Demand action so that another preventable tragedy does not strike Louisiana.

Louisiana is one of the richest cultural areas of America. Cajun and Creole descendants are an ethnicity found nowhere else in the country. But Louisiana is under attack. Our land is eroding and our cities are flooding. Louisiana produces almost 1/4 of the nation’s oil and natural gas supplies, yet remains one of the poorest states. Something’s wrong here. We need more federal funding to stop the loss of our heritage and our land.

• Demand that the federal government restore funding to SELA, The Southeast Louisiana Urban Flood Control Project
  Due to the incredible costs of the Iraq War, the Federal Tax Cuts, and record deficits, the Federal Government has all but cut off funding to a major project that helps protect Louisiana from Hurricane tidal surges. This program has been properly funded for the past decade, but in recent years has been slashed over and over. The New Orleans area specifically has been begging for funding to complete work on the very levees that broke during Hurricane Katrina. Let the federal government know that America comes first. If we can’t afford to protect and build up America and her citizens, then we cannot afford to protect and rebuild other countries.
• Demand funding for our coastline restoration.
  Our wetlands are the largest in the country and are disappearing at an alarming rate. Not only are they beautiful and a vital part of our ecology, but they also help buffer Louisiana from the ravages of hurricane tidal surges and winds.
• Demand that the Cajun Culture be preserved
  We are dangerously close to losing our language, a huge part of our heritage. Demand that our schools are teaching our kids at a young age how to speak Cajun French, and make sure that they also teach them about Cajun Culture. Many Cajuns today do not even recognize aspects of their culture until they move away. If we do not recognize what makes us unique, then we will not know how to protect it.
• Recognize your Cajun ethnicity on the 2010 census
  When "Cajun" was listed as an example ethnicity on the 1990 US Census, over 400,000 Cajuns identified as such. Now that the example has been removed, our numbers have dropped to 40,000. If you are Cajun, identify as such on the Census and make sure your family does too.
• Stay Alert!
  No one will watch out for you if you don’t watch out for yourself (well, maybe we will). Stay informed on the issues that affect you, and learn to recognize how they will affect you. Check back here to see any updates on what you can do to Help Save Louisiana!

Contact your Representatives and Senators

Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana has done much hard work in Washington to increase funding for the very programs we mentioned above. Email her or visit her website to pledge your support for her efforts. There is power in numbers, and your voice will go a long way to helping the cause of all Louisianians. If you prefer to go straight to the top, try emailing the President directly at president@whitehouse.gov

Additional Senator and Representative Contacts