Photograph: State Representative Dustin Miller
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
While millions watch the annual State of The Union Address on national television Tuesday night, State Representative Dustin Miller will have one of the best seats in the House.
The House of Representatives, that is.
Miller, who represents most of St. Landry Parish from District 40, has accepted an invitation from United States Congressman Mike Johnson to attend the inaugural event scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. (CST) in the House Chamber.
Johnson, who lives in the Shreveport area, now represents the parish in Congressional District 4.
Previously St. Landry was represented in Congress by Julia Letlow of Monroe.
Although Miller is a Democrat and Johnson is a Republican, Miller said he and Johnson haven’t let political party differences affect their relationship.
“It’s not that uncommon despite what people might think, that elected officials from different parties work together in order to get things done. (Johnson) is a rising star in the Republican Party and right now he is considered to be the number five Republican in Congress,” Miller said.
Miller said Johnson is interested in working on several projects that include St. Landry.
The invitation to attend the State of the Union Address Miller said, came after he and Johnson established a working relationship.
“A member of Congress only gets one invitation to attend the State of The Union Address and I’m honored that I was chosen by Congressman Johnson to go there and attend on Tuesday night,” Miller said.
Miller plans to catch a direct flight from New Orleans Tuesday morning and arrive in Washington, D.C. perhaps by midday.
As part of his trip, Miller said he expects to attend a pre-State of The Union reception hosted by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy before heading to the House Chamber to listen to President Joe Biden present his speech.
The trip to Washington, D.C. will be the second for Miller during the past several weeks.
Miller recently flew to Washington with members of a St. Landry Parish government delegation, which scheduled meetings with Louisiana Congressional leaders and staff members.
“I went there along with members of the (Parish Council). We met with representatives from the USDA, national transportation officials and talked about programs and grants that are being offered that might help this parish,” Miller added.
