Last week was an up-close look at the truly dismal process – a wink and a nod – that the state of Louisiana has for “vetting” the massive financial package for Hyundai. The State Bond Commission cut off public discussion regarding bonds for Hyundai after taxpayers (including us) objected to the corporate giveaway. Combined, these bonds are worth more than a BILLION dollars, but the State Bond Commission cut the mic. Watch here if you can stomach it. The discussion of the bonds for Hyundai begins at the 57-minute mark.

The Louisiana Bucket Brigade wants to encourage, not suppress, understanding about the state’s giveaways to a corporation that surely doesn’t need the money as much as our teachers and firefighters do. We invite you to our briefing on Tuesday 9/29 at 10 am CT to learn about what the state and Ascension Parish are giving to Hyundai.

Despite this toxic process, my coworkers and I were hard at work last week. Sadie McDonald and Cathy Laurino were in ACTION, doing what the Louisiana Bucket Brigade does best. Sadie organized a media briefing to help put the spotlight on landowners worried about carbon capture, and Cathy led a Down by the River bike ride with a special focus on reparations. Despite the special interests in Baton Rouge, it was a beautiful day’s work.

Thank you for standing with us,

Anne Rolfes
Director

P.S.  On Tuesday we will specifically be looking at how YOU can take action and stand up to the contracts – called Cooperative Endeavor Agreements – between our government and Hyundai. Please register today!

{Photo: Left, Sadie speaking at the media briefing; Right, Cathy leading a bike ride.]