Latest news with #PowerCoalition
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Voting rights groups to rally in Baton Rouge for fair housing, criminal justice reform
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Black Voters Matter and over a dozen grassroots groups will rally at the Capitol steps on Monday. They want lawmakers to act on healthcare access, fair housing, voting rights and criminal justice reform. 'The State Capitol is our house. This is the people's house, and we need the people to really pay attention to the things that are happening,' said Ashley Shelton, president and CEO of the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice. Organizers said this year's BVM Day at the Capitol is important. Many Louisiana communities are struggling with big challenges in healthcare and housing. Advocates stress the importance of holding elected officials accountable. They also want to highlight the voices of marginalized communities in decision-making. 'You have to fight for your voice to be heard to make your community better,' Shelton said. 'Resources should be focused on the challenges and the problems that communities are facing.' Monday's event will feature a press conference. There will also be chances to talk directly with lawmakers. Black Voters Matter and its partners want to send a strong message: voters are watching and want action. Bill would penalize Louisiana gun owners if minors access unsecured firearms; most states already have storage laws 'There will be a series of different lobby days hosted by Black Voters Matter,' Shelton said. 'Power Coalition will have our day on Tuesday, and what we want to relay to our lawmakers is that it's critical they put people before politics.' Advocates worry about laws that they believe go against what voters want. 'Voters in March voted down four amendments, and now we're seeing all of those same bills come up again in our legislature — and they're moving through,' a Power Coalition representative said. Local grassroots groups and national organizations want to make sure that historically excluded voices are heard and lead the discussion about Louisiana's future. Voting rights groups to rally in Baton Rouge for fair housing, criminal justice reform 13-year-old boy dies after being hit by car while riding bike in Livingston Parish Suspect arrested in Homeland Security Secretary Noem's purse theft More than 100 immigrants detained at an illegal after-hours nightclub in Colorado Colleges and universities have billions stashed away in endowments; here's what they are Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Louisiana voters head to Washington D.C. for historic Supreme Court case
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Busloads of Louisiana voters are traveling to Washington, D.C. for a historic U.S. Supreme Court hearing on the state's congressional redistricting case. Residents from the Baton Rouge and New Orleans metro areas will make the trip on Saturday to attend the hearing for Louisiana v. Callais, scheduled for Monday, March 24. The case could have major implications for the future of Louisiana's congressional map and the representation of Black voters in the state. Louisiana governor signals support for new congressional map 'The State of Louisiana and its legislature were forced by a federal judge to draw fair maps, and so that's how we were able to get a second majority-minority congressional seat. And then Callais challenged that map, saying it was a racial gerrymander. Indeed, it was not,' said Ashley Shelton, President and CEO of Power Coalition. Shelton emphasized that the case is a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for fair representation. 'This map was created by the Louisiana Legislature. There were significant political undertones in its creation. And for us, it's like the State of Louisiana and its elected leaders actually drew a fair map,' she said. Dozens of advocates, legal experts, and community leaders dedicated to protecting voting rights will attend the hearing, reinforcing the importance of ensuring Black voters—who make up nearly one-third of Louisiana's population—have an equal voice in the democratic process. 'We're hopeful that we'll be victorious. We'll have the opening arguments on Monday and certainly wait for the court's decision in June,' Shelton added. The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, which is organizing the trip, is committed to empowering Louisiana communities through civic engagement, advocacy, and policy change. The organization works to educate and mobilize voters to create a more just and equitable future. Meanwhile, Louisiana voters are also preparing for the March 29 election. Shelton and the Power Coalition are urging residents to research the issues before heading to the polls. 'The March election is typically a much lower turnout election, and we want to ensure people understand there are four constitutional amendments on this ballot statewide. These amendments change our constitution,' Shelton said. New trade war may hurt Louisiana farmers with higher tariffs Louisiana voters head to Washington D.C. for historic Supreme Court case Sanders-AOC rallies setting stage for protest movement: Activist Major League Baseball removes references to 'diversity' from MLB Careers home page 'Gilmore Girls' star makes surprising confession Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Power Coalition partners with activists for Baton Rouge listening tour on constitutional amendments
