Senate hears invocation and recognizes Disability Awareness Day and local award recipients

Pastor Thomas Gross of Living Faith Christian Fellowship delivered the invocation at the start of the April 4 Senate session, quoting Proverbs and asking for guidance and wisdom for the legislature.

“Without a vision, the people perish,” Gross said, citing Proverbs and urging members to seek wisdom and restraint in their deliberations. He closed with a prayer asking for peaceful resolution of disagreements as senators considered the day’s bills.

Later in the session Senator Foyle used personal privilege to recognize Disability Awareness Day, describing barriers faced by Louisianans with disabilities and introducing Mark Raymond, executive director of the Split Second Foundation, and volunteers who work with people with disabilities.

Senator Hodges presented a resolution to commend Bertie Jean upon receiving the Livingston Economic Development Council’s Bob Easterly Award and introduced Ferdinand and his wife Pat as guests in the chamber.

Why it matters: These ceremonial recognitions place a spotlight on community groups and public-service work — from disability advocacy to local economic development — and record honors that the Senate formally recognizes on the state record.

What’s next: Resolutions introduced and laid over in the transcript are recorded for further consideration; the invocation and recognitions do not themselves effect policy but were recorded as part of the Senate’s opening proceedings.