Members of the McNeese State chapter of Turning Point USA were invited to hear Gov. Jeff Landry speak at a GOP dinner in Lake Charles Tuesday during which the governor spoke about the progress of his administration and shared plans for the future.

The Red, White, and Bayou Republican Women, a political advocacy group in Southwest Louisiana, hosted the dinner at Charleston Bistro. Five officers from Turning Point USA at McNeese State attended the dinner, along with their faculty representative.

Landry took the opportunity to address the members of Turning Point USA at McNeese State who were in attendance, asking them to stand and be recognized. He shared his admiration for the late Charlie Kirk, political activist and founder of Turning Point USA.

“Y’all being here tonight is the reason Charlie (Kirk) did what he did,” said Landry.

Senior Carson Black, a chemical engineering major and secretary for Turning Point USA at McNeese State, said he appreciated the recognition.

“It was a tremendous honor to be recognized by the governor during the event,” said Black. “He took the time to answer my questions and treated our Turning Point chapter just as seriously as everyone else, and that meant a lot to me.”

During his remarks, Landry covered many recent policy decisions and strategies regarding the Louisiana economy.

“Before the first quarter of this year is over, we will announce over $100 billion worth of private investments into the state of Louisiana,” said Landry.

He explained that these investments will drive Louisiana for decades to come. This, along with over $1 billion in recovered and reallocated funds, was all part of his strategy to grow the middle class in Louisiana. He also called for support on two amendments to be voted on in May that would increase educators’ pay and lower the state income tax.

Landry then spoke about the state infrastructure, citing multiple new projects he believes will be beneficial to the citizens of Louisiana. He said 60 new bridges are being designed and built across the state, and stated that they will be able to go from design to completion in 18 months.

Ricky Cooley has been the faculty adviser for Turning Point USA at McNeese since the chapter was founded.

“The dinner with Gov. Landry was a great event,” Cooley said. “Not only did the governor give an update on the progress his administration has accomplished, but he took the time to acknowledge and recognize our McNeese State University students. He also answered their questions and took the time to offer them words of encouragement. It was great to see him listen to their concerns.”