Black Louisianans Enter a New Political Era

With a fair congressional map signed into law, advocates shift to making sure that residents understand the stakes of this year’s elections. Baton Rouge resident Ashley Shelton was overjoyed when she learned that, after a years-long legal battle, Black Louisianans have secured greater political representation. On Monday, Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed into law a map that follows the math by adding a second majority-Black congressional district. Previously, Black Louisianans had a fair shot at electing their preferred candidate in only one of the Bayou State’s six congressional districts, even though Louisiana is 33% Black. “This whole story has been about the judges, the U.S. Supreme Court, the legislators, the governors. But, ultimately, the people are who got us here,” Shelton, the president and founder of the New Orleans-based nonprofit Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, which was a plaintiff in the case, told Capital B. “People power made this happen — …

Deep investments in energy savings approved today!

After a 13 year process, the Louisiana Public Service Commission voted 3-2 to approve a Final Rule with a Third-Party Administrator (TPA) model to administer robust statewide energy efficiency programs.  Louisiana residents use at least 30% more electricity than the average American household, wasting millions of dollars a year on high utility bills. This is due in part to leaky, inefficient housing across the state. Now, after more than 13-years of regulatory proceedings, the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) has approved long-term energy efficiency programs for Louisianans that will scale up over the coming decade to save energy and money, improve health and safety, and invest millions of dollars in homes and small businesses.  Since 2009, The Alliance has participated in LPSC proceedings, advocating for strong efficiency programs that reduce costs for residents by increasing funding options that allow Louisianans to make home improvements to safeguard their homes from extreme weather. ​

Entergy Louisiana receives approval for additional renewable power facilities

BATON ROUGE, La. – To meet customers’ needs for renewable energy, the Louisiana Public Service Commission approved the construction of facilities that would add approximately 225 megawatts of solar power to Entergy Louisiana’s generation portfolio. In 2023, the company sought Commission approval of two projects to source more solar energy – one in Iberville Parish that would account for approximately 175 megawatts, the other in Ouachita Parish that would be referred to as the Sterlington Solar Facility and account for an additional 49 megawatts. The Sterlington Solar Facility will be constructed adjacent to the site of one of Entergy Louisiana’s oldest power plants, symbolizing the modernization of the company’s generation fleet to more efficient, cleaner sources of power. The Sterlington Power Station was built and placed into operation in the 1920’s and initially produced around 25 megawatts of power.

Sample Ballots – April 27 Runoff Election

An informed voter is a Power Voter. Get informed.In our continuing effort to educate voters across Louisiana, we have developed a sample ballot for the Runoff Municipal General Election, April 27, 2024. The ballots are broken down by parish, and we’ve included descriptions of the responsibilities of many of the positions up for election as well as the text of local proposals. Download a sample ballot for your parish and get prepared to go vote. We are adding these sample ballots to our website as they are developed. If you don’t see your parish here, please check back soon or go to the Secretary of State’s website and enter your voter information to view a sample ballot there. If you would like to request a sample ballot for your parish, please email us at info@powercoalition.org.Please check back for the April 27, 2024 Sample Ballots.  We will have them available as …

Louisiana makes history with new Black congressional district that includes Shreveport

Louisiana has a second majority Black congressional district for the first time in decades after Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed off on a new map Monday passed by the Legislature during a Special Session last week. Lawmakers dismantled Republican U.S. Rep. Garret Graves’ 6th Congressional District to create the new majority Black district that includes parts of Shreveport, Alexandria, and Baton Rouge as the population centers, putting Graves’ political future in danger.

Louisiana Lawmakers Approve Map That Empowers More Black Voters

The Legislature passed a congressional map that creates a second majority-Black district while shielding the state’s most powerful conservatives in Washington from political jeopardy. Louisiana lawmakers on Friday approved a new congressional map that would create a second district with a majority of Black voters, after a federal court found that the existing map appeared to illegally undercut the power of Black voters in the state. Given that Black voters often back Democratic candidates in the state, the new map also increases the possibility of Democrats’ taking control of a second congressional seat in Louisiana.

