It’s out of the frying pan and into the fryer for nearly two dozen non-governmental organizations — culture providers and social service non-profits — as budget hearings continue for the Lafayette Consolidated Council. As both The Advocate and The Daily Advertiser report today, funding for each of the NGOs could be revisited as the council hones the 2009-2010 fiscal year budget. The current proposed budget is roughly $587 million; the NGOs receive just more than $450,000 in direct funding from Lafayette Consolidated Government. But Councilman William Theriot is seeking individual, up-or-down votes on each of the 23 groups slated to receive funding in City Parish President Joey Durel’s proposed budget.
Led by councilmen Theriot and Jared Bellard, an effort to phase out that funding failed by a 6-3 vote last month, with Councilman Keith Patin joining in supporting the phase-out. Durel has said he favors LCG funding of cultural providers like Festival International de Louisiane and the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana, but opposes government funding of social service agencies such as Faith House and 232-HELP.
... written by Myrick6 , August 20, 2009 - 12:20 pm
I distincly remember, a year or so ago, an issue with Faith House and thousands and thousands of dollars it had earning interest in Certifs of Deposit. I believe that NGO has no trouble raising the money it needs. There may be more in the same position. I am glad each one will be reviewed as to need. I support them all, but I don't think govt monies need to go to charities.
... written by Ms. Moist Towelette , August 21, 2009 - 08:36 am
Many, not all, of the so called NGOs, are flush with cash. If you want to find out just request a copy of their financial reports. By law they are required to give you one.
... written by ragin_cajun , August 21, 2009 - 11:11 am
I was wondering what, if anything, the NGO's and Don Bertrand had done to change the way this was done each year. I went to the council meeting where this was voted on, and everyone agreed that there needed to be a better way to handle this. I guess now if they're going to vote on each individual NGO's funding, that settles it. I like the idea.
... written by Taxpaying American Citizen , August 21, 2009 - 02:21 pm
Actually, Don Bertrand favors creating a $10 million endowment (taxpayer funded of course) for the NGOs. That way, they don't have to go through the "trouble" each year of requesting their entitled LCG checks.
... written by ragin_cajun , August 28, 2009 - 04:26 pm
And the $10 Mil endowment comes from taxpayers? That's madness.
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In rendering his ruling, District Judge John Trahan all but called the real estate developer a liar for inconsistencies in his accounts of what prompted him to punch a school teacher unconscious.
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