The Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans will show-casing its traditional Christmas decorations this evening. 

Due to the threat of severe weather, the Royal Sonesta Hotel has re-scheduled their official holiday kick-off event to this Tuesday evening December 3rd.  The Fourth Annual “Lighting of the Balconies” ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday evening, when the Xavier University Gospel Choir presents a special holiday concert staged street-side in front of the hotel’s main entrance at 300 Bourbon Street. 

Streamlining Government

Emphasizing its consistent commitment to a better-run and more efficient state government, Blueprint Louisiana today appeared before the Louisiana Commission on Streamlining Government to reiterate its recommendations on health care and transportation. 

Health care reform has widely been regarded as the most challenging component of the Blueprint Agenda.  Louisiana has historically been rated among the least healthy states in America, and the state has consistently had a large uninsured population.  What’s more, the state’s unique health care model funds 10 state-run hospitals that are primarily responsible for delivering health care to the uninsured while operating alongside a system for patients with private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. 

Throughout its existence, Blueprint has encouraged Louisiana to embark on a path toward a single, competitive health care system that is more efficient, cost-effective and better meets the needs of all patients.  Responsibility for providing care to the uninsured should be shared by the private and public sectors, with an emphasis on local governance, allowing LSU to focus on world-class medical education and research. 

“We have consistently advocated for a common-sense, affordable expansion of coverage for Louisiana’s uninsured as well as strengthening medical education in the state, said Blueprint Louisiana Chairman Bill Fenstermaker, President and Chief Executive Officer of C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates of Lafayette.  “The proposed Our Lady of the Lake-LSU partnership for indigent care in Baton Rouge holds great potential and could possibly serve as a public/private partnership model for other markets.”

For the time being, consideration of health care reform by Congress has essentially delayed any state-level reforms.  However, state health officials are engaged with the federal government on a couple of key issues (FEMA reimbursement for Charity Hospital damage during Hurricane Katrina and Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) reimbursement rates for Medicaid). 

“While it remains unknown what will happen with federal health care reform and its impact on states, we still face issues with our large uninsured population and state-run charity system,” Fenstermaker said.  “We must come to grips with those issues once and for all, hopefully in a way that emphasizes better preventative and primary care and allows LSU to focus on physician training and medical research.” 

Transportation funding is another vexing problem facing the federal government as well as states.  Vehicle miles traveled are declining, yet transportation funding is largely based on a gasoline tax.  Declining vehicle miles equal lower gas tax proceeds and less money for transportation projects.  In this environment, Blueprint believes the state must be willing to consider alternative funding options, some of which were highlighted in a January 2009 study for the National Governors Association. 

Public-private partnerships that leverage private capital and expertise;

Tolling, vehicle miles traveled fees, congestion pricing and other user fees; and

Debt financing strategies, including state infrastructure banks. 

“We acknowledge that the state’s overall budget situation makes the push for sustained, predictable transportation funding very hard,” Fenstermaker said.  “But one of the best ways to spur job creation and economic activity is through infrastructure investment.  The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that every $1 billion spent on transportation and matched by states supports approximately 35,000 jobs.  We also know improved transportation infrastructure and mobility is an important contributor to our overall quality of life and the ability to retain and attract businesses to our state.” 

Established in 2006, Blueprint Louisiana is a citizen-driven effort to identify and implement essential changes to fundamentally improve Louisiana.  The group’s original vision for a better Louisiana focused on major governmental reforms in the areas of ethics, education, workforce development, health care, transportation and coastal restoration and hurricane protection.  Earlier this year, it added a “new economy” component to its reform agenda.  The nonpartisan effort is led and supported by community and business leaders from across the state. 

(Blue Print Press Release)

Health care Webcast

Clayton Williams, MPH, Director of Health Systems Development of the Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI) and several local healthcare leaders will be giving public testimony before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform at the United States Congressional hearing titled, Post-Katrina Recovery: Restoring Health Care in the New Orleans Region. The event will be Thursday, December 3, 2009; 10:00 a.m. EST/9:00 a.m. CST.  The hearing will be streamed live via the web - visit the link below on Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 9:00am CST and click on “Connect to the Live Webcast”  http://www.oversight.house.gov/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&Itemid=2&extmode=view&extid=101

Transportation Money

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced the availability of $280 million for urban circulator projects such as streetcars, buses, and bus facilities to support communities, expand business opportunities and improve people's quality of life while also creating jobs.   

