Louisiana
Louisiana DOGE final report shows nearly $1 billion in state savings
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Louisiana’s Department of Government Efficiency has concluded its work with a final report showing just under $1 billion in state savings and a plan to overhaul the Inspector General’s office.
“Every permanent process we put in place ensures that those services only get stronger,” Governor Jeff Landry said at a press conference Thursday.
Federal program savings drive results
The report shows a large portion of the savings comes from federal dollars, with just over $600 million in total. At least half of that stems from removing ineligible people from Medicaid and SNAP programs. The full itemized breakdown of savings has not been released to the media.
“But I mean, just think about it, if you are deceased, incarcerated, no longer eligible for Medicaid, no longer live in the state — you should not be on the Medicaid rolls,” said Angele Davis, member of the LADOGE team and former Commissioner of Administration.
Landry said the removals targeted fraud in the system.
Contract streamlining and DCFS restructuring
The remaining savings in state dollars came from streamlining state contracts for services like IT and decommissioning outdated technology. Landry claims the restructuring of the Department of Children and Family Services also saves dollars and improves services.
“By adding our staff back to the front lines where we come into contact with children and families, we were able to reduce our caseloads by 17% — that produces more meaningful engagement with families and better-informed decisions for children,” DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris said.
New Inspector General appointment
Landry appointed Davis as the next State Inspector General to maintain efficiency focus for a six-year term. The goal is to put audit reports into action rather than letting them sit unused.
“But if there are a duplication in services, the inspector general doesn’t need to be doing the same thing as the attorney general is doing or the legislative auditor is doing,” Davis said.
The changes will require legislative approval. The 2025 legislative session begins March 9.
Savings breakdown from LADOGE Final Report:
Medicaid Eligibility: $285.5 million
SNAP Eligibility: $14.9 million
State/Federal Contracts: $206.4 million
Technology Services: $68.4 Million
Telecommunications: $2.8 million
Travel / Conferences: $1.3 million
Utilization of Assets: $9.6 million
Leases: $3 million
Process Efficiency / Service and Workforce Optimization: $407.6 million
TOTAL SAVINGS: $999.5 million
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Louisiana
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When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
A motorcyclist is recovering after a West Monroe crash involving an 18-wheeler, while Chevron won a Louisiana Supreme Court ruling shifting a major coastal lawsuit back to lower courts. Ouachita deputies arrested a suspect and recovered more than a dozen guns, Mississippi passed a new school social-media safety requirement, and Louisiana’s House advanced a unanimous state budget. A new recovery center opened, and multiple weekend events are underway across northeast Louisiana, plus national updates include stock-market stress guidance, a Ford F-150 recall, Spirit Airlines uncertainty, and tax-refund tips.
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