HALF-STAFF NOTIFICATION: Murphy J. "Mike" Foster, Jr.

Governor Foster was a champion of education and educators, creating the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, dramatically expanding the state’s Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) to provide greater access to college education to Louisiana’s youth, and successfully fighting to raise public teachers’ wages six of the eight years he served in office.

A relative latecomer to politics, he began his career in the public spotlight at the age of 57 with his 1987 election to the Louisiana Senate, and he quickly rose in public stature for eight years before his historic victory in the 1995 race for Governor. In 2003, Governor Foster was inducted into the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame

As an expression of respect and to honor former Governor Murphy James “Mike” Foster, Jr., the governor has ordered the flags of the United States and the State of Louisiana shall be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol and all state buildings from sunrise on October 5, 2020, through sunset on October 9, 2020.