Job Loss

The economic news keeps getting worse.  According to the US Labor Department on Friday, the U.S. economy lost 524,000 jobs in December.  The result was the worst year since World War II according to Marketwatch. 

Nearly 2.6 million jobs were lost in 2008, with 1.9 million of them coming in just the past four months.  Also, the unemployment rate has risen to 7.2%, still less than it was when Ronald Reagan first took office.  

Ochsner

LHC Group, Inc., one of the largest providers of home nursing services in the United States, and New Orleans-based Ochsner Health System, today announced a definitive agreement to enter into a joint home health venture allowing both organizations to better serve 1.6 million residents in southeast Louisiana.

The joint venture includes an LHC Group purchase of 75-percent of two home health agencies, currently owned by Ochsner, in Kenner and Raceland, Louisiana, and an Ochsner purchase of 25-percent of three home health agencies, currently owned by LHC Group, in Houma, Lutcher and Hammond, Louisiana. The transaction is expected to close on February 1, 2009.

“Ochsner and LHC Group support this partnership because it’s the best move for home health patients in southeast Louisiana. This decision increases Ochsner Home Health locations and patient accessibility to additional home health services provided by LHC Group,” said Warner Thomas, President and Chief Operating Officer of Ochsner Health System. “LHC Group’s proven leadership in the home health industry is an assurance to our patients.”

Keith G. Myers, Chief Executive Officer of LHC Group, added, “Ochsner Health System has a reputation for excellence, and we are proud to become their partner. LHC Group and Ochsner share a common goal of providing high quality patient care in an environment that is exciting and rewarding for our employees and caregivers. Together we intend to develop a home health partnership that will serve as the standard of excellence in the greater New Orleans area and throughout southeast Louisiana.”

For more than 100 Ochsner Home Health employees, effective February 1, 2009, they will become employees of LHC Group. “We welcome the new employees who will become part of the LHC Group family through this joint venture. We are dedicated to their continued success and look forward to providing them with the same commitment to employee satisfaction that they experienced during their tenure with Ochsner,” says Myers.

Education

Baton Rouge, La. - According to a report issued by the Louisiana Department of Education today, more than 65 percent of the students who enter 9th grade in high schools across Louisiana are earning a diploma in the traditional four-year time frame. That figure, the Cohort Graduation Rate, which is based on the number of students who enter the ninth grade and graduate four years later, is one of several calculations states are required to report as part of the federal No Child Left Behind act.

The Department has been monitoring and analyzing the information over the last several years, although no official reports have been issued or publicized. However, given the emphasis on raising graduation rates and reducing dropouts across the state, Department leaders say the critical nature of the data warrants separate reports at the state, district and school level.

"In the past, because the graduation rate impacts the School Performance Score (SPS), the data was reported with SPS data," said State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek. "With the Department's renewed focus on high school graduation rates and preparing students for college and careers through various initiatives, we think it is important to highlight and monitor the measur! ement at all levels so that policy makers, educators, parents and communities not only become familiar with the term, but they also begin to work in collaboration with districts and schools to achieve a better outcome for high school students across the state."

An unofficial study was conducted by the Department in October of this year whereby previous data was used to calculate and analyze unofficial rates for the years 2001-2005 prior to the reporting of official measurements. Based on that study, the state's 2007 cohort graduation rate of 65.9 percent represents a gain of 4.6 percent compared to 2001 when the rate would have measured 61.3 percent. The 2007 rate also represents a 1.1 percent gain from Louisiana's official 2006 cohort graduation rate of 64.8.

"This report continues to indicate an overall pattern of improvement in our graduation rates," said Keith Guice, President of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). "We also recognize that dramatic increases in graduation rates won't happen overnight. However, I am optimistic that if we focus on the issues that impact high school students, our goal of raising Louisiana's graduation rate to 80 percent by the year 2016 can be achieved in a shorter time frame. Ultimately, this is about making sure our students start their lives equipped to succeed in whatever direction they pursue, and we are eager to meet that responsibility."

