Matherne announces bid for state rep

Lafourche Parish Councilman Michael Matherne announced last week he is seeking the state representative seat in Louisiana House District 55.

The election will be held Oct. 20.

Matherne has served as a Lafourche councilman since 2003. In 2005, he was elected council chair.

He is an instructor of University Studies and a faculty member at Nicholls State University. Matherne is married to Lisa Black Matherne; the couple has one child, Chloe Marie, age 4.

“There is no greater issue facing the citizens of District 55 than that of affordable insurance for our homes,” said Matherne, a Democrat. “Insurance premiums have skyrocketed, the cost of home-owner’s insurance is out of control and many families are now ‘insurance poor.’

“We must attract additional insurance companies to Louisiana to guarantee competition, which will result in lowering the cost of home owner’s insurance. We must protect the policy owners with a Louisiana Insurance Bill of Rights, which should include prompt response on claims, a clear and direct explanation of what is covered, and portability,” he said.

Acting on insurance issues is a top priority if elected, Matherne said.

“The first bill I will introduce as state representative will allow a state income tax credit for the premiums paid for home owner’s insurance,” he said. “This will relieve some of the financial burden of rising insurance costs for citizens. I will work tirelessly to make home owner’s insurance affordable for the people of District 55 and Louisiana.”

Reducing citizens’ and small businesses’ tax burden would be a second priority, Matherne said.

“The Louisiana State Treasury is bursting with new income,” he explained. “Budget forecasts indicate that for the next eight to 10 years, Louisiana state government will likely continue to see increased income from taxes, licenses and fees. We have a unique opportunity to reduce the tax burden on our citizens and to create an environment in which we can retain and grow small businesses, which serve as the foundation and backbone of our economy.”

Matherne also cites education and ethics reform as principles of his campaign.

“Education is the enemy of poverty,” he said. “Poverty generates nearly all of the negative statistics which plague Louisiana. Solid research indicates that children who participate in a pre-k education program experience much higher levels of long-term success regardless of family income, ethnicity, and parental levels of education. These programs must be widely available to all families to ensure that the children of Louisiana succeed and become contributing members and leaders in our society.”

Matherne said Louisiana citizens should no longer tolerate corruption and “back room deals.”

“As state representative, I will introduce legislation which will mandate that all legislators publicly disclose their personal financial information,” he said. “This will include personal income, investments, and property. This information will clearly shed light on potential conflicts of interest and allow citizens to see if any legislators are benefiting from their position in state government. I am determined to make state government not only transparent, but also to require it to work in the sunshine for all to see.

“Progress in Louisiana has been long delayed, in some nearby places, it has been tragically delayed. Future progress for the benefit of our children and grandchildren is largely dependant on the quality of our political leadership. It is as a husband, father, and citizen concerned about the future of our region and state that I offer myself as a candidate for state representative.”

Matherne announces bid for state rep