mayors of St. George and East Baton Rouge Parish, our sheriffs, police chiefs, all law enforcement partners, and church partners,” said Mr. Gautreaux. “Their collaboration reflects a strong, shared commitment to building healthier, cleaner, and safer cities.”
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