Latest news with #MetroCouncil
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Louisiana Bond Commission OKs 3 East Baton Rouge tax plan ballot measures
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Baton Rouge mayor's office announced that the Louisiana State Bond Commission approved three ballot measures that are part of his tax plan. In May, the Metro Council approved a majority of Mayor-President Sid Edwards' Thrive EBR plan to rededicate taxes. Edwards' office said the plan proposes the renewal and rededication of portions of existing millages from the library system, Council on Aging and Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control. The plan aims to address the budget while maintaining critical services and reducing debt without increasing taxes. 'I'm pleased the State Bond Commission approved our request,' Edwards said. 'Now it's up to the voters to decide. Thrive EBR is a smart way to help fund our infrastructure and pay down debt at no additional cost to taxpayers.' Voters will see three ballot measures in the election set for Nov. 15. East Baton Rouge mayor announces EMS, fire department merger Latest News Puerto Rico bans gender-affirming care for trans people under 21 Airfare by algorithm: Delta leans into AI pricing — but is it a good thing? Road closures, high water reported in Baton Rouge, surrounding areas Republicans to tee up House vote on Epstein resolution White House faces bipartisan pressure to release Epstein documents Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Axios
10-07-2025
- Health
- Axios
Nashville Strong Babies program celebrates anniversary amid fears of cuts
The Nashville Strong Babies program, which helps mothers with everything from doula support to nutrition, recently celebrated the first anniversary of its expansion across Davidson County. Why it matters: The program has been a resounding local success story, highlighted by no infant deaths and no maternal deaths among its participants since it was launched in 2019. The big picture: Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell and the Metro Council increased local money for Nashville Strong Babies this year, adding more staff to the program at a time when it was rumored to be facing federal funding cuts. The city's newly passed budget includes an additional $334,700 for the increased staffing. The intrigue: The program has been primarily funded with about $1 million in annual federal grants, but that looked precarious as the Trump administration slashed budgets. Earlier this year the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services flagged $11 billion in potential funding cuts, including the money that goes to Metro for Nashville Strong Babies. The city received about half of its expected allotment earlier this year, and expects to receive the other half in October. Beyond that, city leaders worry federal support could be at risk. Flashback: Nashville Strong Babies was launched in seven Nashville ZIP codes that had higher infant mortality rates. The Metro Department of Health initiative pairs expecting mothers with a care coordinator who provides wrap-around services with the goal of starting a baby's life in a healthy way. Specialists help mothers navigate health insurance, provide childbirth education and breastfeeding support, and connect them to other community resources. Doula services and nutritional education are staples of the program. The services, which are free to the mother, continue until a baby turns 18 months. By the numbers: Since the program expanded countywide a year ago, 516 families have participated. Nashville Strong Babies has seen 92% of its babies born at a healthy birth rate, 91% are born full-term and 100% of doula-supported mothers continue to feed their babies breastmilk. What he's saying:"More Nashville children are able to celebrate their first birthday, and since the inception of the program, every mother that participated has survived," O'Connell said. "That's remarkable because more Tennessee women die while pregnant or within one year of childbirth more than any other state in the nation."
Axios
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Metro Council members revive Black Caucus
Metro Council members are bringing back the legislative body's Black Caucus, which hasn't been active since 2011. Why it matters: The Black Caucus "recognizes that there are issues unique to Black Nashvillians that require a more targeted focus," according to the group's press release.
Axios
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Republican scrutiny on Nashville mayor sidetracks city priorities
Mayor Freddie O'Connell's administration has been absorbed in recent weeks by federal scrutiny over his response to ICE raids in May. Why it matters: The Metro Council approved his $3.8 billion spending plan and its property tax increase last week. Instead of building off the momentum of that political win, O'Connell's team is sidelined by congressional investigations. Zoom in: O'Connell's administration has already supplied U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles with a trove of documents detailing the city's response to the ICE raids. Ogles says he was troubled by what those documents showed, and indicated there are more questions for O'Connell to answer. Sen. Marsha Blackburn called for the Department of Justice to investigate O'Connell. The bottom line: After winning election in 2023, O'Connell made improving relations with Republicans in Tennessee a priority, and there are indications he made inroads.
Axios
18-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
Mayor O'Connell celebrates approval of Metro's $3.8B
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell took a victory lap Wednesday following the Metro Council's vote to approve, with small changes, his $3.8 billion spending plan. The budget comes with an average 26% property tax increase for homeowners. Why it matters: Garnering approval for a property tax increase is not easy, and O'Connell scored a needed political victory as his administration fends off federal scrutiny from Republican members of Congress. Driving the news: O'Connell was joined by top Metro officials, including council budget and finance committee chair Delishia Porterfield, at the courthouse for a ceremonial signing of the budget ordinance. He touted the plan for its investments in education, affordable housing, employee pay raises and public safety, especially youth safety initiatives. The budget includes funding for after school programs, more school resource officers and school safety technology. What he's saying: "This budget is a community improvement program that focuses on quality schools, reliable services and safety we all deserve," O'Connell said at a press conference. Yes, but: O'Connell also addressed criticisms that come with the property tax increase. At its meeting on Tuesday, council approved Porterfield's substitute budget instead of a competing proposal that would have reduced the combined property tax increase to 19%. "Last year, we asked across the board for reduced spending from our Metro departments. You could tell they were starting to feel pinches," O'Connell said. "This rate reflects effectively the five-year impact of inflationary pressure on the cost of governing."
