Louisiana lawmakers and leaders remember Louisiana’s 53rd Governor, Murphy James "Mike" Foster Jr., who died Sunday afternoon at the age of 90 years old.
Many state and local leaders took to social media to post their condolences, prayers, and to remember the former governor for the legacy he left behind for Louisiana.
“As governor, one of his most lasting legacies is in education, especially his support for the creation of the TOPS program, which, more than 20 years later, still helps thousands of Louisiana students attend colleges and universities and achieve their goals. Gov. Foster recognized that there is no greater gift to our state than a bright future for its young people and that not everyone has to travel the same path to achieve a quality education,” said current Louisiana governor John bel Edwards in a Facebook post.
“Becky and I are incredibly sad about his passing, but we're so happy to have known him. We're praying for Alice and the entire Foster family,” Louisiana Senator John Kennedy said in on Twitter.
Senator Kennedy also told WWL First News, "You’ve heard the expressing ‘if you are going to be a bear be a grizzly’ Mike could be a grizzly but he could also be a teddy." Kennedy continues, “He governed very pragmatically he delegated, I consider that a positive, he hired good people and held them accountable.”
“His death will be mourned, but his achievements will be celebrated,” Senator Bill Cassidy said in a video posted to Twitter, He also says the former governor “devoted himself to making Louisiana a better place.”
New Orleans City leaders were also moved by the passing of Mike Foster.
”Thank you for your incredible service, sacrifices and may you RIP,” tweeted New Orleans Councilmember Jared Brossett.
“May he rest in God’s perfect peace,” said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell
Foster is credited for creating Louisiana's Community and Technical College System. He served as Governor of Louisiana from 1996-2004.
