GONZALES — U.S. Senator John Kennedy touted wins in infrastructure, federal funding and small business growth at the Ascension Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Tuesday. 

"It is just so great to be home," U.S. Senator John Kennedy stated at the event, held at the PACE Center. "I want to thank every single business woman and business man here in this room. Thank you for the jobs you create for our state."

With this year's budget, $23 million will go toward flood risk reduction for the Upper Barataria Basin. Additionally, $6 million is allocated for the Ascension Parish Airline Highway raising project.

Kennedy says the government needs to provide businesses four things: low taxes, reasonable regulation, decent infrastructure and a skilled workforce.

Kennedy also highlighted a few new businesses coming to Ascension Parish, such as CF Industries and Hyundai Motor Group.

"Small business women and small business men are the backbone of our economy," Kennedy stated.