Local News Page
E-News from Senator David Vitter
PREPARING FOR HURRICANE SEASON
June 1 marked the beginning of another hurricane season, and we as Louisianans are intently aware of
how damaging such storms can be. It is important we all take the necessary steps to prepare ourselves
for the hurricane season and ensure sure that our families are ready to face the challenges that
hurricane season brings.
For those in coastal and other vulnerable areas, deciding if you will evacuate is a decision you may
have to make during hurricane season, so it is important to have an evacuation plan in place. The
National Hurricane Center recommends deciding ahead of time where you are going to evacuate and
having an out-of-state friend or family member as a contact, so everyone has a single point of contact.
For those who live inland or in north Louisiana, you may wind up opening your homes to friends and
family who need your help during a disaster.
The National Hurricane Center provides hurricane preparedness tips to help ensure the safety of you
and your family. Please plan ahead for your family’s safety and encourage your neighbors to do the
same. I urge you to take hurricane watches and warnings seriously and encourage you and your family
to begin your preparations today.
TALKING WITH CONSTITUENTS AT TOWN HALL MEETINGS
I spent part of May traveling throughout the state, holding town hall meetings to speak with local
citizens and hear their opinions and concerns on the issues most important to them. Town hall meetings
are a great way to stay in touch and to let Louisianans know what’s going on in Congress and update
them on my recent work in Washington, DC.
Each Congress, I hold town hall meetings in all 64 parishes, and during this most recent trip, I met with
constituents in St. James, West Baton Rouge, St. Martin, Avoyelles, Evangeline, Vernon, DeSoto,
Bienville, Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes. I look forward to visiting with more of you soon.
VISITING OUR SOLDIERS AT FT. POLK
In late May, I visited the Warrior Transition Unit at Ft. Polk. This unit will be one of 32 units
established at major installations to streamline care for wounded soldiers. While touring the unit, I also
visited with 20 members of the 7th Chemical Company, which recently returned from Iraq.
Our brave Louisiana men and women who serve in our Armed Forces continue to impress me with their
dedication, professionalism and patriotism and our injured soldiers will benefit greatly from these new
transition units, which provide greater coordination in recovery, care and housing.
PROTECTING AMERICAN JOBS AND WORKING TO KEEP ENERGY COSTS DOWN
This past week, I spoke on the U.S. Senate floor about my concerns with the proposed climate change
bill currently being considered by the Senate. Research suggests that the bill will result in increased
gasoline, energy and electricity prices, and I felt it important to highlight about the negative impact of
these already inflated costs on America. The Energy Information Administration estimates that the
climate change bill will result in an additional increase in gas prices of between 41 cents and $1.01 per
gallon over today’s costs, with electricity prices estimated to grow by 44 percent by 2030. This is
simply not acceptable.
American families are currently faced with the twin difficulties of rising gas and food costs. Yet even as
we struggle with these concerns, the Senate debated a bill that would bring about the loss of millions of
American jobs to China and India. The higher energy prices caused by this legislation will ultimately
force U.S. companies to move their manufacturing bases overseas, and that is simply not something
that we need.
I was glad to see the Senate defeat this bill. Any future climate change legislation, if it is intended to
make positive changes, must include policies that lessen our dependence on foreign sources of energy,
allow for clean energy solutions and – most important – protect American families, jobs and
businesses.
PREPARING FOR HURRICANE SEASON
June 1 marked the beginning of another hurricane season, and we as Louisianans are intently aware of
how damaging such storms can be. It is important we all take the necessary steps to prepare ourselves
for the hurricane season and ensure sure that our families are ready to face the challenges that
hurricane season brings.
For those in coastal and other vulnerable areas, deciding if you will evacuate is a decision you may
have to make during hurricane season, so it is important to have an evacuation plan in place. The
National Hurricane Center recommends deciding ahead of time where you are going to evacuate and
having an out-of-state friend or family member as a contact, so everyone has a single point of contact.
For those who live inland or in north Louisiana, you may wind up opening your homes to friends and
family who need your help during a disaster.
