Dear John, 

It has been an exciting and productive first quarter of 2024 working as your representative in Washington, D.C. I have been fighting in Congress to secure over $17 million in grants for 15 different community projects in LA-02, supporting our crawfish aquaculture industry as they financially recover from an economic downturn, and celebrating a new EPA rule that will reduce toxic air pollution from chemical plants.

Continue reading below for further updates on my work for you.

Carter in Congress

Government Funding and Community Projects

I voted to finalize $17,518,279 in Community Project Funding that I secured for LA-02 in the 2024 spending bills. This funding directly responds to some of our community's most pressing needs. I am proud to have fought for funding that will make our community healthier, safer, and stronger. Learn more about my 15 projects, including $4.1 million for the Lincoln Beach pedestrian access bridge which I have been a longtime advocate for. Read here.

New EPA Actions to Reduce Toxic Air Pollution

This just in! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule that will reduce toxic air pollution from chemical plants. This action will significantly reduce emissions of pollutants both in Louisiana and nationally, including reducing chloroprene from the Denka Performance Elastomer facility in LaPlace, Louisiana, the largest source of these toxic emissions in the country.

This is a monumental step towards safeguarding public health and the environment. By slashing over 6,200 tons of toxic air pollutants annually and implementing fenceline monitoring, this addresses health risks in surrounding communities and promotes environmental justice in states like Louisiana. Read here.

Disaster Equity Roundtable

As a co-chair of the Disaster Equity and Building Resilience Caucus, I'm committed to ensuring Americans have the resources they need when disaster strikes. At our recent roundtable, I spoke with Caitlin Durkovich, White House Deputy Homeland Security Advisor for Resilience and Response, about how agencies like FEMA can best support vulnerable communities during and after disasters.

Judicial Ethics Enforcement Act

We should be able to trust the Supreme Court to uphold the principles of justice without the influence of outside interests. I'm proud to be an original co-sponsor of the Judicial Ethics Enforcement Act to reinforce public trust in the integrity of our judiciary.

Crawfish and Cannabis

I hosted my 3rd annual Crawfish and Cannabis Reform event to discuss the urgent need for cannabis reform in the U.S. and equity in the industry. I also honored Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA) and Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR) for their leadership in this space. It was an important conversation with great food!

Carter in the Community 

Neighborhood Access and Equity Program

I'm proud to announce that the U.S. Department of Transportation is granting $75,187,718 to LA-02 through the Neighborhood Access and Equity Program. New Orleans will receive $61,544,718 for the Connecting New Orleans East for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety and Mobility project and Baton Rouge will receive $13,643,000 for the Thomas Road Improvements project. This funding was made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act that I helped craft and voted for.

It was great to celebrate this monumental achievement for MOVEBR with Baton Rouge's Mayor Broome and Baker's Mayor Waites.

Crawfish Aquaculture

The climate crisis has caused devastating effects on Louisiana's crawfish aquaculture industry this season. That's why I called on the Small Business Administration to issue a disaster declaration for the Crawfish Aquaculture industry - and I got it done. I hosted a series of workshops, seminars, and application review sessions to help crawfish producers get access to disaster loans made possible through this declaration. For more information visit my website here.

New Funding for Criminal Justice Initiatives in New Orleans

Big deal, Louisiana! I announced nearly $4 million in grants for criminal justice initiatives in New Orleans. This funding will support violence intervention programming and the New Orleans Police Department Crime Lab.

This will offer a lifeline and provide crucial support for public safety enhancements to curb the violence plaguing our communities. By addressing the root causes of violence and providing comprehensive intervention services, including cognitive behavioral therapy, case management, and community outreach, this initiative will make strides in reducing crime rates and fostering a safer, more resilient city. Read here.

Investing in Louisiana's Young People

One of the most important things we can do is invest in our young people. I had wonderful conversations with INSPIRENola Schools, KIPP New Orleans Schools, and St. Augustine High School students, faculty, and staff about supporting students' education in our city.

Second Harvest NOLA Food Tour with USDA 

I recently toured Second Harvest of Greater New Orleans with USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. We had important conversations about challenges like food insecurity, the climate crisis, food deserts, and more. Louisiana is a vital part of this national conversation, and I will keep working with officials from the White House to better our state.

Acknowledgments

Clarence "Frogman" Henry

I'm saddened to learn that our community has lost Clarence "Frogman" Henry, the beloved New Orleans musician and Algiers native. Henry's playful voice and infectious energy made him a local legend. From his early days performing with Bobby Mitchell to sharing the stage with the Beatles, Henry's career spanned decades, leaving a lasting mark on Louisiana's music scene. His enduring hits and unique voice ensure that the rhythm of the "Frogman" will resonate in the heart of New Orleans for generations to come. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

Margaret Orr's Retirement 

Margaret Orr is a dear friend and has been a beloved meteorologist in New Orleans for 45 years. She's kept our community informed and safe through 31 hurricanes and countless other events. Congratulations on your retirement, Margaret, keep shining bright!

Being the voice for the people of Louisiana's Second Congressional District is a privilege and I am honored to serve you. For the latest updates on my work, follow my social media accounts at the links below!

Sincerely,

Troy A. Carter, Sr.
Member of Congress