On February 28 of this year, the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf with Senator Hewitt proposed a bill SB98 that was signed into ACT by our Louisiana Governor John Edwards on July 5, 2022 and is now recognized as Act 128. This bill is to clarify legislative intent for the commission, includes trade definitions, and promotes further inclusively within the La Commission for the Deaf. This measure would add a board member who is DeafBlind to the commission. This position would be held by the executive director of the governors office of disability affairs, or their designee. Board members receive no salary but are reimbursed for travel and expenses incurred during the performance of their duties.
Little fun fact about this day: After signing the bill, our Governer took his time to finger-spelled his name (John) in American Sign Language. Also, the LCD interim director (Jana Broussard) gets to keep the pen that was signed on this specific Act by our governor.
Day of signing by our governor, John Edwards with LCD and the committee.
Photo from below: (From left to the right) Shane Bates, Amy Shamburger, Jana Broussard, Jimmy Gore, Dr. Heather Laine, Jay Isch, Jordan (LDOE), and Jazymyne Lemar.

To learn more about Act 198, click here.
Huge thanks to our Senator Hewitt for her dedication and hardwork to make this happen!