Prioritize neglected with American Rescu Plan funds

Caddo Parish Commissioner Steven Jackson sees the The American Rescue Plan as the a chance to directly assist the poor, elderly and ill citizens, as well as small business owners who’ve suffered greatly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But he is fighting an uphill battle as the parish administration pushes for the bulk of Caddo’s $43 million to go to municipal buildings that already have funds set aside for upkeep.

“Caddo Parish is about to put a lot of its money into buildings and very little to nothing in the community. We are going to have the best-looking jails and detention centers, but still have blighted neighborhoods,” said Jackson.

He’s right. There is not a publicly owned building in Shreveport or Caddo that comes close to resembling my family neighborhood of Stoner Hill.

For over a year, conscientious neighbors have been begging local officials to have a burned out house torn down, but residents have been told there is a backlog or no funds to demolish the house right now.

This is especially frustrating since the departments that may get the bulk of the money are already hoarding over $40 million in cash from taxpayers. Consider the reserves in the following funds: $5.7M in detention facilities;  $8.5M in building maintenance; $18.8M in solid waste; and $8.1M in public works.

The federal government has emphasized that these funds are supposed to serve the hardest-hit communities and families and be used to address health and education disparities, invest in housing and neighborhoods, and promote healthy childhood environments. 

This is exactly what is being done down in Houston where Harris County is prioritizing housing, health and jobs with its $912 million relief package and Baton Rouge leaders have set aside a million dollars for small business recovery microgrants of $2,500.