The report released today also included cohort graduation rates for 62 school districts and 271 schools. Twenty-seven school districts had 100 percent of their schools topping the state's graduation rate of 65.9 percent. Nearly 10 percent (27) of the state's high schools that reported data had cohort graduation rates of 90 percent or higher and more than 26 percent (72) had cohort graduation rates below the state rate of 65.9.

The five school districts with the highest cohort graduation rates are Beauregard Parish, 87.3; Allen Paris! h, 84.5; Jackson Parish, 83.4; Zachary Community, 82.8; and Livingston Parish, 81.3. Three of six schools in Beauregard Parish have graduation rates above 90 and the other three have graduation rates in the 80s.

Schools in Cameron Parish, City of Bogalusa School District, Jefferson Parish, Orleans Parish, Plaquemines Parish, the Recovery School District and St. Bernard Parish did not report cohort graduation data due to the interruption in school caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.

The five individual schools with the highest cohort graduation rates are Fairview High School in Allen Parish, 100; Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts, 100; LSU Laboratory School, 100; Baton Rouge High School in East Baton Rouge Parish, 97.1; and Sarepta High School in Webster Parish, 96.8.

Pastorek said increased relevance and rigor in middle school and high school courses will encourage students to remain in school and earn a high school diploma.

"When students see the link between what they are learning in the classroom and their future success, they will recognize the value of a high school diploma and they will work to meet and even exceed our expectations," Pastorek noted.

Individual school graduation rates and district graduation rates for 2006 and 2007 are linked below and can be found on the department's Web site at www.LouisianaSchools.net.

HUD and Louisiana Housing

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved the state’s plans for participation in the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program, clearing the way for more than $36 million dollars in grants to help communities address problems caused by high foreclosure rates and blight.

HUD Secretary Steve Preston, while in New Orleans for the groundbreaking of the new

C.J. Peete Redevelopment, made the announcement of the approval of the state’s plans to

use the funds. Of the total amount, $2.3 million will be kept in New Orleans, with the

balance being spread across the state.

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program was created under the Housing and Economic

Recovery Act of 2008 and provides nearly $4 billion nationally, with funds going to every

state and certain local communities to address problems with high foreclosure rates and

instances of abandonment and blight. HUD has outlined acceptable uses for the funds

and asked that proposed uses for the funds be submitted for review. HUD awarded

Louisiana funds through the Office of Community Development’s (OCD) Disaster

Recovery Unit. The Louisiana Housing Finance Agency (LHFA) will administer the

funds as a subgrantee of OCD.

Following a series of public meetings across the state, staff from the LHFA put together

an action plan outlining proposed uses for the funds. The state submitted the plan to

HUD on December 1, 2008. The plan allows for the acquisition and rehabilitation of

rental developments and single family homes, homeownership assistance and homebuyer

education and training.

With HUD’s approval now in hand, the LHFA is preparing the application documents for

potential grantees to use to apply for the funds. This process will be open to individuals,

groups, and municipalities, non-profit and for-profit developers. The LHFA’s Board of

Commissioners and OCD will score the applications. The state anticipates it will release

application and scoring criteria by the end of January.

“The Neighborhood Stabilization Program will have a direct effect on our communities

that are facing foreclosures and declining property values,” said LHFA President Milton

Bailey. “We are very pleased to have HUD recognize and approve our proposal and we

plan to get this program moving as quickly as possible.”

"In Louisiana, the threat of foreclosed and abandoned homes has profoundly impacted

our neighborhoods since the hurricanes of 2005 and 2008," said Paul Rainwater, OCD

executive director. "I thank Secretary Preston for his continued support of Louisiana.

This effort, when coupled with our work to eradicate blight in areas affected by

hurricanes, is vital to improving our communities, overcoming the current economic

problems we face and creating vibrant neighborhoods that are full of life and activity."

