STONECIPHER: Shreveport Population Drops Below 1990 Census Count

May 19, 2016

The U. S. Census Bureau Population Estimates data for American cities shows Shreveport falling below its 1990 population total.  Between July 1, 2014 and July 1, 2015, Shreveport lost another -1,114 residents, dropping its total population to 197,204.  The third-largest city in Louisiana, Shreveport's population total in the 1990 decennial Census was +1,321 residents larger, at 198,525.  (SEE data here.)

In this most recent year of official Estimates data from the Census Bureau, Louisiana's recession deepened in some areas, but had not yet done so in others.  Lake Charles led in percentage population gain, up +1.76%, followed by New Orleans (+1.37), Bossier City (+1.35%), Lafayette (+0.96%), and Monroe (+0.11%).  Population losses in that most recent annual count hit Baton Rouge (-0.18%), Alexandria (-0.54%) and Shreveport (-0.56%).

Since the 2010 decennial Census, Baton Rouge (-0.39%) and Shreveport (-1.06%) lost population.  New Orleans, continuing to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, grew its population the most among top Louisiana cities, up +13.32%.  Also showing gains were Bossier City (+11.06%), Lafayette (+5.83%), Lake Charles (+5.66%), Monroe (+1.60%), and Alexandria (+0.35%).

Louisiana's population increased by +3.0% between the 2010 Census and July 1, 2015, below the national gain of +4.1%.  That gain of +137,425 Louisianans was the result of +107,922 from "natural increase," or births-minus-deaths, and +28,906 from net migration*.  While Louisiana, during the period, lost -10,567 residents who moved away to other states, it gained +39,473 international in-migrants.  That population subgroup is disproportionately traceable to undocumented workers, it is broadly accepted.  Later U. S. Census Bureau results from its American Community Survey data will be studied for confirmation / refutation of that assertion.

July 1, 2015 Total Population

New Orleans   389,617
Baton Rouge   228,590
Shreveport    197,204
Lafayette     127,657
Lake Charles   76,070
Bossier City   68,094   
Monroe         49,598
Alexandria     47,889  

July 1, 2014 to July 1, 2015 Population Change

Lake Charles    + 1,318    +1.76%
New Orleans     + 5,257    +1.37%
Bossier City    +   905    +1.35%    
Lafayette       + 1,212    +0.96%
Monroe          +    53    +0.11%           
Baton Rouge     -   417    -0.18%    
Alexandria      -   258    -0.54%
Shreveport      - 1,114  -0.56%  

2010 Census to July 1, 2015 Population Change

New Orleans     +45,788    +13.32%
Bossier City    + 6,799    +11.06%    
Lafayette       + 7,034    + 5.83%
Lake Charles    + 4,077    + 5.66%
Monroe          +   783    + 1.60%           
Alexandria      +   166    + 0.35%
Baton Rouge     -   903    - 0.39%    
Shreveport      - 2,107  - 1.06% 

*Total population change as reported by the U. S. Census Bureau includes a residual that cannot be attributed to any specific demographic component.

Elliott Stonecipher

(Elliott Stonecipher does this work pro bono ... no compensation of any kind is solicited or accepted.  He has no client or other relationships which in any way influence his selections of subjects or the content of any article.  Appropriate credit to Mr. Stonecipher in the sharing - unedited only, of course - is expected.  The use of his work without such credit to him is unethical and will not be quietly accepted.)
 

Photo source: USA Country Pics

Attorney General Jeff Landry Calls Transgender Mandate Unlawful

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has issued a letter from his office to several state officials that states that President Obama's mandate on bathroom privileges for transgenders is unlawful and advises these officials that his office will defend "the State and its citizens from unlawful action threatened" by the Obama administration.

Finally we have someone in the AG's office that is not afraid to stand up to the liberal agenda that is coming from DC and will put the State of Louisiana and its citizens before radical ideologies.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry Discusses Sanctuary Cities With Bill O'Reilly

Photo source: Fox News

On Tuesday evening's The O'Reilly Factor, Louisiana AG Jeff Landry discusses the state's fight against sanctuary cities for illegal immigrants and legislation being debated in the Louisiana Legislature. 

Louisiana Family Forum Urges Citizens to Petition Governor and Attorney General Regarding Restroom Issue

Photo source: Protect Louisiana Children

As per the email sent out to their supporters this afternoon, the Louisiana Family Forum urges citizens to take part in a petition to Gov. Edwards and AG Landry over the Obama administration's decision to implement radical changes regarding gender issues within the state of Louisiana:

If you thought the Obama administration would gently ride off into the sunset, think again.

