In June, employees were forced to sign the policy, which says they are not allowed to “engage or respond to negative or disparaging posts” about city government.
Author Archives: Michael Isaac Stein
Michael Isaac Stein covers New Orleans' cultural economy and local government for The Lens. Before joining the staff, he freelanced for The Lens as well as The Intercept, CityLab, The New Republic, and Pacific Standard. He was recently awarded a fellowship from the Heinrich Boll Foundation, which he used to report on water scarcity, division, and colonialism in Cyprus.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
French Quarter security tax delayed over demand for hotel exemption
The tax was scheduled to go into effect on July 1, but now it won’t be collected until October at the earliest.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Cantrell administration signals support for $15 minimum wage for city workers
The city also discussed recent issues with trash collection delays.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council approves $15 minimum wage for city contractors, but city employees say they deserve the same
The new Living Wage Ordinance for contractors would raise the minimum to $13.25 an hour next year and $15 in 2023. Some direct city employees earn far less, and the council can’t change that on its own.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
City Council advances resolution to limit campaign contributions from Entergy and utility consultants
Several similar resolutions have been approved since 2006, but this new one adds new restrictions on donations from Entergy employees and extends the restrictions to council candidates who aren’t currently sitting council members.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
City workers from Department of Public Works initiate strike
The strike comes a week after the City Council advanced a proposal to mandate a minimum $15 an hour wage for city contractors, but not for direct city employees
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Mandated $15 minimum wage for city contractors speeds toward passage
Advocates and council members say that next, they want to raise wages for city employees and eventually all workers in Orleans Parish.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council hears details on funding plan for Entergy substation at Sewerage and Water Board plant
The $34 million upfront investment from Entergy will cost more than $85 million to pay back.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Entergy astroturfing fine used to buy surveillance cameras for second time
Mayor LaToya Cantrell originally said that all the money from the fine should go to the Sewerage and Water Board.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
New $74 million substation planned to power city drainage and water pumps
The project is estimated to be completed in time for the 2023 hurricane season.