Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming, MD, has x.com/LATreasury/status/1836492067289354412″>announced that the state government will now accept bitcoin, bitcoin Lightning Network, and USD Coin as a valid form of payment for state services. The first cryptocurrency payment was made today to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
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BREAKING NEWS: Louisiana State Government Now Accepts twitter.com/hashtag/bitcoin?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#bitcoin as payment. photo.twitter.com/pXO8Lya59x
— bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) twitter.com/BitcoinMagazine/status/1836525930786734531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 18, 2024
Dr. Fleming, described This initiative is a crucial step in modernizing government operations and states that “in today’s digital age, government systems must evolve and adopt new technologies. By introducing cryptocurrencies as a payment option, we are not only innovating, but also giving our citizens flexibility and freedom to interact with state services.”
bitcoin payments will be converted to US dollars via Paying billsa provider specializing in cryptocurrency conversion for government transactions. “The State of Louisiana will not handle cryptocurrencies,” the announcement clarified. This system aims to ensure that the state is protected from the volatility commonly associated with digital currencies. The conversion process mirrors that of credit or debit card payments, minimizing risks and offering secure and efficient transactions.
Louisiana’s shift toward accepting bitcoin is part of a broader effort to integrate new technologies into public services. “I am proud to have authored several bills related to digital assets and to chair the State Treasurer’s task force in 2022,” said Louisiana State Representative Mark Wright. “I am excited to see Louisiana continue to expand its payment options under Treasurer Fleming’s leadership. I look forward to working with him and others to continue to make Louisiana a leader in accepting digital payments.”
Louisiana hopes the new payment options will reduce fraud and improve overall transaction security. Residents can now use their private bitcoin wallets to pay for services, while the state continues to accept payments in U.S. dollars.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries was the first state agency to adopt the new payment system, and more departments are expected to follow suit. “Providing our sportsmen with more ways to interact with our department allows us to improve our customer service,” said Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Madison Sheahan. “This is another step toward our goal of creating a modern, professional organization that better serves the state’s sportsmen.”
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