Small Business Owner and Public Servant Batts Urges Caution on Anti-Market Legislation

As a journalist, I would like to rephrase the article as follows:

Jay Batt, a public servant and business owner from New Orleans, has always been focused on creating a favorable business environment and promoting economic growth in Louisiana. However, he is concerned about some of the legislation that has been presented this session, which seems to be anti-market economy and pro-big government intervention. One particular bill, Senate Bill 234, could have disastrous consequences for businesses and Louisiana taxpayers. This bill may reduce the number of financial institutions eligible to compete for and finance taxpayer-funded projects such as road construction, school maintenance, emergency services equipment, and healthcare.

A competitive bond market is crucial for the best interests of businesses, municipalities, and taxpayers. It allows towns and cities to innovate infrastructure development, create jobs, and foster an economic environment where businesses can succeed. In 2021, Texas passed similar legislation that prohibited local municipalities from doing business with certain financial institutions based on the discretion of its attorney general. A study found that this legislation could lead Texas to lose nearly $670 million in economic activity, 3,034 full-time permanent jobs