Advocates to Hold Mass Mobilization Event at Louisiana Capitol Before Redistricting Committee Meeting and Public Hearing

BATON ROUGE, La. – A pivotal Mass Mobilization Event is set for Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 8 a.m. at the Louisiana Capitol Park Museum. Organized by Power Coalition, this event is a critical response to the special legislative session called by Gov. Jeff Landry, symbolically starting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, underscoring the ongoing struggle for racial equality and fair representation. Collaborators include NAACP LDF,SPLC, ACLU Louisiana, Step Up Louisiana, Bike N Vote, A Bella La Femme Society,A’sani Heartbeat Foundation, and Alabama Values. The event precedes the legislative session’s committee hearing and public testimony, starting with a training breakfast with legal experts Jared Evans and Victoria Wenger from the Legal Defense Fund.  Attendees will also receive additional education from the Power Coalition and other advocates regarding the ongoing fight for fair maps and how it’s connected to community issues.  The mass mobilization is designed to educate and prepare community members to use their voices during …

Finance

Members: Mark Abraham, Regina Barrow, Gerald Boudreaux, Michael “Big Mike” Fesi, Jimmy Harris, Cameron, Glen Womack Interim Members: Katrina R. Jackson

Environmental Quality

Ex Officio: Stewart Cathey, Jr. Members: Patrick Connick, Royce Duplessis, Bob Hensgens, Edward J. Price

Education

Members: Mark Abraham, Beth Mizell, Kirk Talbot

Commerce

Members: Mark Abraham, Stewart Cathey Jr., Patrick Connick, Cleo Fields, Jimmy Harris, John C. “Jay” Morris, Kirk Talbot

Judiciary A

Members: Heather Cloud, Cleo Fields, Jay Luneau, Jeremy Stine

Insurance

Ex Officio: Mike Reese Members: Royce Duplessis, Michael “Big Mike” Fesi, Katrina R. Jackson, Jeremy Stine, Barrow Peacock Interim Members: Joseph Bouie

Health and Welfare

Members: Gerald Boudreaux, Gary Carter, Bob Hensgens, Jay Luneau, Patrick McMath, Beth Mizell

Judiciary B

Members: Joseph Bouie, Cameron Henry, Patrick McMath, Mike Reese, Kirk Talbot

Judiciary C

Members: Regina Barrow, Gary Carter, Caleb Kleinpeter, Beth Mizell

Natural Resources

Members: Patrick Connick, Eddie J. Lambert, Patrick McMath

Revenue and Fiscal Affairs

Members: Joseph Bouie, Eddie J. Lambert, Jay Luneau, Patrick McMath, John C. “Jay” Morris, Mike Reese Interim Members: Stewart Cathey Jr., Jeremy Stine

Retirement

Members: Cleo Fields, Bob Hensgens, Beth Mizell, Kirk Talbot

Civil Law and Procedure

Members: Michael, Melerine, Ed Lavardain, Mike Johnson, Wilford Carter, Josh Carlson, Sylvia Taylor, Chad Brown, Lauren Ventrella, Emily Chenevert, Peter Egan, John Wyble, Kathy Edmonston, Brian Glorioso

Appropriations

Members: Larry Bagley, Dodie Horton, Adrian Fisher, Francis Thompson, Jason Dewitt, Chuch Owen, Dewith Carrier, Tory Romero, Rhonda Butler, Beryl Amedee, Zee Zeringue, C. Denise Marcelle, Roy Daryl Adams, Barbara Carpenter, Barbara Freiberg, Kim Coates, Stephanie Berault, John Illg, Tim Kerner, Rodney Lyons, Shane Mack, Aimee Freeman, Vanessa LaFleur

Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural

Members: Chad Boyer, Beryl Amedee, Vinny St. Blanc, Adrian Fisher, Rhonda Butler, Chris Turner, Wayne McMahen, Larry Selders, John Wyble, Rodney Schamerhorn, Larry Bagley, Chance Henry, Kim Coates, Jacob Landry, Marcus Bryant, Danny McCormick, Francis Thompson

Education

Members: Chuck Owen, Barbara Carpenter, Barbara Freiberg, Michael Melerine, Sylvia Taylor, Kathy Edmonston, Vinny St. Blanc, Philip Tarver, Rashid Young, Ken Brass