The Departments of Justice and Education are once again exceeding their lawful authority by sending a letter to every public school district in America threatening loss of federal aid if local districts do not adopt genderless bathroom policies, which would allow self-identified transgendered students to use facilities such as restrooms, showers, and locker rooms of the opposite biological sex. Under the farce of "protecting students from discrimination," these federal bullies have painted a bulls-eye on little girls and boys.

If Louisiana does not speak up now, there's no limit to what the President will do next. Please join LFF in signing the petition below urging Governor Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry to protect the safety of Louisiana children. 11,000 have signed the petition so far. Let your voice be heard today! SIGN NOW and forward to your friends!

Boustany, Fleming Tout Energy Credentials in Senate Race

Image source: The Hill  

They’re all good guys,” said Don Briggs, president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, adding, “excluding Foster Campbell.”

“I don’t have to tell you what our industry is going through,” Briggs said. “If we ever needed support in D.C. and in the state, we need it today.”

Read more: Boustany, Fleming Tout Energy Credentials in Senate Race

Vitter Honors Life of Oldest WWII Veteran

Vitter submits Congressional Record for Frank Levingston, the nation's oldest WWII veteran who passed away on May 3, 2016

(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today submitted to the Congressional Record a recognition of the life and achievements of Frank “Uncle Frank” Levingston of Lake Charles, La. Levingston was the oldest veteran of World War II until his passing on May 3, 2016.

“As the oldest living World War II veteran, Levingston played an active role in building a greater United States for future generations. It is a privilege to recognize Frank Levingston who was a true American hero. His many accomplishments and commitment to serve his country will not be forgotten,” said Vitter.

Vitter met with Levingston at the Fort Polk Veterans Day Ceremony on November 10, 2014

Levingston was born on November 13, 1905 in Cotton Valley, La.  When the United States entered World War II after the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Levingston joined the United States Army, where he dutifully served as a Private and Automobile Serviceman and participated in the Allied invasion of Italy. After his honorable discharge from the Army in 1945, he became a union worker specializing in cement finishing. In 1981 Levingston moved to Lake Charles, La., which he called home for the rest of his life.

Levingston will be laid to rest on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at the Wesley Grove CME Church in his hometown of Cotton Valley, La.

Boustany on Rate Hikes: “All Our Worst Fears About ObamaCare Are Coming True”

Dr. Charles Boustany issued the following statement after news reports surfaced showing millions of Americans who have signed up for health insurance plans under ObamaCare will likely experience double-digit rate hikes in November.

Boustany said: “All our worst fears about ObamaCare are coming true. The President said you could keep your plan and your doctor – that’s been rated ‘Lie of the Year.’ The President said rates would go down, but instead rates have gone up. Now rates are projected to spike again by November.

“As a doctor, I know working families in Louisiana just can’t afford ObamaCare. We need a Senator who doesn’t just talk about how terrible this law is. We need a Senator who can actually get something done about it. As Louisiana’s next U.S. Senator, I’ll make sure ObamaCare is a distant memory, and I’ll work on policies that will actually lower costs and increase access to high-quality care for Louisianians.”

Last month, UnitedHealth Group announced it was pulling out of the ObamaCare exchange in Louisiana after an internal review showed the company expects to lose more than $1 billion nationwide in the exchanges for 2015 and 2016. UnitedHealth represents 13% of Louisiana’s 214,000 enrollees in the ObamaCare exchanges.

Dr. Boustany is the author of the largest legislative defeat to ObamaCare to date. Boustany wrote the bill and built the coalition in Congress to repeal the CLASS Act – an $86 billion budget-cooking scheme in ObamaCare even former Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius admitted was “totally unsustainable.”

Read more: Obamacare's November surprise

Fleming: Voters Frustrated by Both Parties' Leadership

Photo source: The Advocate

“The Democratic Party has moved so far to the left that it’s fully aligned with socialism,” Fleming, a Minden Republican who is running for the U.S. Senate, told the Press Club of Baton Rouge.

Coupled with that, he said, are Republicans, who in 2010 asked voters to give them a majority in the U.S. House so the party could fix problems. “But nothing changed.” In 2014, voters also gave Republicans a majority in the U.S. Senate. “And folks, nothing changed,” Fleming said.