The National Hurricane Center provides hurricane preparedness tips to help ensure the safety of you
and your family. Please plan ahead for your family’s safety and encourage your neighbors to do the
same. I urge you to take hurricane watches and warnings seriously and encourage you and your family
to begin your preparations today.
TALKING WITH CONSTITUENTS AT TOWN HALL MEETINGS
I spent part of May traveling throughout the state, holding town hall meetings to speak with local
citizens and hear their opinions and concerns on the issues most important to them. Town hall meetings
are a great way to stay in touch and to let Louisianans know what’s going on in Congress and update
them on my recent work in Washington, DC.
Each Congress, I hold town hall meetings in all 64 parishes, and during this most recent trip, I met with
constituents in St. James, West Baton Rouge, St. Martin, Avoyelles, Evangeline, Vernon, DeSoto,
Bienville, Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes. I look forward to visiting with more of you soon.
VISITING OUR SOLDIERS AT FT. POLK
In late May, I visited the Warrior Transition Unit at Ft. Polk. This unit will be one of 32 units
established at major installations to streamline care for wounded soldiers. While touring the unit, I also
visited with 20 members of the 7th Chemical Company, which recently returned from Iraq.
Our brave Louisiana men and women who serve in our Armed Forces continue to impress me with their
dedication, professionalism and patriotism and our injured soldiers will benefit greatly from these new
transition units, which provide greater coordination in recovery, care and housing.
PROTECTING AMERICAN JOBS AND WORKING TO KEEP ENERGY COSTS DOWN
This past week, I spoke on the U.S. Senate floor about my concerns with the proposed climate change
bill currently being considered by the Senate. Research suggests that the bill will result in increased
gasoline, energy and electricity prices, and I felt it important to highlight about the negative impact of
these already inflated costs on America. The Energy Information Administration estimates that the
climate change bill will result in an additional increase in gas prices of between 41 cents and $1.01 per
gallon over today’s costs, with electricity prices estimated to grow by 44 percent by 2030. This is
simply not acceptable.
American families are currently faced with the twin difficulties of rising gas and food costs. Yet even as
we struggle with these concerns, the Senate debated a bill that would bring about the loss of millions of
American jobs to China and India. The higher energy prices caused by this legislation will ultimately
force U.S. companies to move their manufacturing bases overseas, and that is simply not something
that we need.
I was glad to see the Senate defeat this bill. Any future climate change legislation, if it is intended to
make positive changes, must include policies that lessen our dependence on foreign sources of energy,
allow for clean energy solutions and – most important – protect American families, jobs and
businesses.
Juneteenth and the Baptism Reenactment
One of the most famous historical occurrences in Louisiana is Juneteenth. It will be
celebrated this year on Cane River in conjunction with the Multicultural Arts Center of
Natchitoches beginning on June 20 at 9:30 a.m.
Juneteenth celebrates the abolition of slavery that was announced two years following
the freeing of the slaves in another states. The news didn't get to Louisiana until two
years after the war. That's why it is celebrated as a special occasion.
At the same time this Saturday, there will be re-enactment of the well-known river
baptisms that occurred years ago on Cane River before local churches had fonts to
baptize within their churches. The enactment will take place before the Juneteenth
ceremonies, and a number of ministers will be on hand to witness, speak and give praise
with those who wish to participate.
All people are invited to participate, and the Multicultural Center looks forward to a good
community turnout.
One of the most famous historical occurrences in Louisiana is Juneteenth. It will be
celebrated this year on Cane River in conjunction with the Multicultural Arts Center of
Natchitoches beginning on June 20 at 9:30 a.m.
Juneteenth celebrates the abolition of slavery that was announced two years following
the freeing of the slaves in another states. The news didn't get to Louisiana until two
years after the war. That's why it is celebrated as a special occasion.
At the same time this Saturday, there will be re-enactment of the well-known river
baptisms that occurred years ago on Cane River before local churches had fonts to
baptize within their churches. The enactment will take place before the Juneteenth
ceremonies, and a number of ministers will be on hand to witness, speak and give praise
with those who wish to participate.
All people are invited to participate, and the Multicultural Center looks forward to a good
community turnout.