Commerce

Members: Danny McCormick, Neil Riser, Shaun Mena, Edmond Jordon, Troy Herbert, Jacob Landry, Vinny St. Blanc, Jessica Domangue, Dixon McMakin, PaulaDacvis, Kyle Green, Vincent Cox, Kim Carver, Alonzo Knox, Stephanie Hilfery, Candace Newell, Delisha Boyd

House and Governmental Affairs

Members: C. Denise Marcelle, Ed Larvadain, Mike Johnson, Wilford Carter, Josh Carlson, John Wyble, Polly Thomas, Kim Carver, Candace Newell, Delisha Boyd, Rodney Schamerhorn, Les Farnum, Beth Billings, Foy Gadberry, Mark Wright

Health and Welfare

Members: Adrian Fisher, Stephanie Berault, Jason Hughes, Chris Turner, Emily Chenevert, Peter Egan, Steven Jackson, Kellee Hennessey Dickerson, Wayne McMahen, Michael Echols, Brach Myers, Larry Selders, Raymond Crews, Joe Stagni

Municipal, Parochial, and Cultural Affairs

Members: Vincent Cox, Alonzo Knox, Pat Moore, Bryan Fontenot, Chuck Owen, Rashid Young, Steven Jackson, Joe Stagni, C. Denise Marcelle, Rodney Lyons, Kim Carver, Candace Newell, Les Farnum, Beth Billings, Matthew Willard, Jessica Domangue, Mike Bayham

Labor and Industrial Relations

Members: Joy Walters, Barbara Carpenter, Michael Melerine, Philip Tarver, Michael Echols, Ed Larvadain, Brian Glorioso, Shaun Mena, Tammy Phelps, Dennis Bamburg, Roger Wilder, Jason Dewsitt, Tehmi Chaisoon, Dixon McMakin

Judiciary

Members: Vanessa LaFleur, Lauren Ventrella, Jeff Wiley, Jason Hughes, Emily Chenevert, Kellee Hennessey Dickerson, Wilford Carter, Chad Brown, Troy Hebert, Kyle Green, Jacob Braud, Mandie Landry, Jay Galle, Zee Zeringue, Shane Mack, Jeremy Lacombe, Joe Orgeron

Insurance

Members: Larry Bagley, John Illg, Aimee Freeman, Brian Glorioso, Shaun Mena, Edmond Jordon, Troy Hebert, Kyle Green, Tammy Phelps, Jacob Braud, Dennis Bamburg, Chance Henry, Roger Wilder, Mandie Landry, Matthew Willard, Jay Galle

Transportation

Members: Steven Jackson, Tammy Phelps, Joy Walters, Pat Moore, C. Travis Johnson, Rodney Schamerhorn, Philip Tarver, Tehmi Chaisson, Chad Boyer, Kellee Hennessey Dickerson, Jeff Wiley, Jacob Braud

Retirement

Members: Roy Daryl Adams, Sylvia Taylor, Ken Brass, Stephanie Berault, Peter Egan, Brach Myers, Josh Carlson, Polly Thomas, Delisha Boyd, Aimee Freeman, Edmond Jordon, Dewith Carrier, Tim Kerner

Natural Resources and Environment

Members: Jason Dewitt, Dewith Carrier, Zee Zeringue, Kim Coates, Tim Kerner, Shane Mack, Neil Riser, Jacob Landry, C. Travis Johnson, Tehmi Chaisson, Jeremy Lacombe, Marcus Bryant, Danny McCormick

Ways and Means

Members: Dennis Bamburg, Wayne McMahen, Rashid Young, Michael Echols, Jeremy Lacombe, Les Farnum, Chance Henry, Brach Myers, Joe Orgeron, Beth Billings, Larry Selders, Roger Wilder, Mandie Landry, Marcus Bryant, Matthew Willard, Mike Bayham, Jay Galle

Administration of Criminal Justice

Members: Dodie Horton, Roy Daryl Adams, Lauren Ventrella, Vincent Cox, Alonzo Knox, Joy Walters, Pat Moore, Chad Boyer, Bryan Fontenot, Jeff Wiley, Tony Bacala

