METAIRIE – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today met with Mr. Richie Lewis, the owner of Gerald’s Famous Burgers and Donuts and toured his Arabi location.
Gerald’s Famous Burgers and Donuts is one of many Louisiana small businesses negatively affected by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The extension of enhanced unemployment benefits by the bill has made it difficult for small business owners to hire workers. In May, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the economy gained only 266,000 jobs in April, despite expectations that more than a million would be added.
“The government is making it more profitable for some not to work than to work. This may seem to be in the short term interest of those unemployed, but it can be for their harm in the long term. It clearly is affecting our economy. COVID is controlled, let’s get back to work,” said Cassidy.
Additionally, Cassidy met with members of the St. Bernard Parish Council, of which Mr. Lewis is a member.
“I would like to thank the Senator for meeting with me today,” said Mr. Lewis. “We discussed the federal unemployment program as well as other federal programs surrounding the service industry. I am very confident that he will do all he can to help all small businesses in Louisiana.”
Additionally, Cassidy toured the International High School of New Orleans, which is the only high school in the city to offer students the opportunity to participate in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. While there, Cassidy met Jada Jerrelle Brown, who has received over 141 college offers and more than $5 million in scholarship opportunities.
“First, I congratulate Jada. Her hard work has paid off,” said Cassidy. “Second, she and her generation are future leaders of community and country. This generation should do everything we can so her generation succeeds.”
Cassidy was joined on the tour by Mr. Sean Wilson, Head of School at the International High School of New Orleans.
“The students, faculty and staff at the International High School of New Orleans were appreciative that U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy could join us for the first day of our first-ever ambitious and exciting summer class program in the school’s 12-year history,” said Mr. Wilson. “Our students will not only accelerate their studies, but experience new and challenging adventures in some of their favorite extra-curriculars at New Orleans’ only downtown high school.”
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