Read more: Louisiana congressman John Fleming: Voters frustrated by both Republicans and Democrats' leadership

Steven Crowder DESTROYS Another Liberal Agitator

Photo source: YouTube

At an event at the University of Massachusets, comedian Steven Crowder destroys a liberal loudmouth who started heckling before the program even began. You can see the carnage below:  

Boycott Target Nearing One Million Supporters

Photo source: AFA

The American Family Association issued a Boycott Target petition in response to their irrational decision to let males enter female restrooms.  Nearing one million supporters, the AFA has stated that this is one of their most successful drives concerning issues of morality.  More information on the drive can be found here.

Boustany Announces Iberia Parish Healthcare Grant

(Lafayette, LA) – Dr. Charles Boustany (R-Lafayette) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded a $3,546,420 Health Center Cluster Grant to the Iberia Comprehensive Community Health Center in New Iberia, Louisiana. The grant program provides funding for community health centers in rural and underserved areas.

Boustany said: “As a doctor, I know the health of Louisianans in rural communities depends on access to high-quality healthcare close to home. This grant supporting healthcare services in Iberia Parish will help improve outcomes for patients and improve public health in the surrounding areas.”

Families Affected By "Honor Code's" Lies on School Choice Speak Out

Photo source: YouTube

The below video was recently released by the American Federation for Children and is in response to Gov. Honor Code's cutting of funding for schools of choice. 

Vitter Commemorates 6th Anniversary of Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on Senate Floor

Source: YouTube

Below are excerpts from Vitter’s remarks:

“Today I rise to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that took the lives of 11 men and devastated many Gulf Coast communities. The men who lost their lives during this devastating incident will not be forgotten. Their names were:

Jason Anderson – 35, Midfield, Texas

Aaron Dale “Bubba” Burkeen – 37, Philadelphia, Mississippi

Donald Clark – 49, Newelton, Louisiana

Stephen Ray Curtis – 40, Georgetown, Louisiana

Gordon Jones – 28, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Roy Wyatt Kemp – 27, Jonesville, Louisiana

Karl Dale Kleppinger, Jr. – 38, Natchez, Mississippi

Keith Blair Manuel – 56, Gonzales, Louisiana

Dewey Revette – 48, State Line, Mississippi

Shane Roshto – 22, Liberty, Mississippi and

Adam Weise – 24, Yorktown, Texas

“In Louisiana, offshore oil and gas development is more than just our state’s largest economic drivers – it is a way of life, having supporting countless jobs and families across the region. That’s why our top priority must always be maintaining the highest level of safety standards, and in the last six years, we have been working to make sure this kind of human tragedy and subsequent economic losses never happen again. We must support policies that create a strong balance between having a strong regulatory scheme that promotes stringent safety standards while also allowing the energy industry to thrive. Fortunately, Louisiana’s resilience and recovery cannot be easily measured in terms of numbers and figures, but I can say with confidence that each and every Louisianian should be proud of how far we have come in recent years.

“In the six years since the tragic Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Louisiana has done what we do best – recover, rebuild, and progress. In order to build a brighter future for our families, businesses, and communities, we must also protect the symbiotic relationship between federal regulations and the oil and gas industry.”

Steven Crowder's Hilarious Parody on "I'm Just a Bill"

Source: YouTube

Crowder puts together a piece on the ridiculous state we've put ourselves In regarding the use of a toilet. 

Attorney General Jeff Landry Stands with LAGOP Against Sanctuary Cities

The following email was sent out by AG Jeff Landry concerning the issue of sanctuary cities, specifically New Orleans, and the need to end this practice.  The text of the email is below:

My Fellow Republicans,

We must end sanctuary cities... now!

As your Attorney General, I am committed to ensuring the rule of law is followed by everyone. It is a matter of justice and public safety.

Reports of illegals breaking the law and getting away with it are becoming a regular occurrence.  We ask that our elected officials stand with us to uphold the rule of law and protect our communities.

Tens of thousands of illegals live in Louisiana and cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.

What's worse is that liberals have enacted sanctuary policies that encourage illegal aliens.

According to the Immigration Task Force led by State Representative Valarie Hodges:

- 5,339 illegals receive SNAP benefits (also known as Food Stamps)
- Illegals are a $3.2 million burden on our state's prisons
- Louisiana foots $16 million for Medicaid welfare coverage of illegals - an amount surely to rise with Medicaid welfare expansion

In February, New Orleans issued policy guidance to its police officers requiring them not to inquire about the immigration status of suspects they encounter and to not cooperate with federal authorities - making New Orleans a sanctuary city.

Allowing illegals to commit crime then roam free in our communities is an immense threat to the safety of our people.

