By Nolan McKendry | The Center Square
(The Center Square) — Gov. Jeff Landry signed a sweeping welfare and workforce reform package this week, calling it a step toward “moving Louisiana from dependence to independence.”
The new laws — House Bill 624 by Rep. Stephanie Berault, R-Slidell, and HB617 by Rep. Kim Carver, R-Mandeville, — consolidate Louisiana’s job training and public assistance programs into a single “One Door” system designed to help residents navigate both benefits and employment services through one case-managed entry point.
“This is about helping Louisiana achieve independence by prioritizing work and self-sufficiency over dependency,” Landry said at the bill signing on Thursday. “If you can work, we expect you to work.”
The overhaul shifts the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program under the Louisiana Workforce Commission, while some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program functions move to the Louisiana Department of Health. The goal is to reduce bureaucracy and ensure that those eligible for assistance are also connected to job training.
Landry also took the opportunity to tout the efforts made by his Department of Governmental Efficiency.
“Our DOGE team, working with President Trump’s team, is reconciling accounts between the federal government, OMV, vital records, and LDH. This coordination is unprecedented,” Landry said. “No longer will the greedy take from the needy.”
The governor touted recent efforts to crack down on fraud in Medicaid, SNAP, and unemployment benefits. A verification process launched this year has already removed out-of-state residents collecting Louisiana benefits and saved over $70 million from the Medicaid rolls alone.
Beginning in July and August, similar checks will remove deceased individuals and undocumented immigrants from welfare rolls.
“We’re committed to responsibly managing our social programs and ensuring resources go to those who truly need it,” Landry said.
Citing a 127% increase in job openings across the state, Landry stressed that Louisiana has the jobs — now it needs the workers.
“This is why we call it the ‘One Door’ policy,” Landry said. “Our citizens can apply and receive assistance in moving from dependence to independence — and they do it through employment.”
Alongside the welfare reforms, Landry also signed HB153 by Rep. Troy Hebert, which increases weekly work search requirements for unemployment benefits from three to five.
“It ensures that benefits go to those actively seeking employment,” Landry said, “and helps protect our business environment.”
The changes will begin phasing in this fall, with the full transition expected by next July.