BOSSIER CITY, La. — Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson returned to his home district Sept. 24 for a policy forum hosted by the Bossier Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Shreveport Chamber, drawing business leaders, elected officials and community members to Horseshoe Casino.
The event, the kickoff of the Bossier Chamber’s Public Policy Series, featured remarks from Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jay McCallum and was emceed by Sonja Bailes, communications and media officer for Bossier Parish Schools. Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler and Shreveport City Councilman Grayson Boucher delivered welcoming remarks.
Johnson used his address to highlight congressional priorities, including tax relief measures aimed at working families. He pointed to a “working families tax cut” under negotiation in Washington and outlined provisions designed to support small businesses, such as eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, expanding deductions for capital improvements and accelerating write-offs for research and development.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our community and the backbone of America,” Johnson said. “These pro-growth policies give families breathing room and help businesses invest in their future.”
Questions from the business community, submitted in advance, were posed by Bossier Chamber President Lisa Johnson and Greater Shreveport Chamber President Tim Magner. Topics included federal funding deadlines, workforce challenges tied to H1B visa rules, and the long-delayed I-49 Inner City Connector. Johnson criticized federal bureaucracy for slowing the highway project and said recent reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act could help advance construction.
Johnson also addressed national issues. He condemned the Sept. 24 shooting at an ICE facility, calling violence against federal officers a crisis fueled by political rhetoric. He further noted the recent assassination of activist Charlie Kirk, describing it as a pivotal moment that spurred a surge of interest in his organization, Turning Point USA.
Lisa Johnson, president and CEO of the Bossier Chamber, said the event gave members direct access to federal leadership.
“It’s an honor to be able to host Speaker Johnson in Bossier City,” she said. “Through this event, we were able to provide a platform for our local Bossier-Shreveport business community to submit their questions and have the Speaker answer them.”
The Public Policy Series continues with additional programs this fall, including sessions with Louisiana legislative leaders, the secretary of revenue, and workforce and economic development officials. Sponsors include Willis-Knighton Health, Barksdale Federal Credit Union, Ochsner LSU Health, Expand Energy and Rose-Neath Funeral Home.
Stacey Tinsley contributed to this report.