Where do you stand? Join me in saying NO to sanctuary cities.

Sanctuary policies and the elected officials who support them are actively undermining the rule of law.

Sign the petition today and say NO to sanctuary cities.

Vitter: GAO to Investigate How Planned Parenthood Spends Taxpayer Dollars

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.), along with U.S. Representatives Diane Black (R-Tenn.) and Pete Olson (R-Texas), issued the following statements regarding the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) decision to investigate the use of federal funding allocated to Planned Parenthood and other federally funded organizations that perform or promote abortions in response to the Members’ request last month.

“For years Planned Parenthood and their pro-abortion allies have deceived the public on how they spend their taxpayer dollars,” said Senator David Vitter. “We absolutely need to shed light on how these types of organizations are spending federal funds, and I suspect the forthcoming GAO report will confirm our fears of Planned Parenthood’s inexcusable misuse of taxpayer dollars for abortion.”

“I thank the GAO for acting responsibly and committing to carry out our request for an independent review of the taxpayer funding provided to Planned Parenthood and related organizations,” said Congressman Diane Black. “As a nurse for more than 40 years, I know that abortion is not healthcare and I am incensed that, year after year, my constituents see their money sent to Washington and distributed to organizations that promote or perform abortions all under the guise of ‘healthcare’ services. This is a sham and it is an affront to the conscience rights of every American taxpayer. By shining a light on the federal funding allocated to these organizations we can mobilize the support needed to defund the big abortion industry and reroute those dollars to organizations that uphold life while protecting women’s health.”

“I applaud the GAO’s decision to fulfill our request to provide more taxpayer transparency on organizations that promote or perform abortions.  While I remain committed to defunding Planned Parenthood and protecting the unborn, at a minimum, Americans deserve to know where their tax dollars are going. I look forward to seeing the results of this report and increasing awareness and support to end taxpayer support for these organizations,” said Congressman Pete Olson.

In March 2016, Vitter, Black, and Olson led a group of more than 120 Members of Congress requesting the GAO to investigate how taxpayer funding is specifically used by Planned Parenthood and other federally funded organizations that perform or promote abortion. Click here to read more.

Vitter has been a consistent advocate for the sanctity of human life in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, earning a 100% pro-life voting record from the National Right to Life Committee.

Vitter: Obama Blowout Preventer Rule Kicks Oil & Gas While It’s Down

Vitter has legislation to protect small businesses from new overreaching rule

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.) issued the following statement upon the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) issuing its final well-control rule on offshore oil and gas drilling. As Chairman of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, Vitter has introduced an amendment to the Energy Policy Modernization Act that would protect small businesses from the economic severity of DOI’s well control rule.

“As we approach the sixth anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that took the lives of 11 men in the Gulf of Mexico and devastated our coasts, my top priority continues to be ensuring this kind of human tragedy and subsequent economic losses never happens again. Maintaining high safety standards always takes precedence, but that is not the question here,” said Vitter. “What the Obama Administration’s ongoing anti-energy and anti-jobs crusade fails to acknowledge is that Louisiana’s energy industry supports families, small businesses, and our ongoing coastal restoration efforts. The Department of Interior’s well-control rule is bad news for Louisiana, and certainly has the potential to kick our oil and gas industry while it’s down.”

In September 2015, Vitter testified before the House Natural Resources Committee on the impacts of federal policies on energy production and economic growth in the Gulf of Mexico. Click here to read more.

Following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, President Obama imposed a drilling moratorium in the Gulf, which substantially damaged Louisiana’s energy industry and economy. During that time, Vitter successfully blocked the nomination of Interior Department nominee Dan Ashe until the Department issued fifteen deepwater exploration well permits and responded to his previous requests for answers on the permitting process. Vitter also successfully blocked a nearly $20,000 pay raise for Interior Secretary Ken Salazar until Interior resumed issuing new permits at the same rate as before the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Vitter was an original co-sponsor of the RESTORE Act, which dedicates at least 80 percent of the Clean Water Act (CWA) penalties paid by BP and other responsible parties to the Gulf States to restore coastal ecosystems and economies damaged by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Vitter shepherded the legislation through the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, where it passed unanimously in November 2011 and through the Senate in March 2012. As a leading Republican conferee on the Highway Bill and the only member from the Louisiana delegation involved in the negotiations, Vitter continued to make the enactment of the RESTORE Act a top priority by insisting that the language be included in the final version of the bill.