Obama and Gulf Coast

Yesterday, President-Elect Barack Obama, Majority Leader Harry Reid, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi received letters urging the signing of an Executive Order authorizing the Gulf Coast Civic Works Program and an appropriation of $6.7 billion to rebuild communities, restore the coastal environment and revitalize local economies in the American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The letters were signed by 130+ diverse community, environmental, faith, human rights, labor, and student partner organizations across Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Texas and their national allies as part of the Gulf Coast Civic Works Campaign. This follows up on the December report by the Center for American Progress (led by President Elect Obama's Transition co-chair John Podesta) encouraging Congress and President Obama to include Gulf Coast Civic Works projects in the second stimulus package. Also, the New Orleans City Council recently voted unanimously to support the Gulf Coast Civic Works (Resolution NO. R-08-61.) The Gulf Coast Civic Works Program fits well within President Elect Obama's plan to create 3 million jobs. The program would directly partner with communities to create 100,000 "green" jobs and training opportunities to tackle local recovery challenges and revitalize the region's economy across the Gulf Coast. Gulf Coast Civic Works has bipartisan support in the region, with legislation in the last Congress (H.R. 4048) winning support from 27 Members of Congress including Representatives Charlie Melancon, Rodney Alexander, Gene Taylor, Bennie Thompson, and Sheila Jackson-Lee, over 100 diverse national faith leaders, as well as the Louisiana Republican Party, the New Orleans City Council, and the Lafourche and Terrebonne, LA Parish Councils. The principles of the bill weâ?Tre even supported in the Democratic National Committee Platform. The Honorable Barack Obama President-Elect Presidential Transition Office Washington, DC 20270 Dear President-Elect Obama, As representatives of diverse Gulf Coast communities and their national supporters, we would like to extend our congratulations on your remarkable Presidential victory. During the campaign, as hurricanes Ike and Gustav struck, Americans were reawakened to the unmet needs Gulf Coast communities still face in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita more than three years later. In visits to the Gulf Coast, you have articulated a desire to partner with hurricane survivors as they rebuild their communities and revitalize the regionâ?Ts economy. Whether by inaction or injustice, we still have failed to protect the rights and wellbeing of Gulf Coast survivors, immigrants and their families, especially the children, the elderly, the poor, the sick, and the vulnerable. The collapse of local institutions, homelessness, internal displacement, poverty, abusive labor practices and environmental degradation mean communities continue to suffer and struggle unduly. This crisis demands a powerful response. Despite the millions of hours volunteered by selfless Americans and the heroic efforts of residents, Gulf Coast communities still lack a robust and responsive federal partner in their recovery. As President of the United States of America we hope you will move sign an executive order authorizing the Gulf Coast Civic Works Program in the first 100 hours of your Administration and request that Congress appropriate $6.7 billion for Gulf Coast Civic Works projects in your upcoming economic recovery plan. The Gulf Coast Civic Works Program fits well within your plan to create 3 million jobs. The program would directly partner with communities to create 100,000 â?ogreenâ?� jobs and training opportunities to tackle local recovery challenges and revitalize the regionâ?Ts economy. Working with local officials and community organizations it would; rebuild and repair vital public infrastructure including schools, police and fire stations, hospitals, parks, roads, flood protection, and restore eroding natural flood protection like marshes and wetlands. This comprehensive approach will train a new generation of skilled workers, encourage green building techniques, promote local businesses and help communities build resilience to future disasters, securing vital national security interests along Americaâ?Ts Gulf Coast. This policy has bipartisan support from 27 Members of Congress including Representatives Rodney Alexander, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Charlie Melancon, Gene Taylor, and Bennie Thompson, over 100 supporting organizations, dozens of national faith leaders, as well as the Louisiana Republican Party, the New Orleans City Council, and the Lafourche and Terrebonne, LA Parish Councils. The Gulf Coast Civic Works Program includes oversight and community participation in federal investment and serves as an innovative model for tackling our national need for infrastructure and green jobs. It is our sincerest hope and prayer that you will issue an executive order authorizing the Gulf Coast Civic Works Program and calling for an appropriation of $6.7 billion in your upcoming economic recovery plan. Signed, 232-HELP/Louisiana 211 ACORN AFL-CIO Investment Trust Program, Gulf Coast Revitalization Program Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, Inc. Alabama Arise All Congregations Together Appleseed Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America Bay Area Women Coalition, Inc Bayou Interfaith Shared Community Organizing Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southeast Louisiana Biloxi Branch NAACP BIT Bayou Interfaith Together BlueStone Ministries CDC58:12, Inc. Center for Ethical Living and Social Justice Renewal Christian Justice Action (United Church of Christ ) Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Church of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office Churches Supporting Churches Clergy Strategic Alliances Coastal Women for Change Color