Melinda Deslatte
@melindadeslatte.bsky.social
PAR Louisiana research director. Former Associated Press reporter. Adjunct at LSU Manship School.
Graduate of LSU and the University of Maryland.
Budget nerd. Football fan. Policy wonk.
Graduate of LSU and the University of Maryland.
Budget nerd. Football fan. Policy wonk.
Louisiana's governor and lawmakers have more money available for spending after action from the state income forecasting panel. The adjustments adopted Thursday eliminate concerns about a possible budget gap next year. Details: parlouisiana.org/wp-content/u... #lalege
December 12, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Louisiana's governor and lawmakers have more money available for spending after action from the state income forecasting panel. The adjustments adopted Thursday eliminate concerns about a possible budget gap next year. Details: parlouisiana.org/wp-content/u... #lalege
Reposted by Melinda Deslatte
Louisiana lawmakers agree to spend $2 million in public money on the Hondo Rodeo, which is coming the Superdome for three days in April. (The Sugar Bowl, Bayou Classic and Independence Bowl also got state dollars today.) #lalege #lagov
lailluminator.com/2025/12/11/l...
lailluminator.com/2025/12/11/l...
Louisiana will spend $2 million in public funds on professional rodeo event at the Superdome • Louisiana Illuminator
Louisiana lawmakers voted Thursday to spend $2 million in state money on the Hondo Rodeo Fest coming to the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans from April 10-12.
lailluminator.com
December 11, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Louisiana lawmakers agree to spend $2 million in public money on the Hondo Rodeo, which is coming the Superdome for three days in April. (The Sugar Bowl, Bayou Classic and Independence Bowl also got state dollars today.) #lalege #lagov
lailluminator.com/2025/12/11/l...
lailluminator.com/2025/12/11/l...
Louisiana’s coastal restoration strategy sees major shift in new plan www.nola.com/news/environ... via @nolanews.bsky.social #lalege
Louisiana’s coastal restoration strategy sees major shift in new plan
Gov. Jeff Landry’s administration is proposing a slate of projects that move definitively away from the large-scale river diversions long seen as linchpins in the state’s plans.
www.nola.com
December 12, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Louisiana’s coastal restoration strategy sees major shift in new plan www.nola.com/news/environ... via @nolanews.bsky.social #lalege
Reposted by Melinda Deslatte
#LSU could pay its new president and chancellor millions annually under lucrative contracts that include dozens of incentives, some of which have no limits. #lalege #lagov
LSU president, chancellor can earn millions in incentives • Louisiana Illuminator
LSU could pay its new president and chancellor millions annually under lucrative contracts that include dozens of incentives
lailluminator.com
December 11, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Reposted by Melinda Deslatte
Louisiana legislators, advocates are aghast that Gov. Jeff Landry's administration canceled a $4.2 billion Medicaid contract meant to provide insurance to 330k people next year.
They fear the change will cause unnecessary gaps in health care. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/12/10/l...
They fear the change will cause unnecessary gaps in health care. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/12/10/l...
Louisiana lawmakers, advocates worry ending Medicaid contract could create care gaps • Louisiana Illuminator
Several Louisiana senators and health care advocates are aghast at Gov. Jeff Landry administration's decision to abruptly cancel a massive contract providing health insurance to hundreds of thousands ...
lailluminator.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:52 AM
Louisiana legislators, advocates are aghast that Gov. Jeff Landry's administration canceled a $4.2 billion Medicaid contract meant to provide insurance to 330k people next year.
They fear the change will cause unnecessary gaps in health care. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/12/10/l...
They fear the change will cause unnecessary gaps in health care. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/12/10/l...
BUDGET: The Revenue Estimating Conference has increased the forecast for the state’s current budget year by $217M and for the budget year that begins July 1 by $214M.
Lawmakers will decide their plans for the money and create next year’s budget in the 2026 regular session. #lalege
Lawmakers will decide their plans for the money and create next year’s budget in the 2026 regular session. #lalege
December 11, 2025 at 9:39 PM
BUDGET: The Revenue Estimating Conference has increased the forecast for the state’s current budget year by $217M and for the budget year that begins July 1 by $214M.
Lawmakers will decide their plans for the money and create next year’s budget in the 2026 regular session. #lalege
Lawmakers will decide their plans for the money and create next year’s budget in the 2026 regular session. #lalege
Reposted by Melinda Deslatte
A Louisiana legislative task force on name, image and likeness deals for student-athletes is suggesting the state create new laws to regulate agents and sponsorships for high school athletes #lalege #lagov
New laws on name, image and likeness recommended in Louisiana • Louisiana Illuminator
A Louisiana Legislature task force on name, image and likeness deals for student-athletes suggest the state regulate agents and sponsorships for high school athletes.
lailluminator.com
December 8, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Reposted by Melinda Deslatte
Former U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans, said he turned down an offer to be the interim president of the Southern University System. #lalege #lagov
Cedric Richmond turns down interim Southern presidency • Louisiana Illuminator
Former U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans, said he turned down an offer to be the interim president of the Southern University System.
