I hope that you are enjoying your spring and more importantly - that you are or will soon be vaccinated. Please check here to see if you are eligible for the vaccine, but more importantly, if you are not, put your name on a vaccine waiting list with the city.

LSU SEXUAL ASSAULT SCANDAL
Last Wednesday, women legislators from the Louisiana state house and senate held a ten hour long hearing to investigate and hear testimony from the community on the horrific allegations regarding sexual assault at LSU. It appears that the university lacked oversight and a functioning system to investigate and report sexual harassment and sexual assault claims, and that too many times, university officials swept assault allegations under the rug. The hearing was important and instructive, and I expect much more to happen regarding these allegations in the near future. This is a very informative article with videos from the testimony we heard.

2021 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

The Louisiana legislature goes into session on April 12. This year is a fiscal session, which means the focus will be on taxes, fees, the budget, and the like. Legislators are restricted to filing five "general bills" (meaning, not fiscal related) in this fiscal session.

The pre-file deadline for general bills is April 2. I have filed some of my proposed legislation already.  HB 68 would prohibit solitary confinement for the incarcerated who have mental health issues.  This is a continued effort by the Justice & Accountability Center and the #stopsolitary coalition, based on our successful efforts last year passing the first change to state solitary confinement laws in a century. HB 344, which became Act 140 in 2020, forbids the use of solitary confinement for people who are pregnant or who have just given birth.
I have also filed HB 67, which would decriminalize prostitution in the state.  I have partnered with Women With a Vision, a longtime New Orleans community organization, on this legislation. They have created the "Deep South Decrim" toolkit to help educate and mobilize supporters in the state. It is important to recognize that this bill: (1) does not "legalize" prostitution/sex work; (2) only applies to consensual activity for people over 18; and (3) will assist in combatting human trafficking (currently, people who are trafficked face arrest for prostitution). This bill has received quite a bit of media attention; I have given several interviews on the issue, with the hope of educating people and answering questions. Sex work is a complex and nuanced issue; ultimately, it involves consensual activity between two adults, that in other settings (i.e., the adult film industry) is legal.  All work has dignity, and everyone deserves to be safe and free from harm in their ability to support themselves. I encourage you to read through some of the links here and to reach out with questions. 

I will be filing several more fiscal and non-fiscal bills before April 2, and will update you once they are filed.

ELECTION FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2:
PRIMARY THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 20
The primary election for the congressional seat vacated by former Congressman Richmond is this Saturday, March 20. I am supporting state Senator Karen Carter Peterson. Endorsed by Stacey Abrams, Emily's List, and the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Karen would be only the third woman to represent Louisiana in Congress, and the first Black woman to do so. She is a fierce and consistent supporter of reproductive rights, and she has my vote. I hope that you will consider her when you vote on Saturday.

FEDERAL DOLLARS FOR NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans is set to receive $375 million as part of the latest round of federal relief. The State of Louisiana will receive about $3.4 billion directly, with more going to local governments. Stay tuned for how this money will be spent.

Happy spring,
Mandie
Representative Mandie Landry
Louisiana House of Representatives
District 91
Paid for by Mandie Landry Campaign Committee