Invest in Louisiana

06/03/2026

Louisiana legislators began the three-month lawmaking period by eliminating the office of Clerk of Criminal Court in New Orleans, and ended it by eliminating judgeships in the Crescent City and reducing the number of Black-majority congressional districts in the state from two to one. In between they passed a budget package that spends more money on prisons and jails, but leaves public schools, higher education, child welfare services and other vital services without adequate funding. Our new report breaks down the 2026 legislative session and previews challenges that lay ahead. https://investlouisiana.org/wrapping-up-the-2026-louisiana-legislative-session/

Louisiana cannot reach its full potential unless every citizen and community is fairly represented in the corridors of power. Unfortunately, the 2026 legislative session will likely be remembered most for attacks on that guiding principle.

06/02/2026

Tuesday's Daily Dime

- That’s a wrap
- Landry to unveil plan on teacher pay
- More young kids are uninsured
- Louisiana’s struggling economy https://investlouisiana.org/thats-a-wrap/

The Louisiana Legislature concluded its regular session on Monday after three months marked by bitter fights over congressional redistricting and the right of New Orleans to run its own affairs

06/01/2026

Monday' Daily Dime

- Nearly 200,000 Louisianans lose Medicaid coverage
- Few details on replacing teacher stipends
- A sad day for fair districts
- Prioritizing rocket companies over local communities https://investlouisiana.org/nearly-200000-louisianans-lose-medicaid-coverage/

The number of Louisianans enrolled in Medicaid health insurance coverage has declined by nearly 200,000 people during the last 12 months. The joint state-federal program provides health coverage for people with low incomes and disabilities.

06/01/2026

Federal dollars accounted for more than half (50.7%) of Louisiana’s revenue in 2024. This was the third year in a row Louisiana led the nation in the share of revenue from federal funds. https://ow.ly/nI8E50Z5Evc

05/29/2026

The Louisiana Department of Health has begun issuing SUN Bucks, a federal program that provides low-income families with an extra $120, per child, to help buy food during summer. Families can determine their eligibility and apply for SUN Bucks here: https://louisiana.summerebtapp.com/

While cutting SNAP eligibility for children was not a stated target of H.R. 1’s proponents, the cost shift and access barriers are resulting in serious losses of food assistance for low-income children.

05/29/2026

The number of Louisiana children receiving SNAP food assistance has fallen by nearly 80,000 since the harmful federal tax and budget megabill was signed in July. https://www.cbpp.org/blog/sharp-drop-in-number-of-children-receiving-snap-food-assistance-under-new-federal-law https://www.cbpp.org/blog/sharp-drop-in-number-of-children-receiving-snap-food-assistance-under-new-federal-law

While cutting SNAP eligibility for children was not a stated target of H.R. 1’s proponents, the cost shift and access barriers are resulting in serious losses of food assistance for low-income children.

05/28/2026

Louisiana’s utility regulator is fast-tracking a $21 billion gas-powered gambit that will further the state’s dependence on natural gas and likely increase monthly bills for all ratepayers. https://investlouisiana.org/utility-customers-in-louisiana-should-expect-higher-bills-as-natural-gas-demand-surges/

Louisiana’s utility regulator is fast-tracking a $21 billion gas-powered gambit that will further the state’s dependence on natural gas and likely increase monthly bills for all ratepayers.

05/27/2026

The best part of waking up is not paying your taxes
https://www.nola.com/news/business/folgers-new-orleans-itep-landry/article_1baec3d7-8a03-42f0-bbd5-d074d86df76d.html

Five years ago, New Orleans political leaders used newly granted powers to reject The Folger Coffee Co.'s request for a tax break related to upgrades at its New Orleans East

05/26/2026

A bill (SB194) moving through the Louisiana Legislature would create new, burdensome barriers for eligible citizens and lawfully present immigrants seeking health care coverage and food assistance. https://investlouisiana.org/senate-bill-194-would-restrict-health-care-and-food-assistance/

A bill moving through the Louisiana Legislature would create new, burdensome barriers for eligible citizens and lawfully present immigrants seeking healthcare coverage and food assistance.

05/23/2026

The Louisiana Legislature is forcing teachers to take a $2,000 pay cut. Contact your legislators and tell them to pay our teachers! https://actionnetwork.org/letters/2896c6944fc6e0e8f93212c14d59b0b812b63236

The Louisiana Legislature is forcing teachers to take a $2,000 pay cut because voters rejected a proposed constitutional amendment (Amendment 3) on May 16. The measure aimed to eliminate three constitutionally protected education trust funds to finance a modest pay raise for teachers. This was the s...