News Release

For Immediate Release Feb. 15, 2012 For More Information, contact Karoline Dreher LSU Student, Public Relations Major (504) 810-7665 KDreherPR@gmail.com

Romney to speak at Capitol; Louisianans speak out

BATON ROUGE, La. Mitt Romney will speak to Louisiana residents at the Louisiana State Capitol Building on March 1 at 7 p.m. about his plans for the future of Louisianas education system and job market. The republican candidate has garnered substantial support from conservatives in Louisiana but needs more support to win the state.

In 2011, Louisianas K-12 education system earned a grade of F on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, and many residents are looking for a presidential candidate who will work to improve education.

Id like to see him encourage states to reward successful schools and encourage the growth of charter schools in areas with underperforming schools. Improving the access to quality K-12 education is important in every state, and we know it is important here in Louisiana, said Emily Pfetzer, a Ph.D. student at Louisiana State University.

In regard to education, Romney plans to increase standards for schools and offer incentives to high-quality teachers. Romney will discuss his proposal to identify failing schools and create a system of more efficient and successful school systems across the country.

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Many residents are also apprehensive about the future of the job market in Louisiana, particularly the oil industry. Since the oil spill in 2010, oil industry employees have been concerned about their job security. Because the oil industry is an integral part of the local economy, residents hope for a president who will acknowledge the importance of the industry and support its growth.

Ive been in the oilfield industry eight years. Before the oil crisis, I never worried about my job here, said Lance Richard, a resident of New Iberia. Since the oil spill, I worry that the future president will not support our industry, and I fear for Louisianas economy.

Because of these concerns, Romney will speak about his extensive plan for energy regulation in the United States. His plan includes a streamlined approach that will encourage progress in the development of domestic reserves of oil and natural gas. The GOP candidate believes that domestic sources of energy will create jobs across the country and help stabilize local economies.

Residents from across Louisiana are encouraged to attend Romneys speech and find out more information about the candidates policies.

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