Stay ahead of the curve as a political insider with deep policy analysis, daily briefings and policy-shaping tools.
Request a DemoPolitical Chatter (07.23.24)
— LEGE MAP UPDATE: Federal Judge Shelly Dick has scheduled an evidentiary hearing for Aug. 25, 2025 regarding potential new district maps for the Louisiana Legislature. “That’s a long time away, but with a Fifth Circuit appeal of the decision pending, the court seems to be giving that time to play out,” Michael Li, redistricting and voting counsel at the Brennan Center, notes online, adding that the next round of state legislative elections isn’t until 2027. In February, Dick ruled that the current legislative district maps violate the U.S. Voting Rights Act and barred their use in future elections.
— LEGE ON DOTD: The Louisiana Legislature announced Monday that it has contracted with Boston Consulting Group to perform a comprehensive assessment of the Department of Transportation and Development. As previously reported in LaPolitics, Gov. Jeff Landry asked the Louisiana Coalition to Fix Our Roads, an industry group, to lead the assessment, and the group selected BCG, which has been on site at DOTD. The reorg plan is due to the Legislature by January 15, “with the goal of recommending measures that will increase funding for the state’s transportation infrastructure,” as stated in Landry’s executive order.
— DISABILITY CARE: There were 4,698 incidences of actual or alleged abuse and neglect at the state’s Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities during Fiscal Year 2019 through 2023, and almost 25 percent (1,103) were not reported within 24 hours as required by state regulations, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor reports.
— ETHICS DEADLINES: All Tier 2 and Tier 3 candidate Personal Financial Disclosure Statements are due Wednesday, while the deadline for lobbyists to file the expenditure report covering June is Thursday.
— THE WEEK AHEAD: The State Bond Commission meets Wednesday at 10 a.m., while the Pet Overpopulation Advisory Council is scheduled to gather Thursday at 1 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the Capitol.
— HELP FOR FISHERIES: How can better data help Louisiana’s fishing sector and boost species sustainability? Congressman Garret Graves argues that his legislation empowers states to take a more active role in gathering recreational fishing information and mandates greater accountability from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Read more in Graves’ exclusive column for tomorrow’s edition of Beltway Beat.
Know the most important news affecting Louisiana
Get our free weekly newsletter that covers government, policy and politics that impact your everyday life—in 5 minutes or less.
Guest Column: As term comes to an end, Congressman Graves is ‘running through the tape’
Diners, dives and … democracy. As a creature of habit, I frequently return to south Louisiana diners every time the U.S. House is not in session – unannounced and unscheduled – to get real-time, unvarnished perspectives from everyday folks. Constantly engaging folks where they are has proven more valuable than expensive polling and high-priced consultants, …
Our History: The death of Huey Long
When Gov. Jeff Landry opened this year’s redistricting-focused special session, he jokingly referenced the shooting of one of his predecessors. “Now I am aware Huey Long was shot over redistricting,” Landry said. “I am hopeful and confident we can dispose of this matter without you disposing of me.” On Sept. 8, 1935 Long, then a …
In Case You Missed it in LaPolitics Weekly
Here’s what you may have missed in the latest issue of LaPolitics Weekly, published last week… —PSC RACE HEATS UP: The race to succeed Republican Craig Greene, who chose not to stand for reelection, has been fairly quiet so far. But that’s about to change… —NEW CITY STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS: The founding of …
Headlines and Bylines (10.01.24)
—Illuminator: Landry boosts Medicaid payments to seven hospitals, four owned by donor, despite warning of health cuts —BRProud: FEMA money available for people in Louisiana after Hurricane Francine —The Advocate: Near Tiger Stadium, there’s a plan to dig into Louisiana’s energy future. Not everyone is a fan. —The Advocate: How the legal fallout from two …