The need to talk about affordability cannot be understated. Louisiana is the 13th most financially struggling state in the U.S. by the SmartAsset Financial Study and named the most stressed state overall in a 2026 WalletHub report.
30% of households in Louisiana spend more than 30% of their income on housing, making them “cost-burdened”. The state minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, yielding roughly $15,000 a year for full-time work. Meanwhile, a full-time worker needs nearly $22 to $23 an hour to afford a standard two-bedroom apartment in areas like Baton Rouge. Over 30% of young adults aged 18 to 34 live with their parents due to these economic hurdles.
ALICE Households: According to the United For ALICE Report, 19% of Louisiana households live in federal poverty. An additional 30% are considered ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) meaning they work, but still do not earn enough to cover basic needs. Roughly, 16.4% of households in the state rely on SNAP.
Extreme Transportation Costs: Louisiana drivers spend 5.1% of their year income on car insurance, more than twice the national average of 2.9%. Louisiana has the highest-in-nation premiums, the average car insurance still projected to be $2,361 by the end of 2026.
Skyrocketing Utility Bills: Two thirds of Louisiana voters reported their electric and gas utility bills increased significantly.
Healthcare and Out-of-Pocket Burdens: Louisiana routinely ranks near the bottom for health outcomes, which translates into heavy financial strain on working families. Medical bills and high insurance deductibles frequently trigger personal bankruptcies. With 1 in 3 Louisianans relying on Medicaid, any gaps in coverage or out-of-pocket costs for specialized treatment quickly deplete family savings.
Higgins has been in Congress for a decade this is the results of his tenure:
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