Gerald Boudreaux shares ‘disappointment’ with Landry veto of homeless shelter money

LAFAYETTE, La. ( KLFY ) — Gerald Boudreaux shares ‘disappointment’ with Landry veto of homeless shelter money

State Sen. Gerald Boudreaux (D-Lafayette) issued a news release Monday expressing his “disappointment” with the veto, by Gov. Jeff Landry (R).

“As a pro-life organization dedicated to upholding the dignity of all human life, Catholic Charities of Acadiana represents a comprehensive response to homelessness, hunger, poverty, and situational crisis in Acadiana,” Boudreaux said. “Since 1973, its programs have presented a response to the Gospel call to carry out the corporal works of mercy.”

Landry vetoed four specific appropriations from House Bill No. 1 of the 2024 Regular Session , one of which earmarked $1 million to Catholic Charities of Acadiana for “sheltering operations across eight parishes.” That earmark was introduced in the legislature by Boudreaux.

In his letter dated June 24 to the Speaker of the House, Phillip DeVillier (R-Eunice), and the President of the Senate, Cameron Henry (R-Metairie), Landry said the bill included 33 different appropriations to non-governmental organizations totalling over $16.5 million, of which he vetoed four, including the $1 million to Catholic Charities of Acadiana.

“We reviewed these appropriations to determine if they serve an appropriate government function and it the appropriation was an efficient use of state resources,” Landry wrote.

Boudreaux said the issue affects local veterans as well as civilians.

“During my four year tenure as the Chairman of the Select Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, I witnessed first hand the need for assistance for our local veterans as it relates to the homelessness situation in our community,” he said. “These individuals served our country and state honorably and over 80% are from Acadiana.”

Boudreaux said he intends to take a step back and evaluate the next move.

“During my over 40-plus years in local and state government, I have learned that we have to pause when there is an impasse and communicate with additional alternatives and options in order to reach a consensus and a successful outcome,” Boudreaux said. “I ask for you to join your prayers with mine as we search for divine guidance and a solution to this homeless issue in our community.”

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