Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh (R)
Shreveport Republican Alan Seabaugh is once again pushing his petition to end Louisiana’s state of emergency because of COVID-19. Seabaugh needs the support of 53 other lawmakers in the House and says the spread mitigation restrictions have been extended too long.
“It’s effecting churches, it’s effecting businesses, and quite frankly it has gone on long enough. Y’all all know about my petition and if you haven’t signed, I’ve got some at my desk. We’re relatively close to having 53,” said Seabaugh.
While it is unclear if Seabaugh has enough backing, Rosepine Republican Charles Owen is among those showing support for the measure and believes lawmakers need more input on the decision making of advancing the state in reopening.
“If the Governor is going to keep going forward, he can go forward much better if he will include us in these decisions and we will be involved in it and know about it ahead of time,” said Seabaugh.
So far, Louisiana has seen over 53,000 COVID-19 cases and 3,000 fatalities. Baton Rouge Democrat Denise Marcelle opposes the movement saying it is about putting things into perspective.
“Yes, all of us want our businesses to prosper. Do we want people to die though at the hands of COVID? Do we want to risk peoples’ lives?” said Marcelle.
Marcelle applauds the Governor’s decision making and feels sacrificing human life is not worth it for a quicker economic bounce back.
“I want to thank the Governor for taking small steps to protect all of us, each and everyone of us in this room and our families. I value them more than I do keeping a business open,” said Marcelle.
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