With the legislature in regular session, officials in New Orleans are closely watching bills they support – and those they do not. City Hall is working with the state delegation representing New Orleans on how the funding will be shared.
Deputy Mayor Ryan Berni puts it in football terms: “We’re playing both offense and defense.”
He says the city wants more public safety funding to boost police ranks and stabilize firefighter pension reforms. That’s the offense. But because the state constitution protects some areas from cuts, hospitals and higher education are most at risk. That’s the defense.
Two years ago the city won permission statewide in a constitutional amendment allowing the city to ask voters for more money for police and fire. Early voting is under way now. The election will be April 9.
“We always, of course, want more, and we want our share of resources. That’s all we ever ask, is let New Orleans control our own destiny," he said. "As we’re able to do more we’ll generate more money for the state.”
Major projects needing state money include a connection from Interstate 10 to the new airport terminal. The city also wants permission to pay a minimum wage of $10.10 an hour – not just for city workers and contractors.
The city also wants to save money in the police department by relieving officers of responding to traffic accidents where no one was hurt and drivers have ID and are not intoxicated. Berni says insurance companies could handle the disputes.