             The money represents the first batch of funding by the Obama Administration for its Livability Initiative, a joint venture of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  

"This represents a significant effort to promote livable communities, improve the quality of life for more Americans and create more transportation choices that serve the needs of individual communities," Secretary LaHood said.  "Fostering the concept of livability in transportation projects will stimulate America's neighborhoods to become safer, healthier and more vibrant."

            Secretary LaHood made the announcement at the historic Carrollton Car Barn streetcar facility with New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin during a tour of the city's Katrina recovery efforts.

"Not only will these urban circulator and bus projects provide Americans with new neighborhood-friendly transit systems, they will give us a cleaner environment and create much-needed jobs," Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff said.

A maximum amount of $25 million per project will be made available from approximately $130 million in unallocated discretionary New Starts/Small Starts Program funds.  Eligible projects include streetcars and other urban circulator systems. Priority will be given to projects that connect destinations and foster the redevelopment of communities into walkable, mixed use, high-density environments. 

A second pot of money totaling $150 million in unallocated discretionary Bus and Bus Facility funds will be available for projects that will foster the preservation and enhancement of urban and rural communities by providing new mobility options which provide access to jobs, healthcare, and education, and/or contribute to the redevelopment of neighborhoods into pedestrian-friendly vibrant environments.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) plans to announce grants early in 2010.  Key lawmakers on Capitol Hill greeted the news with enthusiasm.  

"This grant program will create jobs and reduce pollution while saving commuters in Connecticut and across the country time and money," said Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-CT), author of legislation to help towns and regions plan and implement development projects that integrate needs for transportation, housing, land use, and economic development.  "I look forward to working with the Department of Transportation, along with HUD and EPA, as we work to make communities across the country more livable."

"I applaud this important step in recognizing the environmental and economic development benefits of streetcars and other sustainable transit projects," House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) said.  "I have always embraced the vision to improve the sustainability of our communities through new transit and livability initiatives, and I look forward to working with the Administration to accomplish our shared goals."

"Unlike the Bush Administration and its failed transit policies, this Administration clearly understands the need to fund low-cost, energy-efficient, made-in-America projects like streetcars," Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Chairman of the House Highways and Transit Subcommitteesaid.  "These competitive grant programs will invest in good-paying jobs, livable communities, and a less-congested, more fuel-efficient future."

"This investment in buses, streetcars and sustainable transit projects will reduce congestion and lay a strong foundation for jobs and economic growth in communities around the country," said Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chairman of the Senate Transportation and Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, who included funding for the Administration's livable communities initiative in the 2010 Senate bill.  "I applaud the Obama Administration for making good on the promise to invest in infrastructure that strengthens both our economy and our environment.  I look forward to continuing to work with the Administration on these sustainable, livable and job-creating investments."

"This is exactly the kind of effort that I have been urging the Department to take. The Secretary's call for transit investments in innovative streetcar, bus and transit systems will build more livable communities for families while helping to reduce our nation's carbon footprint," said Congressman John W. Olver (D-MA), Chairman of the House Transportation and Housing Appropriations Subcommittee.

"As a longtime champion of streetcars, it is rewarding to see this administration prioritize community livability and invest in our nation's transportation systems," Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) said.  "Making a down payment on streetcars, better bus access, and improved public transit means investing in our Nation's economic success.  The Obama Administration is following through on its commitment to be a better partner to local communities by laying the physical groundwork for good jobs and healthier, more secure communities."

(Press Release) Depart. Of Transportation

LCTC

For the second year in a row, a total of 17 Louisiana Community & Technical College System (LCTCS) schools made the ranks in the "Fastest growing two-year public institution" polls conducted by Community College Week, a publication that calls itself "the independent voice covering community, technical and junior colleges."

The results were reported in the annual "Special Report: Fastest Growing Community Colleges" in the November 30, 2009 issue. The article named the top 50 fastest growing public two-year colleges in four categories ranging from "fewer than 2,500 students" to "10,000 or more students." The results were based on data collected between Fall 2007 and Fall 2008.

