Rep. Champagne, Simone B.

House Member

Rep. Champagne, Simone B. (D)
District# 49, Jeanerette

Contact Information

District Office
Legislative Assistant : Sharon Boudoin
Email Champagne Simone B.
Phone: (337)276-4916
Fax: (337)276-4918
Address: 1407 Main Street
Jeanerette, LA 70544
Map
Capitol House Switch Band: (225) 342-6945
Capitol House Fax: (225)342-8336

Profile

- District #: House District 1
- Party: Democrat
- Caucus Membership: Louisiana Rural Caucus, Vice Chair, Acadiana Delegation, Democratic Caucus, Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus
- Occupation: State Representative
- Education: Jeanerette High School, 1971; continuing education in banking
- Spouse: Gary
- Year Elected: 2007
- Last Year Eligible(Term Limit): 2020
- 2007 Election
  A Democrat, Champagne was elected unopposed after her seat was vacated by Troy Hebert whose term expired due to term limits.

District Profile

Registered Voters by Parish: Iberia 70.2%, Vermilion 29.8%
Municipalities/Communities Represented: Abbeville, Avery Island, Delcambre,
Erath, Jeanerette, Jefferson Island, Lydia, New Iberia, Weeks
- Louisiana Map
- District Map
- Metro Map
Economic: District 49 is a large, rural district including parts of Iberia and Vermillion parishes. Agriculture is the economic engine in this district, as it is home to many mills, farms and plantations. The district also includes a string of five salt domes, where significant salt mining takes place. The oilfield industry is a major economic player for the district, because of its proximity to the coast. Commercial fishing also plays a vital role in the district, particularly in and around Delcambre, where many commercial shrimp operations are located. The industry has been increasingly threatened in recent years, however, due to cheap foreign imports and increased federal regulations. Cypress Bayou Casino, operated by the Chitimacha Indians, is located just outside the district near Baldwin. It employs many local residents and attracts visitors to the area. The Tabasco factory, located on Avery Island, also serves as a center for tourism in the district.

Social: The population of District 49 is predominately Catholic Cajuns. It has few concentrated centers of population and residents are typically working class, with some pockets of poverty in the Iberia Parish section of the district.

Political: While conservative in nature, District 49 is home to a strong union presence associated with the salt mines. The main concerns for district voters are revitalization in the wake of Hurricane Rita and public works construction, mainly the repair and upgrade of roads and highways.
Impact of Hurricane Rita:
Around 50 percent of the district was devastated by Hurricane Rita, causing damage to homes and businesses including the sugar, rice, and cattle industries. Though the area has worked hard to rebuild, many residents have still been unable to return to their homes, and businesses are struggling to return to their pre-Rita status.

Biography

- Simone Becnel Champagne is a lifelong resident of Jeanerette. In 2002, she served as the Chief Administrative Officer for Iberia Parish Government until resigning to run for state representative in 2007. She has no prior political experience but has served for two terms as the president of the Jeanerette Chamber of Commerce as well as volunteering for civic and social organizations pertaining to development, tourism, and historic preservation.
- One of Champagne’s top priorities it to rebuild the rural areas of District 49 devastated by Hurricane Rita. Coastal erosion is also an important issue for Champagne as well as protection and support of the salt and sugar industries in the area. She is interested in revitalizing public infrastructure, particularly through upgrading roads and the introduction of a public park.
- Term limits seem to be a perennial issue for Champagne. In fact, in the 2010 session, she has a constitutional amendment that would institute a limit of three consecutive terms, or 12 years, for all statewide elected officials except the governor.
- In addition, Champagne supports the expansion of the port system as a tool for economic development. Champagne sees repair to public healthcare as a priority, including using charity hospital as a learning hospital. She also seeks to improve public education by fostering parental involvement and expanding choice through the charter school system. Look for her to standout from the crowd of freshman House members as a leader on ethics reform.