ALEXANDRIA, La. – U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., visited Alexandria this week to promote federal infrastructure funding and discuss economic development initiatives with local business leaders.
Cassidy addressed the Rotary Club of Alexandria, where he pointed to provisions in the federal tax code and recent infrastructure investments as key drivers of growth in Central Louisiana.
“People in Central Louisiana are optimistic about the future,” Cassidy said. “They know the One, Big, Beautiful Bill and my infrastructure bill will help businesses expand and put money in worker’s pockets.”
The legislation, which Cassidy described as the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” permanently extends tax relief for small businesses from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including deductions for capital expenditures. It also includes provisions affecting workers, such as tax relief on tips and overtime pay, an extension of the Child Tax Credit, and deductions for most seniors on Social Security taxes.
Cassidy also cited allocations from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which set aside $65 billion for high-speed broadband, including $1.35 billion for Louisiana. In recent months, Alexandria International Airport has received more than $10 million in federal funding for runway and apron improvements, while the Rapides Area Planning Commission was awarded $320,000 to begin upgrades to the parish’s transportation grid.
Rotary Club president Mike Upton welcomed Cassidy, calling his visit a reflection of “a deep commitment to Louisiana and the people he represents.”
Following the Rotary meeting, Cassidy toured Union Tank Car (UTLX) Manufacturing, LLC, which employs 366 workers in Alexandria with a 2024 payroll of $31 million and an average hourly wage of more than $28 for non-salaried employees. The plant produces railcars used nationwide for freight transport.
“Union Tank knows that [Louisiana workers] produce rail cars here that ship goods across America,” Cassidy said. “This is proof that there’s no better place for manufacturing than Louisiana.”
UTLX General Manager Randy McDougal guided Cassidy through the facility. “Senator Cassidy’s visit underscores the importance of strong partnerships between policymakers and manufacturers,” McDougal said.