of Change Common Cause Common Ground Health Clinic Community Center of St Bernard Community of Christ Outreach Program COPE Congregations Organizing People for Equality Deep South Center for Environmental Justice at Dillard University Desire Street Ministries Disciples Justice Action Network (Disciples of Christ) ENPHRONT, INC Episcopal Network for Economic Justice Equal Partners in Faith Equity and Inclusion Campaign Evangelicals for Human Rights Every Child Matters Education Fund Louisiana Finding Our Folks First Pilgrims Baptist Church JEDC HDM (New Orleans, LA) FUEL Faith United for Empowerment and Leadership Gert Town Revival Initiative Global Green USA Green For All Gulf Coast Civic Works Project Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center Gulf Coast Southeast Asian Resource Center, Inc. Gulf Restoration Network Gulf South Allied Funders Hands On New Orleans Hope Community Development Agency Hope Haven of Hancock County Inc. In This Together, Inc. Institute for Southern Studies Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies Interfaith Worker Justice Jewish Reconstructionist Federation Judy Drive Civic Association, Meraux, LA Keys To Abundant Life Community Outreach Agency, Inc Lawyersâ?T Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Louisiana Appleseed Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations Louisiana Community Reinvestment Coalition Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation Louisiana Environmental Action Network Louisiana Housing Alliance Lower Mississippi Riverkeeper May Day New Orleans Mennonite Central Committee U.S., Washington Office MICAH Project Middle Collegiate Church (New York, NY) Minnesota Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild Minnesota Tenants Union Minnesota-New Orleans Solidarity Committee MIRA! Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance Mississippi Center for Justice Mississippi Coast Interfaith Disaster Task Force Mississippi Poultry Workers for Equality and Respect MQVN Community Development Corporation Ms. Foundation for Women National Alliances of Vietnamese American Service Agencies National Council of Churches National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference National Economic and Social Rights Initiative National Employment Law Project National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans, Inc. Neighborhood Partnership Network NETWORK: A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby New Orleans Neighborhood Development Collaborative North Gulfport Community Land Trust Northside Neighbors for Justice Orleans Recovery Foundation (ORF) Ouachita Riverkeeper OXFAM America Pax Christi USA: National Catholic Peace Movement People for Community Recovery PICO Louisiana PICO National Network PolicyLink Praxis Project Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Washington Office Presbytery of So. Louisiana Recovery Prince Garrett Ministries (McLain, MS) Protestant Justice Action Providence Community Housing Puentes New Orleans, Inc. REJOICE, Inc. Resource Center for Families Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference Shelter Resources, Inc. d.b.a. Belle Reve New Orleans Sierra Club, Mississippi Chapter Sisters of Charity of New York, Office of Justice and Peace Soria City Civic Organization (South Gulfport, MS) South Bay Communities Alliance Steps Coalition Survivors Village New Orleans Technical Assistance Collaborative Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services (t.e.j.a.s.) Turkey Creek Community Initiatives (TCCI) Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations Unitarian Universalist Service Committee United Christian Community Association United Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries United Hearts Community Action Agency, Inc. United Houma Nation UNITY of Greater New Orleans with Common Ground Institute Volunteers of America Women Donors Network YOUTHanasia Foundation Inc. Youth Build Americorps Katrina Rebuilding Project Zion Travelers Cooperative Center, Inc -------------------------------------------- The Honorable Nancy Pelosi Speaker of the House U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Speaker Pelosi, As representatives of diverse Gulf Coast communities and their national supporters, we thank you for your support of rebuilding the Gulf Coast. During the campaign season, as hurricanes Ike and Gustav struck, Americans were reawakened to the unmet needs Gulf Coast communities still face in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita more than three years later. In visits to the Gulf Coast, you have articulated a desire to partner with hurricane survivors as they rebuild their communities and revitalize the regionâ?Ts economy. Whether by inaction or injustice, we still have failed to protect the rights and wellbeing of Gulf Coast survivors, immigrants and their families, especially the children, the elderly, the poor, the sick, and the vulnerable. The collapse of local institutions, homelessness, internal displacement, poverty, abusive labor practices and environmental degradation mean communities continue to suffer and struggle unduly. This crisis demands a powerful response. Despite the millions of hours volunteered by selfless Americans and the heroic efforts of residents, Gulf Coast communities still lack a robust and responsive federal partner in their recovery. As Speaker of the United States House of Representative we hope you will request that Congress appropriate $6.7 billion for Gulf Coast Civic Works projects in your upcoming economic recovery plan. The Gulf Coast Civic Works Program fits well within your plan to create 3 million jobs. The program would directly partner with communities to create 100,000 â?ogreenâ?