Helena Moreno looks to rebuild ties with state lawmakers
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Louisiana's legislative session starts Monday, and Mayor Helena Moreno is betting that collaboration, not confrontation, will deliver for New Orleans.
Why it matters: The city needs the Legislature's buy-in on revenue and structural reforms. Moreno is testing whether a softer approach in a GOP-controlled Capitol can deliver results.
The big picture: Moreno met with the full New Orleans delegation and other state lawmakers recently to pitch legal changes she says are "critical" to the city.
- Her legislative goals focus on stabilizing the city's fiscal crisis and improving infrastructure and public safety.
- She supports reforming the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board, increasing fines for historic district violations and boosting 911 user fees.
- If the 911 bill passes, monthly charges for mobile users in the state will go from $1.25 to $2. The change would generate an extra $10 million for the city's 911 center, according to the Times-Picayune.
Zoom in: Moreno also wants to study the groups with authority along the downtown riverfront.
- Officials say the goal is to recommend consolidation options.
- While many items on Moreno's agenda had proposed bills as of Friday, this one did not.
- See the full list.
What we're watching: Gov. Jeff Landry will address the joint Legislature at 1pm Monday.
- He has proposed doubling the public dollars spent on private K–12 school tuition for the second year in a row, the Louisiana Illuminator reports.
- He's expected to lay out his broader agenda in the speech.
By the numbers: Lawmakers can propose unlimited bills on statewide and local issues, excluding most tax-related measures, according to the nonpartisan Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana.
- More than 1,350 bills were prefiled before the session, PAR says.
- Expect debates on economic development, criminal justice, data centers and child welfare, lawmakers said at a recent PAR event.
Go deeper: Gambit has a deep dive into the local proposals. Louisiana Progress has its agenda too.
What's next: The session starts at noon Monday. Lawmakers must adjourn by June 1.