Louisiana Technical Colleges earned five out of the top ten spots in the "less than 2,500 students" category, with Louisiana Technical College, Oakdale campus named the fastest growing two-year public college in the nation in its category. Enrollment at the campus grew by an impressive 113.9% from 310 students enrolled in Fall 2007 to 663 students in Fall 2008. Overall, 14 LCTCS schools made the list in the "under 2,500" category.

South Louisiana Community College moved into the "2,500 to 4,999 enrollment" category for the first time. The college ranked number 12 (out of 50) with a 19.9% enrollment increase with 2,944 students in Fall 2007 jumping to 3,531 students in Fall 2008.

In the "5,000 to 9,999 enrollment" category, Baton Rouge Community College was named the 47th fastest growing public two-year college with an 8.2% increase from 7,031 students enrolled in Fall 2007 to 7,606 students in Fall 2008. Delgado Community College was named the 28th fastest growing two-year public college in the 10,000 plus enrollment category with a 9.4% increase from 13,210 students in Fall 2007 to 14,450 students in Fall 2008.

"I am extremely proud of all of our colleges and especially the seventeen schools that were recognized in the recent issue of Community College Week," said Dr. Joe D. May, LCTCS president. "Our colleges are working diligently to ensure that the citizens of Louisiana are getting a first-class education and are helping to address our state's workforce needs. As our colleges continue to have record breaking enrollments, we are providing an invaluable service to our state, and the results of this survey are a confirmation that we are supplying exactly what our state needs in the areas of workforce development and academic services."

Listed below are the remaining LCTCS schools that made the list:

Less than 2,500 students category:

Louisiana Technical College, Jefferson campus - Rank: 3; Fall 2007 enrollment: 639; Fall 2008 enrollment: 1,222; Growth: 583 students; Percent Growth: 91.2%

Louisiana Technical College, Ruston campus - Rank: 4; Fall 2007 enrollment: 126; Fall 2008 enrollment: 218; Growth: 92 students; Percent Growth: 73%

Louisiana Technical College, Northeast Louisiana campus - Rank: 6; Fall 2007 enrollment: 263; Fall 2008 enrollment: 393; Growth: 130 students; Percent Growth: 49.4%

Louisiana Technical College, Baton Rouge campus - Rank: 7; Fall 2007 enrollment: 1,490; Fall 2008 enrollment: 2,168; Growth: 678 students; Percent Growth: 45.5%

Louisiana Technical College, Sullivan campus - Rank: 12; Fall 2007 enrollment: 1,080; Fall 2008 enrollment: 1,444; Growth: 364 students; Percent Growth: 33.7%

Louisiana Technical College, River Parishes campus - Rank: 16; Fall 2007 enrollment: 735; Fall 2008 enrollment: 946 Growth: 211 students; Percent Growth: 28.7%

Louisiana Technical College, Natchitoches campus - Rank: 18; Fall 2007 enrollment: 275; Fall 2008 enrollment: 352; Growth: 77 students; Percent Growth: 28%

Louisiana Technical College, Gulf Area campus - Rank: 20; Fall 2007 enrollment: 359; Fall 2008 enrollment: 450; Growth: 91 students; Percent Growth: 25.3%

L.E. Fletcher Technical Community College - Rank: 29; Fall 2007 enrollment: 1,296; Fall 2008 enrollment: 1,525; Growth: 229 students; Percent Growth: 17.7%

Louisiana Technical College, Lafayette campus - Rank: 35; Fall 2007 enrollment: 969; Fall 2008 enrollment: 1,126; Growth: 157 students; Percent Growth: 16.2%

Nunez Community College - Rank: 37; Fall 2007 enrollment: 1,442; Fall 2008 enrollment: 1,664; Growth: 222 students; Percent Growth: 15.4%

Louisiana Technical College, Hammond Area branch campus - Rank: 38; Fall 2007 enrollment: 344; Fall 2008 enrollment: 394; Growth: 50 students; Percent Growth: 14.5%

River Parishes Community College - Rank: 38; Fall 2007 enrollment: 1,163; Fall 2008 enrollment: 1,328; Growth: 165 students; Percent Growth: 14.2%

(Press Release: LCTC)