Redistricting Mass Mobilization

Mass mobilization of communities from across the state to advocate for fair and equitable maps. Registration Required Food, supplies, transportation, and a small stipend will be provided

2024 Legislative Sessions

2024 Legislative SessionRegular Session: March 11 – June3Bill TrackerIn the News|Task force will study voting rights for Louisiana’s disabled people|Louisiana Senate Ignores Law Enforcement, Faith Leaders, Community Members and Advocates, Advances Permitless Carry Legislation|Louisiana Families for Vaccines hosting Day of Action at State Capitol|Crown Act bill advances in the Louisiana legislature|Power Coalition to put equity and justice at the front of the State Capitol|Louisiana Legislature Overturns Governor’s Veto of Map Lacking a Second Majority-Black Congressional District; Civil Rights Groups File Suit Under Voting Rights ActLegislative NewsAdditional early voting locations rejected in La. House committee  | Abortion rights advocates meet at Louisiana State Capitol  | Advocacy groups push voting rights, resources for incarcerated people at legislature  | After redistricting, here’s how progressive groups still aim to change Louisiana voting  | Power Coalition Hosts Legislative Roadshows Throughout the State  | Take ActionLegislative UpdatesTake Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Asti Davis Robins Gives Testimony Opposing SB 275Power Day at the …

How Phase III came to be

Though they once applauded the jail’s ambitious, federally overseen reforms, community groups and political leaders in New Orleans united in opposition to a key mandate stemming from those efforts: the construction of a $109 million mental health jail. Mayors agreed to it, opposed it, agreed to it again, and opposed it again. Multiple working groups met to produce lengthy reports on it, and possible alternatives. Advocates tried to stop its construction by blocking zoning permits, funding allocations, and attempting to influence FEMA environmental-impact statements. They camped out in front of City Hall, organized a letter-writing campaign to a federal judge and held rallies and second lines in opposition. A reform candidate ran for sheriff touting her disapproval of it — and won. 

Activists who engage with voters of color are looking for messages that will resonate in 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — This year’s elections in Louisiana didn’t go the way that voting rights advocate Ashley Shelton had hoped, with the far-right conservative attorney general replacing a term-limited Democratic governor and consolidating Republican control in the state. Turnout was just 37%, despite the efforts of activists like her. “Even when you work hard and you do all the things you’re supposed to, you get an unfortunate outcome, which was these statewide elections,” said Shelton, the executive director of Power Coalition for Equity & Justice in Louisiana.

It Takes A Village: New Orleans Group Partners With Others To Get Out The Vote

At a recent listening session, Ashley Shelton, founder and executive director of the New Orleans-based nonprofit Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, learned something about why Louisiana’s Black vote in November’s statewide general elections was the lowest in more than a decade. “Nothing is changed in my life,” a Black, middle-aged contractor told the group, beginning an exchange with Shelton about how the 2024 elections will affect his life.

Judge makes ruling in Caddo Parish sheriff recount lawsuit

CADDO PARISH, La. (KSLA) – Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Justice E. Joseph Bleich has made a ruling in the election lawsuit filed by Caddo Parish sheriff candidate, John Nickelson. That ruling came down Tuesday, Dec. 5. The judge ruled the results of the Nov. 18 runoff election, in which Henry Whitehorn defeated Nickelson by one vote, are declared void. It was further ordered a new runoff election shall be conducted. It’s expected that Whitehorn’s team will appeal this decision. They have until 9:56 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 8 to do so. The ruling states “it was proven beyond any doubt that there were at least 11 illegal votes cast and counted” and that it is “legally impossible to know what the true vote should have been.”

New Orleans: Holiday Toy Giveaway

Activites! Santa Photos! Toys! Snacks! Come see Santa! Sign up required: https://bit.ly/PowerCoalitionHolidayGiveBackMust present e-ticket for a picture with Santa All kids listed must be present to receive toys. Learn how to become a Power Voter While supplies last

Community Conversations with Whole Health Louisiana 2023 Report Released

The Whole Health Louisiana Team has been engaged in a year long exploration of strategies and programs to support Louisiana children and families. In the summer of 2023, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, in partnership with members of the Whole Health Louisiana Steering Committee, hosted Community Conversations throughout Louisiana to hear direct feedback from community members who have been historically left out of conversations about health equity.

