For Immediate Release
Legislative Analysis Uncovers Significant Waste and Unnecessary Government Growth
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Christian Employers Alliance (CEA), which engages a network of more than 30,000 faith-based employers across all 50 states – including many of the nation’s largest faith-based organizations – today released the Louisiana Edition of its Biblical Business Index.
The study found that many Louisiana lawmakers fell well short of strong biblical voting alignment, despite representing a state known for high levels of religious adherence. Just 30 of the 144 members of the Louisiana Legislature voted with the biblically based position at least 80% of the time and earned CEA’s Defender of Biblical Business Award. That 21% share is substantially lower than in other states with strong faith-based communities and limited-government traditions, such as Florida and Tennessee, where more than two-thirds of lawmakers reached the same threshold.
The study also identified significant spending on wasteful initiatives that expand Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, grow government bureaucracy, and increase central planning of the state’s economy through anticompetitive regulations. It further found that multiple welfare programs were expanded, deepening government dependency rather than promoting policies that support economic independence and long-term opportunity.
“It is disappointing to see such a small percentage of lawmakers casting votes in alignment with biblical principles, especially while representing constituencies with such high levels of faith practice,” said Margaret Iuculano, President of the Christian Employers Alliance. “As the first tool of its kind, we hope this report drives attention to the issues and encourages improvement. Faith-driven business owners are looking for fiscal responsibility and governance that aligns with their values. When states fail to provide that, they risk losing employers, jobs, and investment to other states in an increasingly competitive environment.”
The study encompassed an extensive review of legislation advanced in the Louisiana Legislature, including analysis of nearly 8,000 individual votes cast by lawmakers. CEA’s research team applied a clearly defined methodology grounded in Scripture, limited government, and longstanding Judeo-Christian social principles.
Media inquiries: ian@christianemployersalliance.org or (202) 321-0715