March
06
As Louisiana prepares for the 2026 Regular Legislative Session, COLAB is focused on ensuring the Bayou Region’s voice remains strong, informed, and engaged.
The 2026 Regular Legislative Session of the Louisiana State Legislature begins March 9. Over the course of the session, lawmakers will consider legislation that impacts workforce development, infrastructure, economic growth, education, energy, and the long-term competitiveness of our region.
COLAB has identified the following Bayou Region legislative priorities for the 2026 session:
K-12 Education
Fully fund the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) and include a 2.5% increase to address inflation and years of stagnant state support; request timely submission by BESE.
Worforce & Technical Education
Support $12M in funding for Fletcher’s Maritime & Shipbuilding Facility to expand maritime and shipbuilding training capacity.
Support $1M in supplemental appropriations for Fletcher to expand workforce training programs.
Higher Education & Workforce Alignment
(Nicholls State University)
Nicholls State University requests continued support for the creation of a Maritime Academy and Engineering Program.
Additionally, Nicholls requests $5M to fund construction of a Maritime Wing onto the Al Danos College of Business Administration.
Insurance Affordability
Advance legislative solutions to reduce homeowner’s insurance costs, recognizing that rising premiums undermine housing affordability, workforce retention, and economic competitiveness while limiting Louisiana’s ability to recruit and retain talent.
Transportation & Infrastructure
The LA 1 Coalition requests that the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development include funding in the Preliminary FY 2026–2027 State Highway Program to overlay old LA-1 from Golden Meadow to Leeville, meeting binding transfer terms upon opening of the new elevated LA-1.
Coastal Protection & Resiliency
Support the Morganza Action Coalition in securing the maximum allowable capital outlay funding for the
Morganza to the Gulf Hurricane Risk Protection System.
Ports
Maintain and increase funding for the Port Priority Program.
