LMR September 2020

municipalities are facing. Theses mayors supported
and urged Congress to provide direct funding to local
governments to address the diminished revenues. This
has become even more urgent with the catastrophic
effects of Hurricane Laura as it affected Lake Charles,
Ruston and Woodworth.
The LMA reached out to all members of the Louisiana
Congressional Delegation to get their thoughts on these
issues. Below are the responses we received to the
following questions:
-What are your top legislative priorities that affect local
government?
-What is your position on direct assistance to local
government as it relates to expenses?
-How will you aid in the economic recovery?
Their plans and actions will be vital for the future success
of municipalities. Here is what they had to say:
Senator Bill Cassidy (R)
“I do not want to see a situation where cities slash police
budgets and force layoffs of those who put their lives on
the line to keep us safe. We cannot let Americans down
in this time of tremendous need. Congress must work
together to deliver the support they need, and we’ll be
stronger as a nation for having done so.”
“Local community leaders know the challenges facing
them in the COVID-19 recovery. Perhaps the biggest
is the budgetary shortfall created by the economic
lockdown. The SMART Act is necessary to keep local
essential workers employed. I appreciate those on the
frontlines for their support.”
Senator John Kennedy (R)
“For months, state and local governments have been
working under the weight of an incredible health crisis.
Giving those governments the flexibility to help their
communities weather this pandemic—by using money
they already have—is a no-brainer. I’m glad to see this
commonsense provision in the Senate’s relief package.”
Congressman Clay Higgins (R) District 3
“I supported the CARES Act, which provided Louisiana
with $1.8 billion for state and local governments. That
bill also provided an additional $270 billion for state
and local governments through various grant programs
and formula allocations. Much of this funding has not
yet been disbursed or still needs to be administered at
the state level. We’re pushing to expedite these existing
relief funds for municipalities.”
“The greatest stimulus that we can provide is to fully
reopen our economy. Getting Americans back to work
and rebuilding our economic engines are top priorities
and necessary for long-term recovery. “
“We are directly helping Louisiana citizens every day.
My office has spearheaded an outreach initiative to
bring Veterans services to communities across South
Louisiana, and we’ve opened and closed over 3,000
constituent cases in the District.”
“Additionally, my office is working closely with our
federal and state partners to prioritize Louisiana’s
needs. This includes resources for dredging and flood
mitigation, transportation infrastructure, and the current
public health response. We’re working closely with
President Trump and his administration to put Louisiana
and our communities first.”
Congressman Mike Johnson (R) District 4
“The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on state
and local government budgets as sales tax and other
revenue streams have dried up. In an effort to respond to
this, the CARES Act appropriated over $1.8 billion to the
state of Louisiana, but very little of that funding has been
passed by the state to our parishes and municipalities.
That should change, but the most important thing
we can do to address this crisis is to get revenues
Before digging, call 811
at least two full work days in advance.
That’s all it takes to notify Louisiana 811
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Call or click www.Louisiana811.com
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LMR | SEPTEMBER 2020