Gov. Jeff Landry’s budget vetoes have resulted in significant cuts for New Orleans and local groups, with many projects and organizations serving Black communities being affected. The governor has framed the reductions as a necessary step to ensure the best use of public money.

Local Impact

Rep. Delisha Boyd, who represents Algiers, noted that many of the programs cut were designed to help elderly people and children. The Algiers Development District had approximately $600,000 pulled from the state government’s operating budget, while the Algiers Economic Development Foundation lost $150,000. A $1 million allocation for Behrman Stadium, the only high school football venue in Algiers, was also struck from the budget.

Other notable vetoes include $18 million for A Good Deed Foundation’s grocery-store centered development in North Baton Rouge, $3 million for Habitat NOLA’s Rising Oaks development in Terrytown, and $2 million for Project 70805 Inc. to redevelop a former hardware store in North Baton Rouge into a food business incubator.

Response from Lawmakers

Lawmakers who had state spending pulled from their districts see Landry’s vetoes as retribution for voting against legislation he supported. Sen. Royce Duplessis, who represents New Orleans, highlighted funding for other New Orleans projects that Landry eliminated with his veto power, including $6.5 million for a Volunteers of America healthcare facility and $1.7 million for an early learning center.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.