Dear Friends:

When you receive this newsletter I will already be up in Baton Rouge preparing for the upcoming legislative session in a series of Appropriations Meetings as we attempt to make our way through another extremely difficult budget year. The Executive Budget presented by the Governor of $24.2 Billion reflected a 19% cut from the 2009-10 Budget. The 2010 Legislative Session opens officially on March 29, 2010 and will adjourn on June 21, 2010. Please take this opportunity to take part in the 2010 survey. Your opinions, ideas, and input are extremely important to me.

The State Budget:
The complicated and challenged economic times we faced in Louisiana last year continue into this year, but nothing will be more difficult than the projected $1.7 Billion shortfall that we will face in the 2011 Legislative Session. The increased revenues generated from the post-Katrina building boom have stalled, and revenue collection has normalized. This challenge also presents opportunity--the opportunity to prioritize spending and move forward into the future in a more careful way. Difficult decisions face Louisiana, and I am committed to addressing them in the most prudent manner. While cuts will be necessary, cutting items that generate revenue for the state is unacceptable. I will fight to ensure continued educational opportunities for our citizens and adequate healthcare for all.

Federal Stimulus Spending:
Once again, we are benefitting greatly from President Barack Obama’s and the United States Congress’s Economic Recovery Package designed to put Americans to work, improve our infrastructure, and to ease the burden and suffering of working families across this Nation. We will once again include nearly $1 Billion in Federal Stimulus dollars into this year’s budget to minimize the pain of a lack of revenue. We are committed to ensuring that ALL available allocations to the State of Louisiana are put to effective and efficient use to ensure a solid economic foundation for the future of Louisiana's people and businesses. We hope to have additional Medicaid dollars from the Federal government to offset cuts, but await Congress’s decision on this important matter.

Healthcare:

Now, more than in previous years, a world class academic medical center in downtown New Orleans seems close to becoming a reality. Accomplishing this is critical to our recovery and the future economy of our region. The health and well-being of our citizens is one of the most sacred of duties of government. I will continue to champion mental health needs and general healthcare needs of our region through the budget process and throughout the session.

Education:
Public Education in Orleans Parish is no longer a laughingstock, as we find ourselves at the forefront of public education reform across the nation. Race to the Top Funds from the Federal Government will offer us an opportunity to take our schools to the next level, and the potential for a System wide settlement with FEMA may allow us to completely rebuild our educational facilities parish-wide. As Charter Schools continue to spread throughout the State, ensuring quality over quantity must be our main focus. Demanding excellence from our Chartering agencies is the best way to provide our children with the best possible education.

In Higher Education I will fight to protect our Colleges and Universities from additional cuts. Higher Education is one of our most important economic development opportunities. We will also seek to allow Colleges and Universities more flexibility to set fees and tuition so that they can directly deal with their budgets.

Criminal Justice:
Strides are being made that will result in cost savings and improved results within the Juvenile Justice Reform movement. The Bridge City Center for Youth is implementing the Missouri Model of restorative justice proving critical to lowering our nation leading incarceration rate AND to creating the workforce that our State needs to succeed and compete in the global marketplace. When children make mistakes and commit crimes incarceration may be an appropriate punishment. But, their confinement must result in bettering that child through education, rehabilitation, and job training. We fail our children when we fail to provide a meaningful chance for reform. 

Transportation:
I have requested that the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development inspect the Jackson Avenue Ferry Terminal in our district. It is in disrepair, not handicapped accessible, and, although located on our important Riverfront, it is not secure. Please provide me with input related to this facility, as important decisions about its future may be made in the near future.

High Speed Rail between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is a transformative project that will impact generations to come. I will continue to work with U.S. Sec. of Transportation Ray LaHood, the Louisiana DOTD, the Governor’s Office, and the Mayor-elect, as well as the business communities in Greater New Orleans and Greater Baton Rouge to make this project a reality.

Coastal Restoration/Hurricane Preparedness:
Nothing else matters if we don’t get this right! We must identify $500 Million to $1 Billion a year in Local, State, and Federal Funds to wage the battle against Coastal Erosion and make our State safe. I will work to ensure that ongoing projects continue by finding a way to fill a $17 Million shortfall in this year’s budget, and close to $120 Million shortfall in next year’s budget.

Even though I will be extremely busy in Baton Rouge for the next several months, my legislative aide, Brenda Trammell, can always be reached at (504) 556-9970. You can also reach me at the Capitol by calling (225) 342-6945 or via e-mail at legerw@legis.state.la.us. I continue to be truly honored to represent District 91 in the Louisiana Legislature and appreciate your taking the time to respond to the attached survey.

Sincerely,

Walt

Your responses and comments are valuable.   Please let your voice be heard.

Should the position of Lieutenant Governor be eliminated?

Should the position of Secretary of State be eliminated?

What is the MOST important spending priority? (Check only one.)

Should the Board of Regents (the governing board for all state institutions of higher learning) be eliminated?

Should colleges and universities be allowed to set their own tuition rates instead of having to ask the Legislature to approve what they charge?

Should we have a high-speed railroad line between New Orleans and Baton Rouge?

Have you or your family personally experienced any hardships because of state budget cuts?

Please enter any other comments here.