lailluminator.com
December 9, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Louisiana state panel recommends judges receive pay hikes — again lailluminator.com/2025/12/09/l... (from @jsodonoghue.bsky.social) #lalege
Louisiana state panel recommends judges receive pay hikes — again • Louisiana Illuminator
Louisiana’s Judicial Compensation Commission voted Monday to back a plan that would raise pay next year for district court judges by $25,414, appellate judges by $29,111 and state Supreme Court justic...
lailluminator.com
December 9, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Louisiana state panel recommends judges receive pay hikes — again lailluminator.com/2025/12/09/l... (from @jsodonoghue.bsky.social) #lalege
#LSU, Lane Kiffin take center stage in debate in Congress about paying college athletes www.nola.com/news/politic... via @nolanews.bsky.social
LSU, Lane Kiffin take center stage in debate in Congress about paying college athletes
The top Democrat in the House called a bill currently being considered the “Lane Kiffin Protection Act".”
www.nola.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:38 PM
#LSU, Lane Kiffin take center stage in debate in Congress about paying college athletes www.nola.com/news/politic... via @nolanews.bsky.social
Louisiana shift to party-primary elections expected to cost up to $47M over five years www.thecentersquare.com/louisiana/ar... via @nolanmckendry.bsky.social #lalege
Louisiana shift to party-primary elections will cost $47M
(The Center Square) – Louisiana’s move to a party-primary system, which limits voters to a single party’s primary but still allows unaffiliated voters to participate, is expected to cost up
www.thecentersquare.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Louisiana shift to party-primary elections expected to cost up to $47M over five years www.thecentersquare.com/louisiana/ar... via @nolanmckendry.bsky.social #lalege
Southern board wants leader with strong business ties after parting ways with Dennis Shields www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/... via @theadvocatebr.bsky.social #lalege #laed
Southern board wants leader with strong business ties after parting ways with Dennis Shields
The move comes amid a shift in Louisiana higher education as universities align themselves with corporate-oriented leaders and stress the need for partnerships with the private sector.
www.theadvocate.com
December 5, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Southern board wants leader with strong business ties after parting ways with Dennis Shields www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/... via @theadvocatebr.bsky.social #lalege #laed
Attorney General Murrill: State won’t use Louisiana law against obstructing immigration raids to target speech lailluminator.com/2025/12/04/l... (from @veritenews.org) #lalege
Murrill: State won’t use Louisiana law against obstructing immigration raids to target speech • Louisiana Illuminator
A new Louisiana law criminalizes any act intended to “hinder, delay, prevent, or otherwise interfere with or thwart federal immigration enforcement efforts.”
lailluminator.com
December 5, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Attorney General Murrill: State won’t use Louisiana law against obstructing immigration raids to target speech lailluminator.com/2025/12/04/l... (from @veritenews.org) #lalege
Louisiana will enforce new interference law during immigration sweeps. Here’s what to know. www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/... via @theadvocatebr.bsky.social #lalege
Louisiana will enforce new interference law during immigration sweeps. Here’s what to know.
The broadly-written law aims to curb interference with federal agents conducting raids or sweeps. Here’s a breakdown of the rules and penalties, plus what New Orleans officials are saying about it.
www.theadvocate.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Louisiana will enforce new interference law during immigration sweeps. Here’s what to know. www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/... via @theadvocatebr.bsky.social #lalege
Louisiana's biggest marsh building project ever unveiled after years of construction www.nola.com/news/environ... via @nolanews.bsky.social #lalege
Louisiana's biggest marsh building project ever unveiled after years of construction
Completion of the major marsh building effort in a spot frequented by legions of fishermen will provide a celebratory moment, with the project having enjoyed wide consensus and fervent support.
www.nola.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Louisiana's biggest marsh building project ever unveiled after years of construction www.nola.com/news/environ... via @nolanews.bsky.social #lalege
Louisiana Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson named community college system president lailluminator.com/2025/12/03/l... (from @piperhutch.bsky.social) #lalege #laed
Louisiana Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson named community college system president • Louisiana Illuminator
A member of Gov. Jeff Landry’s cabinet has been chosen to lead the state’s community and technical college system
lailluminator.com
December 3, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Louisiana Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson named community college system president lailluminator.com/2025/12/03/l... (from @piperhutch.bsky.social) #lalege #laed
Audit: Poverty rate, low income place Louisiana near bottom for child support collection, according to report from Louisiana Legislative Auditor's Office lailluminator.com/2025/12/02/c... (from @greglarose.bsky.social) #lalege
Poverty rate, low income place Louisiana near bottom for child support collection: audit • Louisiana Illuminator
Children and Family Services has used employment and parental engagement programs to improve child support payment compliance, but federal support no longer exists for them.
lailluminator.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Audit: Poverty rate, low income place Louisiana near bottom for child support collection, according to report from Louisiana Legislative Auditor's Office lailluminator.com/2025/12/02/c... (from @greglarose.bsky.social) #lalege
Reposted by Melinda Deslatte
Gov. Jeff Landry and legislators have made it almost impossible to get parole from prison — unless you are an immigrant who can be deported.
