Speaker Mike Johnson says 'No thanks, Bernie' in billboard ahead of rally

SHREVEPORT, La. - Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has a message for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders a day before his visit to Shreveport: "No thanks, Bernie." 

Johnson shared that and more on a digital billboard that popped up Friday on a busy stretch of Interstate 20 west in the downtown area. 

It also states: "We'll pass on socialism and a $1,300 tax increase. #OneBigBeautifulBill." 

Sanders, a former presidential candidate, will visit Shreveport Saturday as part of his Fighting Oligarchy tour. He says the tour is an opportunity to have “a real conversation with America” about how to challenge corporate interests that hold significant power and influence in the country.

"As Bernie Sanders arrives in Shreveport, families will be reminded that his policy ideas are disastrous," said Johnson in a statement. "If he and Democrats in Washington had their way, they would defeat the One Big Beautiful Bill and force the people of our district to pay an average nearly $1,300 more in federal taxes every year. That is one of the many reasons Louisiana, like the rest of our nation, will pass on Democrats' socialism and tax hikes."

Johnson said an average taxpayer in Louisiana's 4th district would face a 24% tax increase and the average family family will see a tax increase of $1,280 if the Trump tax cuts expire and House Republicans' legislation does not become law. He said Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill will provide families with additional savings and wage growth, with analysis by the Council of Economic Advisors determining the legislation will cause wages in Louisiana to increase $4,700 to $8,900, while take-home pay for families will increase $6,400 to $10,600.