ENROLLED
2016 Second Extraordinary Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 37
BY REPRESENTATIVES GLOVER, BAGLEY, CARMODY, COX, JEFFERSON,
JENKINS, MIKE JOHNSON, JIM MORRIS, NORTON, AND SEABAUGH
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request the House Committee on Commerce to study the state of the automotive
manufacturing industry in the state of Louisiana since the onset of the most recent
worldwide economic turndown.
WHEREAS, during the late 2000s, a recession of a global scale adversely affected
the economy of the United States; and
WHEREAS, such adverse effects were manifested as an overall decline in economic
activity resulting in a loss of industry and consumer wealth, the scarce availability of credit,
and subsequently, the realization of sharp cutbacks in consumer spending; and
WHEREAS, the national automobile industry, and the automobile industry in this
state, experienced declining automobile sales and the substantial loss of employment
opportunities; and
WHEREAS, perpetual declining sales and employment loss lead to the 2009
bankruptcy of the General Motors Corporation, and by 2012, a complete cessation of
automobile manufacturing at the General Motors Shreveport plant, which for more than
thirty years was a generator of jobs and economic opportunity in this state; and
WHEREAS, after the bankruptcy of General Motors, the Shreveport plant was
assumed by the Revitalizing Auto Communities Environmental Response Trust (RACER)
that was created by the United States Bankruptcy Court to clean up and position for
redevelopment the properties and other facilities owned by the former General Motors
Corporation; and
WHEREAS, in 2013, in efforts to rebuild, reposition, and revitalize the state's hard-
hit automobile industry, certain agreements were reached by RACER and particular
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automobile manufacturers for the production of certain vehicles at the former General
Motors Shreveport plant; and
WHEREAS, such automobile production was expected to commence by the end of
2015, yielding the expectation for economic stimulation and the creation of thousands of
potential jobs; and
WHEREAS, as of 2016, prior agreements for automobile production have yet to
materialize, and the state has an interest in creating transparency and uncovering any
pertinent explanations as to why those agreements have not come to fruition, as such
agreements for automobile manufacturing in Louisiana can only serve to positively benefit
the overall economy and citizenry of this state.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the House Committee on Commerce
to do all of the following:
(1) Study the state of the automotive manufacturing industry in the state of Louisiana
since the onset of the most recent worldwide economic turndown that began in 2008.
(2) Investigate and report on the activities of RACER in the state of Louisiana.
(3) Tour and assess the current condition and circumstances of any Louisiana based
properties either currently or previously under the control and supervision of RACER in the
state of Louisiana.
(4) Take testimony from local, regional, and state officials and economic
development stakeholders regarding barriers and obstacles impacting the ability to
effectively market facilities either currently or previously under the control of RACER.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House Committee on Commerce shall report
its findings to the House of Representatives prior to the convening of the 2017 Regular
Session of the Legislature of Louisiana.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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