Newly elected Democratic Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco took control of the state of Louisiana on Jan. 12, becoming the first woman in the state’s nearly 200-year history to hold the title.
“Never before has a woman been sworn in to sit at the apex of state government.” Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu, also a Democrat, said in his inaugural speech. “Today that will change.”
Landrieu, along with other statewide elected officials took oaths of office on the steps of the State Capitol in the ceremony.
The ceremony was marked by a 19-cannon salute and a fly-over by a quartet of fighter jets from the Louisiana National Guard.
Blanco, 61, took the Oath of Office from State Supreme Court Justice Catherine “Kitty” Kimball in English and Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll in French.
“Today marks the first time an honor like this has been earned by a daughter, a wife, a mother and grandmother,” Blanco said in her inaugural speech.
Blanco remarked that “Louisiana is open for business,” and said she looks forward to creating economic and educational opportunities that will enhance the lives and careers of Louisiana residents.
Blanco emphasized the importance of healthcare to her administration, expressing concern that Louisiana residents do not have access to quality healthcare services.
“Children who are sick cannot leave, and adults who are sick cannot earn,” Blanco said.
She stressed the role of education in her new administration and promised to work with the Louisiana Legislature to continue to raise teacher pay.
She said she would continue to fund pre-Kindergarten programs which she said “have a profound impact on our young people.”
Blanco briefly spoke about the 1997 death of her 19-year-old son Ben in an industrial accident.
“[He] has been so much in my mind during this campaign for governor, so much of a source of strength to me in these challenging days,” Blanco said.
After the emotional reference to her son, she asked for prayers of wisdom and guidance from her constituents, as well as collaboration between all types of Louisiana residents.
Lt. Davis of the Louisiana State Police estimated the crowd to be about 5,000 people, but said that estimate may be on the conservative side.
After the ceremony, the governor was escorted to a public reception showcasing Louisiana culture on the Capitol grounds.
The reception, sponsored by Blanco’s grandchildren, featured the food of Louisiana, something which Blanco says is an important part of the state’s heritage.
Children were not left out of the day’s events. A tent with face-painting, mascots, arts and crafts, Indian dancers and clowns was set up so that children could take part in the historic occasion.