Louisiana dedicates 100 percent of the revenue from offshore oil and gas development to coastal restoration, which is Louisiana’s highest environmental priority. In 2006 Vitter helped pass the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA), which established revenue sharing of 37.5 percent that Gulf States - Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama - could collect from offshore oil and gas production. Vitter is continuing the fight to expand the number of states receiving OCS revenue sharing and, starting in 2027, raise the amount of money each state could get per year from $500 million to $1 billion

Boustany Calls for Action on Tax Reform on “Tax Day Eve”

(Washington, DC) – Dr. Charles Boustany (R-Lafayette), Chairman of the Ways & Means Tax Policy Subcommittee, spoke at a “Tax Day Eve” event in the United States Capitol where he called for urgent action on reforming the tax code.

Boustany said: “Let me start by saying I don’t know of a single American in my travels throughout my state that likes what’s happening with the tax code. In fact, they’re angry and they’re very frustrated.

“If you’re a family or a small business, you’re bewildered by the complexity and the cost of compliance with this tax code. It’s a drain. It’s a drain on our economic growth; it’s a drain on job creation…

“The fact of the matter is this. We’ve been working on [reform] for a very long time in the Ways & Means Committee. We are in the weeds on it. But the time now is to move forward with action, and with deeds, not just simply words.

“We know what needs to be done. We know what steps need to be taken to simplify the tax code, reduce the level of complexity, make it fair. Because nobody thinks it’s fair today.

“The bottom line now is to act, and that’s what we’re working to do now.”

Congressman John Fleming Blows Whistle on Bailout of Puerto Rico

Congressman John Fleming of Louisiana has recently blown the whistle on an attempt to ram through a bailout for Puerto Rico.  

The following piece highlights that attempt:

In a bizarre turn, members of the House Natural Resources Committee were read the Puerto Rico bailout bill and according to Rep. John Fleming were then instructed to allow it to pass committee by a voice vote with no amendments and no dissent. Fleming was told to walk away from the vote if he had any objections, an account verified by two other offices. 

Louisiana should be proud of the representation of Fleming in DC. 

Boustany Applauds U.S. Army’s First Female Infantry Recruit

APRIL 12, 2016

Photo source: Daily Mail

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tammy Grace Barnett of Robeline, Louisiana, for being the first female recruit to enlist with the United States Army infantry.

I am tremendously proud of Tammy, a Louisianian who has stepped forward and answered the call to serve our nation.  Prior to enlisting with the Army, Tammy has been serving her community in Louisiana as a law enforcement officer. On April 7, she gave up her Louisiana law enforcement badge and courageously took the Oath of Enlistment to become the first female recruit to enlist in the United States Army infantry division.  Ms. Barnett truly reflects the spirit of Louisiana by living a life of service.  We are forever indebted to these brave men and women.  To commemorate this fact, I include an article, written by Troy Washington of KSLA News, into the Congressional Record in its entirety here:

 ROBELINE, LA - A Robeline native is making armed forces history as the first woman to enlist in the infantry in the United States Army.

Women in combat has been a topic of controversy for years, but now progress is being made.

Tammy Barnett was a police officer but traded in her badge to make history.

She's looking forward to seeing action on the front lines and making gains for women in the military.

Thursday, Barnett proudly raised her hand to take the Oath of Enlistment.

Dressed in tennis shoes, jeans and a t-shirt, 25-year-old Tammy Barnett stepped into the history books.

Barnett has been meeting with a recruiter since November and this week, at the military processing unit in Shreveport, she took a leap that's never been made before, she joined the infantry in the U.S. Army.

"They told me that I would be the first female in history to go infantry in the military," said Barnett.

Recently, the defense department lifted gender-based restrictions on military service. The historic change cleared the way for women like Barnett who want to serve on the front lines.

On April 4, the processing center received word that women would be allowed to sign up for combat jobs. Now, Barnett is hoping that others will follow her lead.

"I hope that I give them the courage, because I'm a small female, if I can do it, they can do it too, this could give them the courage to step out of their comfort zone," explained Barnett.

Barnett isn't fond of the limelight, but she has no problem stepping forward when it comes to service.

"I was going to go military police, but infantry is similar, and they are more on the front lines, like law enforcement here and I said that's what I want to do," said Barnett.

With her mind made up, Barnett isn't looking back, only forward to a future full of possibilities and breaking barriers for women in the military.

Barnett will head to Fort Benning, Georgia to start training. In the meantime, she says she's going to celebrate her history-making moment by going fishing this weekend.ve the front lines for my country.”