New appointment: The Louisiana Workforce Commission has named Rob Roux as the agency’s executive counsel. According to a news release, Roux has been the agency’s lead attorney in workforce development issues for more than 25 years and was instrumental in the state enacting several federal job training programs. “Rob Roux brings to this position a deep knowledge of the legal environment surrounding workforce development issues,” says Ava Dejoie, LWC’s executive director, in a prepared statement. “He will play an important role as we shape policy going forward that will help create family-sustaining jobs for the people of Louisiana.”
Stumping for Trump: Woody Jenkins, chairman of the Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish, has been named one of the state chairmen of Donald Trump’s Louisiana Leadership team along with Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta. In a news release, the Trump campaign touted Jenkins’ 28 years of service in the state Legislature and the fact that he authored more than 500 bills that became law. The release also announces the appointment of Jeff Crouere and Brian Trascher, both of New Orleans, as co-chairmen along with Tim Breaux of Lafayette and Wayne Ryan of Alexandria. Trump’s campaign also announced today that the real estate mogul had received an endorsement from Sarah Palin, the former governor of Alaska and the GOP’s vice presidential nominee in 2008.
Pushing a deal: A trade official is in New Orleans to push one of President Barack Obama’s top final year priorities—a trade agreement with Pacific Rim nations that make up 40% of the world economy. The Associated Press reports deputy U.S. trade representative Robert Holleyman is at GNO Inc. for a midday roundtable discussion with Mayor Mitch Landrieu and other business and community leaders about the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Holleyman’s office says 27% of goods exported to the 12 Pacific Rim nations go through Louisiana. The pact needs congressional approval to take effect, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said the votes aren’t there at present.
