OneRouge Community Check-In: Week 255

As the OneRouge coalition closed out its Rouge Reach: New Voices, New Vision series, community members reflected on their advocacy priorities and heard a powerful legislative update from Tia Fields, who outlined key bills impacting early childhood education, immigration, housing, and reproductive rights in Louisiana. Highlights included House Bill 651, which redirects sports betting revenue to fund childcare; Senate Bill 233, expanding tax credits for business-supported childcare; House Bill 307, which could lead to ICE referrals for public assistance applicants; and Senate Bill 15, potentially criminalizing those who protect undocumented individuals' privacy. Tia encouraged attendees to engage in advocacy by learning about specific bills, submitting white testimony cards, and speaking up in their communities. The meeting concluded with local announcements about affordable office space at WHYR Community Radio and a Memorial Day exhibit at the East Baton Rouge Library.

Notes

OneRouge Weekly Call – Meeting Notes

Date: May 23, 2025

Focus: Legislative updates, community advocacy, and announcements

Opening Remarks & Community Check-In:

• Jordan shared personal updates and acknowledged birthdays among the group.

• Participants reflected on the start of the holiday weekend, with gratitude for those who still joined the call.

• Casual updates included travel reflections, state culture, and shoutouts to longtime community members.

Advocacy Prompt: Jordan invited attendees to share one issue they would “drop everything to advocate for.” Responses included:

• Homelessness

• Youth and mental health

• Health equity and geriatric care

• Community gardening and food access

• Preemption and local government autonomy

• Civil discourse and human rights

• Alternatives to standardized testing

• Workforce reintegration for formerly incarcerated individuals

Community Spotlight: Tia Fields – Legislative Session Highlights

Tia Fields, policy advocate and legal associate, provided a deep dive into Louisiana’s current legislative session and how proposed bills intersect with poverty and community well-being.

Key Legislation Discussed:

Education to Career Pathways:

• House Bill 651 (Rep. Jordan): Redirects sports betting revenue to early childhood education funding for low-income families.

• Senate Bill 233 (Sen. Edmonds): Increases tax credits for businesses that provide or support childcare, incentivizing employer investment in families.

• House Bill 1 (Rep. McFarland): Maintains but does not increase $78M for childcare assistance, limiting capacity for expansion.

Immigration & Criminalization:

• House Bill 307 (Rep. Henry): Requires all public assistance applicants to verify citizenship, with unverifiable cases potentially reported to ICE.

• Senate Bill 15: Could criminalize individuals—including educators and healthcare providers—who do not disclose information about undocumented individuals to ICE, challenging privacy laws like HIPAA and FERPA.

Social Service Overhaul:

• House Bill 624 (Rep. Owen): Proposes consolidating multiple public assistance programs under a single “Louisiana Works” system. Concerns were raised about implementation burden and accountability.

Housing and Gentrification:

• House Bill 247 (Rep. C. Turner): Allows the city-parish to fast-track seizure of blighted properties. Lacks due process protections and may invite outside developers, raising displacement concerns.

Reproductive Justice:

• House Bill 575 (Rep. Ventrella): Expands civil liability for those assisting in abortion access, potentially targeting survivors and low-income families.

Advocacy Tools & Guidance:

• Tia emphasized the power of advocacy through legislative testimony and written comments.

• She encouraged attendees to use white cards at hearings to share neutral or informational testimony—especially important for nonprofit staff or those unable to take an official stance.

• Participants were urged to pick one bill, learn about it, and advocate within their communities, whether by speaking at committee hearings, emailing legislators, or sharing resources.

Quote of the Day: "Policy isn’t always personal, but poverty is."

Community Announcements:

• WHYR Community Radio is offering affordable office space.

• The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is hosting a Memorial Day exhibit this weekend.

Links

Community Announcements