Governor Jeff Landry is not shy about issuing executive orders. In less than three years in office, he’s issued 406 of them – surpassing the number his predecessor, John Bel Edwards, issued during two full terms. LaPolitics Weekly publisher Jeremy Alford says Landry’s record pace fits his personality.
“He kind of came into office saying he was going to be on a fast track. He embraced the comparisons to Huey P. Long,” Alford said.
By the end of the year, Landry could surpass Edwin Edwards, who issued 441 executive orders during his four terms in office.
Alford says Landry has used executive orders to reshape state government – creating new boards and commissions, merging departments and streamlining permitting. He’s also used them to advance his education agenda.
“The first one that he ever signed struck down a graduation appeals process for students who failed standardized tests. This year, he signed another one that cut $168 million from the Minimum Foundation Program, which funds public education,” Alford noted.
Not every executive order has involved major policy. Landry issued one this week commemorating the life of Dolly Parton.
Alford says the governor’s frequent use of executive orders has largely gone unquestioned and unchallenged.
“We haven’t had any landmark legal decisions challenging his use of executive orders, and I think it’s going to continue to keep this pace,” Alford observed.