Poverty is everyone's problem. It cuts across any line you can name: age, race, social, geographic or religious. Whether you are black or white; rich, middle-class or poor, we are ALL touched by poverty.

I know that government doesn’t have the all solutions that real solutions do not come from the top down. Instead, the ways to end poverty come from all of us. We are part of the solution.

When I’m out hustling up new industries, I can offer Louisiana’s many selling points. We have unmatched natural resources, a unique culture and fantastic workers.

Let me be clear – I want all Louisiana citizens to have choice – including the elderly and persons with disabilities – and their families – who rely on the state for their care.

Poverty is everyone’s problem. It cuts across any line you can name: age, race, social, geographic or religious. Whether you are black or white; rich, middle-class or poor, we are ALL touched by poverty.

My values, our values, aren't about pointing fingers. They are about offering a helping hand.

We still have great needs in our state, ... I do believe Congress will respond to the issue at hand.

We pray that the loss of life is very limited, but we fear that is not the case.

The path that I've outlined - moving our people from shelters or the homes of in-laws or friends and into hotels and transitional trailer communities here in Louisiana - gives our people hope, ... It gives them a clear path that they can see, a path that will help them get their lives together and get them home to Louisiana.

We are one people, united in our resolve to rebuild, restore and recover from this tragedy. At this time of great uncertainty and despair, our people must know that all our leaders are united and dedicated to this important work.