FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2025
BATON ROUGE, La. – Under Governor Jeff Landry’s leadership, our state is attracting record-breaking investment, creating thousands of new jobs, and building an economy that rewards hard work and innovation.
In 2025, Louisiana announced billions in new investments, including the $5.8 billion Hyundai Steel project in Ascension Parish and major expansions in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors across the state. According to Louisiana Economic Development, these projects are bringing tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and strengthening communities from North Louisiana to the Gulf Coast.
Louisiana is also leading the nation in key areas for veterans. The state now ranks among the top-performing states in year-over-year growth of VA benefit recipients, demonstrating that focused state-level action yields real results. A total of 108,894 Louisiana veterans now receive VBA benefits, up from 103,120 the previous year. This increase brings millions of federal dollars directly into the hands of Louisiana veterans and their families and reflects the impact of LDVA’s expanded outreach and service efforts.
“This information makes one thing clear: Louisiana’s veterans continue to strengthen our state long after their military service—driving economic growth, advancing our workforce, and contributing to stronger communities,” said LDVA Secretary Col. Charlton Meginley, U.S. Air Force (Ret.).
Louisiana’s military and defense sector remains one of the state’s most powerful economic drivers. According to Louisiana Economic Development, military spending infused $17 billion into the statewide economy during fiscal year 2024—supporting more than 117,000 jobs, strengthening local communities, and reinforcing Louisiana’s vital role in national defense. This robust defense sector creates meaningful, high-demand career opportunities, particularly for veterans transitioning to civilian life, enabling them to build rewarding futures right here at home.
Louisiana’s broader job market continues to show strong momentum. The Louisiana Workforce Commission reports 53 consecutive months of employment growth, with more than 19,000 new non-farm jobs added over the past year and private-sector growth leading the way. These trends demonstrate that our workforce is thriving and that businesses are choosing Louisiana as a place to grow and invest.
As states across the region compete to attract businesses, talent, and a veteran workforce, Louisiana is emerging as a leader in several critical areas. Record investments, strong veteran benefits growth, expanding military economic impact, and sustained workforce gains demonstrate that Louisiana is not only competing—but succeeding—in the race for jobs, investment, and veteran opportunity.
At the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, we are proud to support this progress and remain committed to making Louisiana the number one state for veterans to live, work, and thrive after military service. Together, we are growing jobs—not government. We are rewarding success—not punishing it. And we are ensuring that every Louisiana veteran has a place in this momentum.
Please visit https://vetaffairs.la.gov/news for the latest Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs releases, photos, and videos.
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