Speaking to the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors this afternoon, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy dove into a wide array of local, national and international issues, from the immigration battle to plummeting oil prices—all of which ultimately have an impact on the local real estate market.
“I would say the real estate market is somewhat a primary variable—a reflection of many state, local and national factors that drill down to how much someone can afford to invest in a property,” Cassidy said.
The freshman Republican Senator pointed to a number of national and international issues impacting the bottom line for many families in Louisiana, such as the rising cost of health care for many under the Affordable Care Act—which he opposes—as well as low oil prices that have contributed to a projected $1.6 billion budget hole facing the state.
Cassidy also touted support for the Keystone XL pipeline to foster job creation and encourage the nation’s energy economy, while criticizing President Barack Obama for his position on the controversial pipeline, as well as the president’s executive action on immigration.
“The president doesn’t care, and to me, that is the most damning thing you can say about a president,” Cassidy said.
Cassidy, a physician by trade, also expressed unease over the announced closure of the Baton Rouge General Medical Center’s Mid City emergency room, though he didn’t provide any ideas for solutions.
“My concern is for those areas which have less access to services,” Cassidy said. “Closing Earl K. Long and now the General ER certainly decreases access for those who live in Mid City, and absolutely I’m concerned about that.”
As for Louisiana’s looming budget crisis, Cassidy said that is something the state Legislature will have to address.
“This is one of the reasons, I believe, we ought to protect the state revenue from the royalties of drilling on the outer continental shelf,” Cassidy said. “We can use that money for coastal restoration when it is clear the state general fund will not have as much money to put towards it.”
Though he’s only a few months into the job, Cassidy said he’s already feeling the pressure building to address the many challenges Americans face, but said, “it is a pressure that I welcome.”
—Gabrielle Braud