So many interesting bits of information in this story from @veritenews.org and @propublica.org
. #lalege #lagov
veritenews.org/2025/11/24/l...
So many interesting bits of information in this story from @veritenews.org and @propublica.org
. #lalege #lagov
veritenews.org/2025/11/24/l...
Louisiana is paroling prisoners in order to deport them
Gov. Jeff Landry eliminated parole for prisoners arrested after Aug. 1, 2024, and tightened eligibility rules for those already in prison. Then he set all of that aside for one group: undocumented imm...
veritenews.org
December 1, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Gov. Jeff Landry and legislators have made it almost impossible to get parole from prison — unless you are an immigrant who can be deported.
So many interesting bits of information in this story from @veritenews.org and @propublica.org
. #lalege #lagov
veritenews.org/2025/11/24/l...
So many interesting bits of information in this story from @veritenews.org and @propublica.org
. #lalege #lagov
veritenews.org/2025/11/24/l...
Reposted by Melinda Deslatte
State officials say a youth prison in Baker, La. that was shut down over a decade ago will reopen in April. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/26/l...
lailluminator.com/2025/11/26/l...
State officials say East Baton Rouge youth prison could reopen as soon as April • Louisiana Illuminator
Louisiana officials plan to reopen a youth prison in April that was shuttered over a decade ago when it was declared inappropriate for young people.
lailluminator.com
November 30, 2025 at 7:25 PM
State officials say a youth prison in Baker, La. that was shut down over a decade ago will reopen in April. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/26/l...
lailluminator.com/2025/11/26/l...
Reposted by Melinda Deslatte
Last week, Louisiana lawmakers approved the biggest government contracts in the state's history, which were negotiated by Gov. Jeff Landry's administration.
They are 6 contracts with private companies to provide Medicaid plans for $17 billion. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/25/l...
They are 6 contracts with private companies to provide Medicaid plans for $17 billion. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/25/l...
Louisiana approves Medicaid contracts. They are the most expensive contracts in the state’s history. • Louisiana Illuminator
Louisiana lawmakers signed off last week on one-year extensions to the state’s six biggest government contracts, collectively worth more than $17 billion. The agreements are with the six health care c...
lailluminator.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Last week, Louisiana lawmakers approved the biggest government contracts in the state's history, which were negotiated by Gov. Jeff Landry's administration.
They are 6 contracts with private companies to provide Medicaid plans for $17 billion. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/25/l...
They are 6 contracts with private companies to provide Medicaid plans for $17 billion. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/25/l...
Reposted by Melinda Deslatte
Starting next year, many public officials in Louisiana and their family members will be able to sue individuals/businesses who post basic biological info about the officials on the internet and don't listen to a government demand to take it down. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/20/l...
lailluminator.com/2025/11/20/l...
Louisiana officials will soon be able to sue citizens over internet posts with their personal info • Louisiana Illuminator
Gov. Jeff Landry and state lawmakers approved a new law earlier this year allowing a wide swath of public officials to bring lawsuits against those who don’t take down online posts with officials’ per...
lailluminator.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Starting next year, many public officials in Louisiana and their family members will be able to sue individuals/businesses who post basic biological info about the officials on the internet and don't listen to a government demand to take it down. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/20/l...
lailluminator.com/2025/11/20/l...
Louisiana made it nearly impossible to get parole. Now it’s releasing prisoners to deport them. veritenews.org/2025/11/24/l... (from @veritenews.org) #lalege
Louisiana is paroling prisoners in order to deport them
Gov. Jeff Landry eliminated parole for prisoners arrested after Aug. 1, 2024, and tightened eligibility rules for those already in prison. Then he set all of that aside for one group: undocumented imm...
veritenews.org
November 24, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Louisiana made it nearly impossible to get parole. Now it’s releasing prisoners to deport them. veritenews.org/2025/11/24/l... (from @veritenews.org) #lalege
Louisiana school scores reach record high in 2025, but grades will likely drop next year www.nola.com/news/educati... via @patrick-wall.bsky.social #lalege #laed
Louisiana school scores reach record high in 2025, but grades will likely drop next year
Want to see how your school did? Check our searchable database.
www.nola.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Louisiana school scores reach record high in 2025, but grades will likely drop next year www.nola.com/news/educati... via @patrick-wall.bsky.social #lalege #laed
Waymo is bringing its driver-less car service to New Orleans after a successful test run www.nola.com/news/busines... via @nolanews.bsky.social
Waymo is bringing its driver-less car service to New Orleans after a successful test run
Waymo tested its vehicles in the city in February and again in May.
www.nola.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Waymo is bringing its driver-less car service to New Orleans after a successful test run www.nola.com/news/busines... via @nolanews.bsky.social