Fred Mills (politician)

Fred Mills
Born	(1955-01-13) January 13, 1955 Parks, Louisiana, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Pharmacist, banker, politician
Years active	2007–present
Known for	Member of the Louisiana State Senate; former member of the Louisiana House of Representatives; president and CEO of Farmers-Merchants Bank and Trust Co.

Fred Henry Mills, Jr. (born January 13, 1955) is an American professional engaged in pharmacy, banking, and politics from Parks, Louisiana. He has served as a Republican member of the Louisiana State Senate after securing victory in a special election on January 22, 2011. Prior to this, he represented District 46 in the Louisiana House of Representatives.

Early life and education

Mills earned his degree in pharmacy from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He is the proprietor of Mills Cashway Pharmacy located in Parks and holds the position of president and CEO at Farmers-Merchants Bank and Trust Co., based in Breaux Bridge, which was founded in 1932 and operates a branch in Lafayette.

Career

During the October 20, 2007 nonpartisan blanket primary, Mills, then affiliated with the Democratic Party, secured the District 46 House seat by achieving 84% of the vote. His policy positions earned him a perfect score from the Louisiana Right-to-Life Federation for 2008–2009, alongside ratings of 69% from the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and 89% from the Louisiana Family Forum.

In 2010, Mills successfully sponsored legislation that permitted pharmacists in Louisiana to provide medication therapy management services. This initiative had backing from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and was enacted into law by Governor Bobby Jindal, enabling the Louisiana Department of Health to establish an MTM pharmacy program.

In December 2010, Mills transitioned from the Democratic Party to join the Republicans along with several other state legislators. In the January 2011 special election for Senate District 22, he won with 60% of votes against Simone B. Champagne, another recent Republican convert endorsed by U.S. Senator David Vitter.

Following his election to the Senate, Mills' House seat was contested by two Republicans in April 2011; St. Martin Parish councilman Mike "Pete" Huval prevailed with 58% of the vote. Although Mills briefly held the distinction as Louisiana’s newest state senator, Jonathan W. Perry claimed that title after winning a February 2011 special election in District 26.

Senate Health and Welfare Committee

In January 2016, Senate President John Alario appointed Mills as chairman of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee.

As committee chair, Mills manages oversight of Louisiana’s $12 billion Medicaid program. In 2018, Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera raised concerns about potential fraud risks involving hundreds of millions of Medicaid dollars, characterizing management by the Louisiana Department of Health as somewhat disorderly. Mills highlighted these vulnerabilities during committee discussions. Similar apprehensions were expressed by U.S. Senator John N. Kennedy, state Attorney General Jeff Landry, and other lawmakers. Senator Kennedy acknowledged public support for healthcare assistance to low-income individuals but condemned ongoing Medicaid fraud tolerance. Audits pointed to a "risk group" without identifying specific fraudulent activities.

Mills provided the decisive vote to prevent a bill introduced by Representative Gabe Firment, which sought to prohibit minors from accessing gender-affirming care, from advancing to the Senate floor.

Personal life

Mills has a history of service on the St. Martin Parish Council. He resides in St. Martinville with his wife, Deborah K. Mills, and they hold various business ventures across the parish. He practices the Roman Catholic faith.