Democrats Held Off the GOP in Legislative Races This Year, Again Bucking Expectations

“When you gerrymander people’s power away, you can’t elect candidates of choice,” says Ashley Shelton, executive director of Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, a Louisiana organization that focuses on voter outreach. “We understand the power of gerrymandering: It’s not that Black people don’t care or don’t want to vote, it’s that the power of their vote has been lessened.

Municipal General Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is April 23 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters). You can request an absentee ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office.

Local Nonprofit organization to distribute food box giveaways ahead of Thanksgiving Holiday on Election Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – BATON ROUGE, LA—The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice will host several Thanksgiving Holiday Foodbox Giveaways this Saturday November 18th on Election Day! The giveaways serve as an opportunity to meet the basic needs of community members, while also spreading awareness on the importance of actively participating in voting which is our civic duty. This election season has been exceptionally quiet in terms of turnout amongst some of the most vulnerable of populations and it is extremely important to center them and meet them where they are. Come by one of the following churches during the scheduled times, and pick up a food box and a sample ballot and amendment booklet on Election Day!  What: Thanksgiving Holiday Food Box Distribution  Where: Elm Grove Baptist Church:11 am until 1 pm.  Beacon Light of Baton Rouge: 2 pm until 4 pm. Shiloh Missionary Baptist church: 2pm until 4pm. Contact: …

Baton Rouge: Thanksgiving Food Box Giveaway

Pick up a food box before Thanksgiving!Get your sample ballots and voting information and Geaux Vote after picking up your food box! Pick up is drive thru style.  While supplies last. One box per car.

Baton Rouge: Thanksgiving Food Box Giveaway

Pick up a food box before Thanksgiving!Get your sample ballots and voting information and Geaux Vote after picking up your food box! Pick up is drive thru style.  While supplies last. One box per car.

Baton Rouge: Thanksgiving Food Box Giveaway

Pick up a food box before Thanksgiving!Get your sample ballots and voting information and Geaux Vote after picking up your food box! Pick up is drive thru style.  While supplies last. One box per car.

Shreveport: Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway

Pick up a turkey before Thanksgiving!Get your sample ballots and voting information and Geaux Vote after picking up your turkey! Pick up is drive thru style.  While supplies last. One turkey per car.

To Have Hope, We Need Joy

“If you can’t figure it out in Louisiana, you can’t figure it out anywhere,” says Ashley Shelton, Executive Director of Power Coalition for Equity and Justice. As leader of one of the state’s most powerful civic engagement tables, she sees the abysmally low voter turnout in last month’s gubernatorial election — just 36 percent, the lowest in a decade — and the hard right state government it portends as a call to action, not a time to throw in the towel.

Vote to the Power of 10!

Election Day isTuesday, November 8Polls Are Open From 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMNeed a Ride to the Polls?Election Day is THIS Saturday! Polls are Open from 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMMake your vote exponential! Support ten people in your home, family and community through the voting process. And then challenge them to do the same!Need a Ride to the Polls?New Orleans: 504-407-5422 Baton Rouge: 225-725-5909 Shreveport: 318-734-8461 Alexandria: 318-295-9764 Lake Charles: 337-514-7625In an area not listed? Fill out the form.Find Your Polling PlaceCheck Out Your Sample BallotLive in an area that we don’t cover with our sample ballots?  You can enter your voting information on the Secretary of State’s website and view your sample ballot.View Your Sample Ballot on the SOS WebsiteDownload the Power of 10 Photo FrameGubernatorial General Election Deadline to Request an Absentee BallotNov. 14, 2023by 4:30 pmGubernatorial General Election Deadline to Turn In an Absentee BallotNov. 17, …

Who will draw new congressional map for Louisiana? Edwards, Landry debate who calls the session

“At every step of the redistricting process, Black Louisianans have fought hard for our communities’ right to be fully represented,” said Ashley Shelton, president and CEO of the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice. “The people of Louisiana deserve to be a part of a fair political process that works for all, not just some. We look forward to continuing to advocate for voters as they push for a fair map.”