Cantrell Releases Statement On City Council Action Defunding

New Orleans LA

09 April, 2022

7:48 AM

Description

Press release from the City of New Orleans: April 7, 2022 NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today issued the following statement regarding the New Orleans City Council's vote to defund several City departments: "I am disappointed by the Council's action today. These ordinances will not help provide greater services to the residents of this city. While there have been well-documented challenges with the implementation of City programs, defunding City departments only adds an additional layer of complexity to already complicated work. This city and the nation are facing a trifecta of challenges: inflation, supply chain issues and the great resignation --- which have collectively radically increased the difficulty facing these departments, all while navigating a pandemic. "Today's actions do nothing to resolve the issues we face. My administration is working through resolving these issues, as we have demonstrated with our ability to face the pandemic head-on. "Now is not the time to create dysfunction. We have great opportunities ahead of us with potential federal investments through the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA), and partnerships with national investment organizations. We must remain focused and united in moving through challenges and seeking additional opportunities. Investment does not follow dysfunction. Today, the City Council sent the wrong message." This press release was produced by the City of New Orleans. The views expressed here are the author's own.