The last few weeks following Hurricane Ida have been jarring. As I previously mentioned, this will be a slow recovery for southeast Louisiana and we appreciate all of the kind words, thoughts and resources that are being sent to our corner of the world. While we continue cleanup efforts and start rebuilding, there are still other serious issues we must begin addressing as we work for a better, unified South.
Invest in Infrastructure
With another natural disaster comes the brutal reminder of how we must work together, and we must do better. Following Hurricane Ida, we saw first-hand a major population lose power and go dark. The climate is changing, the storms are more powerful, and we cannot ignore the impact on each and every one of us. Electric, water, sewer, and rural broadband are all critical components for our future. The current federal infrastructure investment package is an important step in the right direction. While we experience the collapse of shared infrastructure – the bridge to get to work, the road to the grocery store – reality is smacking us in the face. Investing today creates a better tomorrow.
Protect Voting Rights
This shared investment starts with our participation in democracy and that begins at the ballot box. With National Voter Registration Day around the corner (September 28), dangerous state legislation continues to pop-up throughout the country, particularly here in the South. If allowed to succeed, this legislation will undermine our democracy. We must combat the calculated attack of elected officials trying to pick their preferred voters to participate; and protect the sacred democratic foundation of voters actually electing our representatives. More people voting makes for a healthier democracy. Elections determine the very issues that impact us from Capitol Hill to Main Street – infrastructure, disaster response, climate change, healthcare, education, jobs, housing, and more.
This is exactly why new federal voting rights legislation is necessary. The Freedom to Vote Act is a critical step to protecting the right to vote. We need this legislation as many states continue to enact restrictions making it harder for younger, poorer, and non-white voters to access the ballot.
Do Big Things
As a region and as a nation, we have serious challenges and decisions ahead. However, America was built for this. We can do big things – restore our shared infrastructure, protect the most sacred right to vote, and overcome others’ hope to divide us. Remember our country’s motto (and our organization’s name) are at the core of America’s greatness.
E Pluribus Unum – out of many, one.
Mitch Landrieu
Founder & President, E Pluribus Unum
Upcoming Events
Introducing our next Hometown Hero, Brandan “Bmike” Odums! Bmike is a native New Orleanian & creative change maker who knows all about what makes New Orleans special.
Join E Pluribus Unum’s Founder Mitch Landrieu and Bmike on IG LIVE this Thursday, Sept. 23rd at 3:30 PM ET/ 2:30 PM CT!
Hometown Heroes is an Instagram Live series from EPU that taps into locals’ pride for their Southern community and asks those from the South what they love most about their hometown. Participants share what they’ve learned from their home, how that has shaped them and the opportunities for their hometown to become more inclusive. Through this narrative project, EPU showcases the value of diversity in our region. Learn more about the series.
ICYMI
Teaming Up with José Andrés and World Central Kitchen
In the wake of Hurricane Ida, EPU’s Founder and President Mitch Landrieu joined world-renowned chef José Andrés and his World Central Kitchen to deliver emergency food and water to first responders and hurricane survivors in some of the hardest hit communities by Hurricane Ida, including small towns across Jefferson, Lafourche, and Terrebonne parishes.
Our team wanted to give one more shout out to Chef Andrés, his team, and the entire World Central Kitchen organization for being one of the first international relief groups on the ground following Hurricane Ida, and for your continued commitment to care for those most impacted.
Click here to view a Facebook photo album of Mitch’s time with WCK.
What We’re Reading
Politico – Dems vow to go to the distance as September problems pile up
New York Times – Jill Biden Is Chasing the President’s Most Elusive Campaign Promise: Unity
New York Times – Alabama Begins Removing Racist Language From Its Constitution
NBC News – As House returns, Democrats face hard choices on Biden mega-bill, infrastructure
News Around the South
Here’s some of the latest news from our 13 southern states.
Birmingham Business Journal – Benefits for Alabamians are clear; infrastructure investment can’t wait any longer
Times Record – Local Congressional district could undergo major changes to accommodate rapid population growth in NWA
Tampa Bay Times – Florida redistricting could stoke new political tension
The Current – Four big climate items in Congress’ reconciliation bill include wind power off Georgia coast
Courier Journal – Opinion: Why House action on infrastructure is critical to Louisville’s economic growth
Daily Advertiser – Sen. Bill Cassidy: The infrastructure bill better prepares us for future hurricanes
WTOK – Sen. Wicker, MDOT discuss benefits of infrastructure bill
Reuters – North Carolina court rejects Republican photo voter ID law as unconstitutional
ABC News 4 – S.C. groups rallying at Statehouse to support federal voting rights legislation
Main Street Nashville – Senate committee on redistricting named
Dallas Morning News – U.S. Senate Democrats are pushing a new voting rights bill. If passed, what would it mean for Texas?
13 News Now – Gov. Northam just signed the Voting Rights Act of Virginia. Here’s the protections it offers voters in the Commonwealth.
LocalDVM. com – Senators Manchin, Capito take different positions on proposed voting regulations