� jobs and training opportunities to tackle local recovery challenges and revitalize the regionâ?Ts economy. Working with local officials and community organizations it would; rebuild and repair vital public infrastructure including schools, police and fire stations, hospitals, parks, roads, flood protection, and restore eroding natural flood protection like marshes and wetlands. This comprehensive approach will train a new generation of skilled workers, encourage green building techniques, promote local businesses and help communities build resilience to future disasters, securing vital national security interests along Americaâ?Ts Gulf Coast. This policy has bipartisan support from 27 Members of Congress including Representatives Rodney Alexander, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Charlie Melancon, Gene Taylor, and Bennie Thompson, over 100 supporting organizations, dozens of national faith leaders, as well as the Louisiana Republican Party, the New Orleans City Council, and the Lafourche and Terrebonne, LA Parish Councils. The Gulf Coast Civic Works Program includes oversight and community participation in federal investment and serves as an innovative model for tackling our national need for infrastructure and green jobs. It is our sincere hope and prayer that you will support Gulf Coast Civic Works Program by including $6.7 billion for this program in your economic recovery legislation. Signed, 232-HELP/Louisiana 211 ACORN AFL-CIO Investment Trust Program, Gulf Coast Revitalization Program Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, Inc. Alabama Arise All Congregations Together Appleseed Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America Bay Area Women Coalition, Inc Bayou Interfaith Shared Community Organizing Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southeast Louisiana Biloxi Branch NAACP BIT Bayou Interfaith Together BlueStone Ministries CDC58:12, Inc. Center for Ethical Living and Social Justice Renewal Christian Justice Action (United Church of Christ ) Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Church of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office Churches Supporting Churches Clergy Strategic Alliances Coastal Women for Change Color of Change Common Cause Common Ground Health Clinic Community Center of St Bernard Community of Christ Outreach Program COPE Congregations Organizing People for Equality Deep South Center for Environmental Justice at Dillard University Desire Street Ministries Disciples Justice Action Network (Disciples of Christ) ENPHRONT, INC Episcopal Network for Economic Justice Equal Partners in Faith Equity and Inclusion Campaign Evangelicals for Human Rights Every Child Matters Education Fund Louisiana Finding Our Folks First Pilgrims Baptist Church JEDC HDM (New Orleans, LA) FUEL Faith United for Empowerment and Leadership Gert Town Revival Initiative Global Green USA Green For All Gulf Coast Civic Works Project Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center Gulf Coast Southeast Asian Resource Center, Inc. Gulf Restoration Network Gulf South Allied Funders Hands On New Orleans Hope Community Development Agency Hope Haven of Hancock County Inc. In This Together, Inc. Institute for Southern Studies Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies Interfaith Worker Justice Jewish Reconstructionist Federation Judy Drive Civic Association, Meraux, LA Keys To Abundant Life Community Outreach Agency, Inc Lawyersâ?T Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Louisiana Appleseed Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations Louisiana Community Reinvestment Coalition Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation Louisiana Environmental Action Network Louisiana Housing Alliance Lower Mississippi Riverkeeper May Day New Orleans Mennonite Central Committee U.S., Washington Office MICAH Project Middle Collegiate Church (New York, NY) Minnesota Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild Minnesota Tenants Union Minnesota-New Orleans Solidarity Committee MIRA! Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance Mississippi Center for Justice Mississippi Coast Interfaith Disaster Task Force Mississippi Poultry Workers for Equality and Respect MQVN Community Development Corporation Ms. Foundation for Women National Alliances of Vietnamese American Service Agencies National Council of Churches National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference National Economic and Social Rights Initiative National Employment Law Project National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans, Inc. Neighborhood Partnership Network NETWORK: A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby New Orleans Neighborhood Development Collaborative North Gulfport Community Land Trust Northside Neighbors for Justice Orleans Recovery Foundation (ORF) Ouachita Riverkeeper OXFAM America Pax Christi USA: National Catholic Peace Movement People for Community Recovery PICO Louisiana PICO National Network PolicyLink Praxis Project Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Washington Office Presbytery of So. Louisiana Recovery Prince Garrett Ministries (McLain, MS) Protestant Justice Action Providence Community Housing Puentes New Orleans, Inc. REJOICE, Inc. Resource Center for Families Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference Shelter Resources, Inc. d.b.a. Belle Reve New Orleans Sierra Club, Mississippi Chapter Sisters of Charity of New York, Office of Justice and Peace Soria City Civic Organization (South Gulfport, MS) South Bay Communities Alliance Steps Coalition Survivors Village New Orleans Technical Assistance Collaborative Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services (t.e.j.a.s.) Turkey Creek Community Initiatives (TCCI) Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations Unitarian Universalist Service Committee United Christian Community Association United Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries United Hearts Community Action Agency, Inc. United Houma Nation UNITY of Greater New Orleans with Common Ground Institute Volunteers of America Women Donors Network YOUTHanasia Foundation Inc. Youth Build Americorps Katrina Rebuilding Project Zion Travelers Cooperative Center, Inc

