Louisiana official addresses concerns, gives update on US Congress
Mar 20, 2025
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) -- Democrat Congressman Cleo Fields hosted a town hall meeting to address concerns and answer questions on the future of the district and the U.S. Congress.
It was a packed room of concerned residents of District 6 as they heard from Fields the many changes that
could affect Louisiana.
"You got to know what people are thinking and you represent them better when you know exactly what they're thinking," Fields said.
One thing he mentioned was the potential cuts of Medicaid. About 41% of his district is enrolled in Medicaid, and many expressed their frustration and concern about how that could negatively affect their lives. But that's not the only thing. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear an hour of oral arguments on the newly made Congressional map. Attorney General Liz Murrill will be there to defend the map.
Phillip Callais argues the map violates the Voting Rights Act and believes the map was drawn in an illegal way.
"The court allows race to be a factor, but it just can't be the predominant fact. And I think the evidence in the case certainly shows that," said Fields.
Last year, they approved the newly drawn map, which goes from Baton Rouge to Shreveport and is majority Black. But those against it filed a lawsuit, saying it violates the Voting Rights Act. Lower courts disagree with that claim and Fields is confident the Supreme Court is still on their side.
Many Southern University students at the meeting felt hearing this information was important and wanted more action for change.
"Instead of doing town hall meetings, although it is informative, we need to show them that they're a driving force for change," Said Nalone Sumo, Senior Class President at Southern University.
Latest News
Louisiana official addresses concerns, gives update on US Congress
Racers excited to hit the track for NASCAR at Homestead-Miami
VIDEO: Car narrowly misses child getting off West Virginia school bus
LSU Police arrest Prairieville man accused of raping girlfriend
How many perfect brackets remain in the NCAA Men's tournament, according to ESPN?
...read more read less