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Power Coalition is partnering with political figures to educate and encourage people to use their voices through a Thursday listening tour in Baton Rouge. Ashley Shelton, CEO of the Power Coalition, is teaming up with activists Gary Chambers and Geno McLaughlin. The statewide town hall series focuses on the four constitutional amendments on the ballot for March 29. 'More importantly engage them about the totality of politics and kind of in a post-election environment,' McLaughlin, the moderator for the tour said. 'What are the ways we can help ourselves, save ourselves, so that when we do have to show back up to the polls we're more knowledgeable about the things on the ballot.' The Power Coalition wants to help Louisianans activate their voice and learn where and when to use it. With the ultimate push to encourage people to vote. The group aims to reach more people in the state, especially the river parishes. They want residents to understand why they should vote a certain way this election cycle. 'Often times we only think about the individuals in the large metropolitan areas… Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and even Shreveport. But what about the people in the river parishes? They are also impacted by the plants…. Somebody needs to be the voice for them and talk to them directly,' said McLaughlin. The event is at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20. The town hall starts at 6:30 p.m. and goes until 8:30 p.m. at The Valdry Center for Philanthropy at Southern University. The address is 589 Harding Blvd. You don't need to pre-register to attend. But, you can register on Eventbrite to save your spot. Krewe of Orion parade theme brings New Orleans to Baton Rouge McConnell won't seek reelection to Senate Creative control of James Bond franchise given to Amazon MGM President Donald Trump appoints Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to Council of Governors Power Coalition partners with activists for Baton Rouge listening tour on constitutional amendments Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Explainer: What is the constitutional amendment 2?
LOUISIANA (KTAL/KMSS)—Louisiana, the fight is not over yet. On March 29, the state will vote on four constitutional amendments, including changing the state's taxation power, trialing juveniles as adults, and more. Here's what you need to know to make your voice heard at the polls. Proposed Constitutional Amendment 2 Proposed amendment 2 focuses on changing the revenue and finances of the state of Louisiana, including: potentially lowering the maximum income tax rate (higher earners would pay less tax); spending limit to essential services such as education and healthcare, affecting property tax assessments, and more. The Power Coalition says it could allow cities and parishes to levy their own taxes on income, inheritance, and fuel—something they aren't currently allowed to do. It underscores adjusting the interim emergency board, state bond commission, and fund handling. This includes provisions regarding how revenue is managed, appropriated, and invested, affecting education, health, and conservation funds. La. new tax plan includes you paying more for streaming 'Do you support an amendment to revise Article VII of the Constitution of Louisiana, including revisions to lower the maximum rate of income tax, increase income tax deductions for citizens over sixty-five, provide for a government growth limit, modify operation of certain constitutional funds, provide for property tax exemptions retaining the homestead exemption and exemption for religious organizations, provide a permanent teacher salary increase by requiring a surplus payment to teacher retirement debt, and make other modifications? (Amends Article VII, Sections 1 through 28; Adds Article VII, Sections 29 through 42) This proposed constitution proposes that the Louisiana Supreme Court could create specialized trial courts and give the Supreme Court the authority to discipline all out-of-state lawyers. A vote no would allow the Louisiana Supreme Court to discipline only lawyers who are members of the Louisiana Bar. Out-of-state lawyers would not fall under their authority. 'Do you support an amendment granting the Louisiana Supreme Court jurisdiction to discipline out-of-state lawyers for unethical legal practices in the state of Louisiana, and to grant the legislature the authority to establish trial courts of limited and specialized jurisdiction? (Amends Article V, Sections 5(B), 15(A) and 16(A))' A Louisiana bill could send more minors to adult prisons Proposed Constitutional Amendment 3 Amendment 3's proposed change allows lawmakers to decide which crimes juveniles can be tried as adults for. In the present constitution, crimes such as 1st or 2nd-degree murder, manslaughter, aggravated rape, or armed robbery would be removed, giving the lawmaker the decision to decide if a minor is to be tried as an adult. Do you support an amendment to provide the legislature the authority to determine which felony crimes, when committed by a person under the age of seventeen, may be transferred for criminal prosecution as an adult? (Amends Article V, Section 19) Proposed Constitutional Amendment 4 Amendment 4 proposes filling the judge's vacancies as soon as possible, at the earliest date state law allows. If a major congressional or gubernatorial election is within 12 months of the date of the vacancy, then a special election shall be held to fill said vacancy. Do you support an amendment to provide for the use of the earliest election date to fill judicialvacancies? (Amends Article V, Section 22(B) Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
