The Pelican Institute for Public Policy says there are some strong indicators that show Louisiana’s economy is heading in the right direction. Chief Executive Officer Daniel Erspamer says Louisiana is doing better than the nation in one key economic number.
“Our gross domestic product, which measures the overall economic activity in the state, grew almost 3%; 2.9% during the first quarter of 2026. The national rate was 2.1%,” Erspamer noted.
Erspamer says construction, professional and business services and health care sectors were helping to drive this growth through the first quarter of this year.
Erspamer says the state has added nearly 17,000 jobs over the last year.
“5.5% increase in construction employment, and a little over 2% increase in manufacturing employment,” Erspamer said.
Erspamer says their report also finds that personal income has increased 6% during the first quarter, compared to 3% nationally. He says excellent changes in state policy is boosting Louisiana’s economy.
“Fixing the tax code, streamlining regulation and aggressive work by the governor, the economic development department and others to market this state,” Erspamer explained.
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