Business Leaders Highlight Progress in Louisiana
Louisiana lawmakers opened the 2026 legislative session with momentum from recent economic gains. Will Green, president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), said policy changes in recent years helped attract new investment and improve business confidence.
Green pointed to rising job numbers, increasing wages, and stronger economic development as signs Louisiana has made progress. Major projects continue to move forward across the state. Businesses now see Louisiana as more competitive than it has been in decades.
Still, Green stressed that lawmakers must address key challenges to maintain that momentum.
“We’ve made a lot of progress,” Green said. “But we still have work to do to make Louisiana the most attractive place to live and work.”
Insurance Reform Remains a Top Priority
Insurance costs remain one of the biggest issues facing Louisiana businesses. Commercial auto insurance continues to create financial strain for industries such as trucking and logging.
Green said lawmakers will likely focus on measures that aim to stabilize the insurance market. One proposal would require disclosure of third-party litigation financing. These outside investors fund lawsuits and collect a share of the settlement or verdict.
Supporters argue the practice increases legal costs and delays cases. Green said transparency would help balance the legal system and ensure all parties understand who funds a lawsuit.
Lawmakers also plan to debate a proposal that would cap certain non-economic damages at $500,000. Similar policies already exist in states such as Mississippi and Oklahoma. Business leaders believe these caps could reduce unpredictable verdicts and encourage more insurers to operate in Louisiana.
Workforce and Energy Opportunities
Workforce participation remains another major focus for the session. Louisiana continues to rank near the bottom in labor force participation across the South.
Green highlighted legislation aimed at helping former inmates enter the workforce. One proposal would ensure individuals leaving prison receive identification documents such as a birth certificate or state ID. Without those documents, many struggle to secure employment.
Energy development also presents a major opportunity. Carbon capture projects could bring billions of dollars in investment to Louisiana. Green said the state must move quickly or risk losing projects to competitors like Texas.
“We have the geology, the infrastructure, and the workforce,” Green said. “Louisiana is positioned to lead if we act now.”