According to a 17 September announcement from the Louisiana Department of Treasury, Louisiana's Treasurer John Fleming revealed that the state government plans to accept cryptocurrency as a legitimate form of payment for state services. This move will allow digital currencies to be integrated into Louisiana's public operations.
Fleming stated, "In today's digital age, government systems must continuously evolve and embrace new technologies. By introducing cryptocurrency as a payment option, we are not only innovating but also providing citizens with greater flexibility and freedom in their interactions with state services. Moreover, this unique innovation protects our state from cryptocurrency volatility."
Local residents will now have the option to use Bitcoin, the Lightning Network, or stablecoins like USD Coin (USDC) to pay for state services. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is the first department to adopt the digital currency payment option, with plans to expand this in the future.
The state government has partnered with BeaPay to ensure a secure payment process, mitigating the impact of cryptocurrency price fluctuations. Through BeaPay, both residents and the state will benefit from reduced fraudulent transactions, and the state will receive payments in U.S. dollars rather than directly handling cryptocurrencies. The system allows any digital wallet with cryptocurrency to be used for payments, but the state will only receive fiat currency, signalling that Louisiana does not intend to hold or store cryptocurrencies.
This initiative appears to be a step in the Republican-led state's exploration of broader support for Bitcoin payments, under the leadership of current Governor Jeff Landry.
Read more: Trump criticizes Fed for cutting interest rates at a New York Bitcoin bar
Meanwhile, one of Bitcoin's most influential supporters within the Republican Party, Donald Trump, made headlines by purchasing burgers using Bitcoin at a Bitcoin-themed pub in New York on Wednesday.
At PubKey, a bar known as a hub for local Bitcoin enthusiasts and a place that supports Bitcoin payments via the Lightning Network, Trump treated his supporters to burgers and paid with Bitcoin.
According to reports, Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, asked the crowd, "Who wants burgers?" PubKey's co-founder Drew Armstrong revealed that Trump spent $998.7 on dozens of burgers, using the Lightning Network payment app Strike to complete the transaction. The transaction was recorded at block height 861871.
Trump reportedly said, "Bitcoin is really happening." Twitter user @DavidFBailey remarked, "The first item purchased by a U.S. president with Bitcoin... and because this is America, it had to be cheeseburgers. 🇺🇸"
The National Center for Public Policy Research is warning Microsoft that they could potentially be looking at a lawsuit if they decide to not invest in Bitcoin and the prices of Bitcoin increase.
XingChiWith Trump emerging victorious, the community is watching closely to see if Trump keeps to his promises.
XingChiBitcoin is outpacing traditional assets like gold due to increasing adoption by individuals and institutions. With political backing and a surge in value, it’s gaining traction as a reliable store of value, alongside stablecoins for everyday transactions.
JoyThe crypto industry has invested heavily in the 2024 US election, with companies like Coinbase and a16z donating millions to support pro-crypto candidates. In total, the sector has contributed over $133 million to super PACs backing crypto-friendly policies.
AnaisColorado residents has been receiving calls from "Sergeant Schilling", coercing victims to pay a $10,000 fine for missing their jury duty.
XingChiLu Lei, vice-governor of the People’s Bank of China (PBoC), has just offered an unexpected tribute to Satoshi Nakamoto
XingChiCraig Wright envisions transforming Bitcoin into a practical tool for financial inclusion through his proposed TerraNode, which aims to enhance Bitcoin's scalability and accessibility for users worldwide. He believes this system will eliminate high fees and barriers, empowering individuals excluded from traditional banking to engage in global trade without restrictions.
AnaisStephen Mollah recently claimed to be Satoshi Nakamoto at a press conference in London but failed to provide any credible evidence to support his assertion. The event, which was marred by technical issues and confusion, left attendees frustrated and questioning the validity of Mollah’s claims, which echo similar unproven assertions made by others in the past.
AnaisBitcoin was close to $73,000 on Wednesday, almost breaking its all time high just a week before the U.S. elections.
XingChiIndia has recently announced that the country is considering banning cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether in favor of its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
XingChiFriend3, in collaboration with ProBit Global, introduces decentralized donation mechanisms and trading competitions, leveraging the utility of F3 tokens to foster community engagement. Through Web3 technology, Friend3 pioneers community creation with innovative monetization options.
AlexAs one of the world’s leading digital asset trading platforms, we are proud to announce a historic global sponsorship agreement with the Argentina national football team.
JinseFinanceProBit Global lists LIMO, enhancing Limoverse's health-focused blockchain ecosystem's reach and potential.
AlexProBit Global Exchange has listed Vector Space Biosciences' SBIO token, expanding its international reach. The collaboration highlights the robust fundamentals of SBIO and ProBit Global's commitment to innovation. Users can anticipate exciting opportunities in the bull season, complemented by Vector Space Biosciences' pioneering work at the intersection of AI, biosciences, and space technology.
SanyaHuobi Global has mentioned that its founder is now planning to sell his controlling stake to buyout firm About Capital Management (HK) Co.
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