New Orleans and Performing Arts

Mayor C. Ray Nagin launched a new era in New Orleans culture today when he hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the renovated Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts. Mayor Nagin was joined by members of the New Orleans City Council, Director of Gulf Coast Recovery Jim Stark, Louisiana Recovery Authority Director Paul Rainwater, other elected officials, and local arts organizations. The ceremony, which was followed by a tour of the refurbished facility, precedes a week of performances showcasing renowned local, national and international talent.

“This is a great day in the recovery of our city,” said Mayor Nagin. The re-opening of the Mahalia Jackson Theater highlights the continuing importance of the cultural arts to our city, region and country. It also signals to the world that New Orleans is open for both business and recreation.”

Inaugurated in 1973 when New Orleans native Norman Treigle performed Giuseppe Verdi’s Messa di Requiem with the New Orleans Philharmonic Orchestra, the Mahalia Jackson Theater was severely damaged during Hurricane Katrina. During Hurricane Katrina, wind damaged the roof, rear doors, stage and other fixtures. It also shattered an 8-foot-by-16-foot window. The basement of the theater received more than 14 feet of water, which damaged the motor control center, orchestra lifts, HVAC controls, sewerage ejector pumps and other structural components.

The refurbished, state-of-the-art theater features new automated, motorized rigging control systems, a new automated theatrical lighting system that includes lighting instruments, dimmers and spotlights, a modern theatrical stage lift system with six on-stage lifting sections and four orchestra pit lifting sections, a sound system that can accommodate a wide range of presentations from single performer spoken acts to Broadway musicals, a new orchestra shell and sprung dance floor and a new digital cinema projection system.

The repaired building also includes a state-of-the-art sound system, a new orchestra shell and enhanced lighting.  A removable floor will be used exclusively for dance performances.

Renovation of the theater has cost approximately $27 million. To date, FEMA has obligated less than $9 million for the project.

The theater will again serve as the venue home for the New Orleans Ballet Association, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the New Orleans Opera.

“After Hurricane Katrina, we prioritized the recovery of our public safety facilities, followed immediately by this theater. I appreciate the dedication of our citizens and the hard work of the many New Orleans businesses have been part of this restoration,” said Nagin. “The Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts is once again worthy of the name is carries.”

Senate Allies Fault Obama on Stimulus

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