—GAINES PLEDGES PARISH FOCUS: The Democratic Parish Executive Committees will play a lead role as the Democrats try to rebuild the party from the ground up, party Chair Randal Gaines told the Baton Rouge Press Club on Monday. He said the DPECs will serve as liaisons with their communities to ensure the party’s agenda reflects the needs of state residents. Gaines said rising attendance at recent town hall meetings across the state shows that “enthusiasm is at an all-time high.” As the party recruits its next generation of candidates, a willingness to work across the aisle will be crucial, he said, arguing that political polarization makes government less effective. 

—FEMA OPENS RECOVERY CENTERS: The Federal Emergency Management Agency and state officials planned to open a Disaster Recovery Center today at the Terrebonne Parish Library (151 Library Drive in Houma), while another is open at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium, FEMA announced. The centers will operate from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Residents in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes can visit the DRCs to meet with representatives of FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and other community partners. No appointment is needed. 

—THE WEEK AHEAD: The House Select Committee on Homeland Security will hold what may prove to be lengthy and contentious hearings on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the state response to the COVID-19 pandemic and consider the need for future legislation. House Appropriations will meet Friday to review the budgets for several departments. No Senate meetings are scheduled this week, though joint chamber meetings include the Bond Commission on Thursday and the Water Sector Commission on Friday. (Full list of legislative meetings and agendas here) The Board of Regents holds budget hearings today ahead of its board meeting Wednesday. (More info here)

—LETLOW RELEASES FIRST AD: Congresswoman Julia Letlow takes an upbeat tone in her first ad of this campaign cycle, saying that while “there has been so much to divide us” over the past few years, “we can all be united by the same goal: to build a brighter future for our children and future generations.” While the ad doesn’t mention her late husband, Luke Letlow, by name (he was elected to the seat in 2020 but died before taking office), it notes that “the journey that led me to public office was unexpected.” Letlow is introducing herself to voters in the redrawn 5th District who may be unfamiliar with her. Her latest campaign finance report showed more than $1.67 million on hand, while the other candidates (Republican M.V. “Vinny” Mendoza and Democrat Michael Vallien Jr.) have not yet filed fundraising reports, according to the Federal Election Commission website. 

—LHA TAKES ON MEDICARE ADVANTAGE: The Louisiana Hospital Association is calling for “serious oversight” of the federal government’s Medicare Advantage spending, arguing Medicare Advantage insurers hurt patients by unnecessarily denying care. The LHA’s call for more scrutiny echoes that of the American Hospital Association, and some hospitals and health systems are ending their contracts with Medicare Advantage plans. 

—UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS: Rep. Chance Henry is hosting a “Pork and Pour” fundraiser on Sept. 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the Bunkhouse in Morse. Speaker Phillip DeVillier, Speaker Pro-Tempore Mike Johnson, Senate Natural Resources Chair Bob Hensgens, House Transportation Chair Ryan Bourriaque, House and Governmental Affairs Chair Beau Beaullieu, and House Agriculture Chair Troy Romero are expected to attend. (RSVP and more info) Rep. Dixon McMakin is hosting a “Shucking Good Time” on Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. at Phil’s Oyster Bar in Baton Rouge. (Details here) Want your event listed? Send it to [email protected]!

—DISASTER RESILIENCE: As natural disasters come at us more frequently, innovation in resiliency is the key to long-term preparedness and quick recovery, Paul Rainwater says in an exclusive column for tomorrow’s edition of Beltway Beat. Rainwater, senior consultant with Cornerstone Government Affairs, was chief of staff for Gov. Bobby Jindal and helped Gov. John Bel Edwards develop an appropriations strategy for federal response and long-term recovery plans after the historic floods of 2016.