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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) has introduced the Mental Health Workforce Act which addresses the urgent crisis of the lack of diversity among mental health care providers in the United States. This bill incentivizes students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities to pursue careers as mental health care practitioners by offering student loan forgiveness in exchange for a commitment to serving communities of color as mental health practitioners for five years after graduation.

“I am committed to fighting for greater representation and inclusivity in mental health care,” said Rep. Carter. “My Mental Health Workforce Act will help to end the lack of diversity among mental health care providers while increasing the number of culturally competent professionals.”

Numerous barriers to access mental health care treatment persists in communities of color, including the stigma associated with mental illness, general distrust of healthcare institutions, and lack of health insurance. The Mental Health Workforce Act begins to address these systemic inequities.

“There are thousands of people in Baton Rouge that may not qualify for inpatient psychiatric services but can benefit from outpatient therapy,” said Brooke Battiste, Administrator of Riverview Behavioral Health LLC. “Participation in outpatient programs can substantially reduce the risk of inpatient admissions. The mental health crisis has devastated minorities. At Riverview, we give patients the opportunity to receive help from someone who can identify with and understand the cultural norms and stigmas that may prevent them from seeking assistance. The work we do is needed, and red tape should not prevent us from reaching those in need.”

Background

According to the American Psychological Association, 86% of U.S. psychologists in 2015 were white, and in 2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that close to 70% of U.S. social workers and 88% of mental health counselors were white. A recent American Psychology Association study found that Black Americans are still less likely to receive guideline-consistent care, are less frequently included in research studies, and are more likely to resort to emergency rooms or primary care instead of seeking help from mental health specialists.

The Mental Health Workforce Act was co-sponsored by 24 Members of Congress, including Reps. Marilyn Strickland (D-Wa.), Joyce Beatty (D-Oh.), Nikema Williams (D-Ga.), Donald G. Davis (D-Nc.), Jahana Hayes (D-Ct.), Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), Jennifer L. McClellan (D-Va.), Valerie P. Foushee (D-Nc.), Barbara Lee (D-Ca.), Jasmine Crockett (D-Tx.), Terri A. Sewell (D-Al.), Sanford D. Bishop (D-Ga.), Gregory W. Meeks (D-Ny.), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), Shontel M. Brown (D-Oh.), Summer L. Lee (D-Pa.), Jonathan L. Jackson (D-Il.), Henry C. “Hank,” Jr. (D-Ga.), Andre Carson (D-In.), Shelia Jackson Lee (D-Tx.), Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), James E. Clyburn (D-Sc.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Nj.), and Robin L. Kelly (D-Il.),  and was endorsed by Riverview Behavioral Health LLC.

Full text of the bill can be found here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.), and Reps. Joe Neguse (D-Co.), Shelia Jackson Lee (D-Tx.), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fl.), Carlos A. Gimenez (R-Fl.), Nancy Mace (R-S.C.),  Juan Ciscomani (R-Az.), and Jenniffer González Colón (R-Pr.) announced the re-formation of the Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus for the 118^th Congress. The caucus will work across the aisle to advance legislation and policies that provide efficient, equitable relief for disaster survivors and promote measures that pave the path for impacted communities to make a full recovery. The caucus will also advocate for disaster preparedness measures and programs that help save lives, while readying America’s communities for the disasters ahead.

“Storms know no boundaries, and neither should our nation’s disaster preparedness or recovery systems,” said Rep. Carter. “As the climate crisis makes extreme weather events more frequent and intense, we need to work together to save lives and strengthen our systems. This bipartisan caucus is committed to advocating for effective preparedness and recovery measures and programs that best serve the American people and don’t leave anyone behind.”

The co-chairs of this caucus represent regions that experience a wide variety of natural disasters ranging from hurricanes to wildfires to flooding and have all directly navigated the disaster recovery process. They are coming together from across the political spectrum and across the country to advocate for better and improved disaster preparedness and recovery systems.

“From record-breaking wildfire seasons to flash flooding, Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West are no strangers to natural disasters. As these catastrophic events continue to increase in frequency, we must do all we can to prepare our communities and support them in their recovery. The Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus will help to promote policies and programs that provide real relief for disaster survivors and support impacted communities to make a full recovery, and I am proud to be joining my colleagues to launch this effort,” said Rep. Neguse.

"The Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus is vital to ensure the readiness and protection of constituents nationwide amidst the current volatility of weather conditions. With my home state of Texas being frequently impacted by flooding, tornados, and extreme heat, tackling disaster recovery is at the forefront of my agenda. We must protect individuals most impacted by disasters, especially those who cannot advocate for themselves–particularly vulnerable populations at the sunset and sunrise of life. As such, the protection of human life and dignity is such important work of this caucus, and I look forward to our collective efforts to uphold and secure the safety of all Americans during dangerous times of disaster,” said Rep. Jackson Lee.

“As the only former State Emergency Management Director to serve in Congress, I’ve worked on the frontlines when disaster hits. Whether it’s hurricanes or a deadly pandemic, I understand the importance of readiness and ensuring relief reaches communities in an efficient manner. I look forward to working with this caucus to ensure that Americans have confidence that their government will be able to help them in their greatest time of need,” said Rep. Moskowitz.

“The bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus is an invaluable tool to craft common-sense national policies that protect our communities most prone to natural disasters,” said Rep. Gimenez. “As a career firefighter paramedic and as a former Fire Chief, I understand firsthand just how important it is for our Miami and the Florida Keys families to have resources available to them in a timely and effective manner during hurricane season and look forward to working with my colleagues to provide bipartisan solutions.”

“In a coastal district like ours, natural disasters are an inevitable part of life. As coastal areas face increased risks from flooding and sea level rise, we must take preemptive steps to prepare and protect our most vulnerable communities,” said Rep. Mace. “This caucus will serve as an important bipartisan platform to ensure our nation is prepared for and able to recover from natural disasters whenever and wherever they strike.”

“Disaster preparedness and recovery should be an all-hands-on-deck effort in order to best protect our communities, crossing state and party lines when finding solutions. This bipartisan caucus will serve as an important platform to ensure our states have all resources available to prepare for and recover from disasters,” said Rep. Ciscomani.

“Communities across our country are impacted by a variety of natural disasters every year, putting citizens at risk, and impacting our health and economy. Puerto Rico is no exception having recently experienced disasters that include devastating hurricanes and earthquakes. As members of Congress, we must continue to engage with relevant stakeholders, including federal agencies, to develop legislation and leverage resources that will help those affected. As such, I am proud to serve as Co-Chair of this bipartisan caucus to ensure greater disaster preparedness and response,” said Rep. González-Colón.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) released the following statement in response to United States Supreme Court’s decisions ruling on student loan forgiveness:

“Since my first days in Congress, I have made student debt relief a top priority. One of my first bills was to get rid of up to $50,000 in federal student loan debt for every borrower. Working Americans are counting on this critical debt relief as we continue to grow our economy. I am disappointed by today’s decision that will limit the ability of many to purchase a home, start a business, and spend extra money in local economies. Putting crippling debt back on the American people after they were finally able to plan their lives without it is cruel and un-American. The federal government regularly forgives the debt of businesses, industries, and even small countries. Our students deserve the same.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) released the following statement in response to United States Supreme Court’s decision ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and UNC:

“As the Black community gathers in New Orleans on the eve of Essence Festival to celebrate Black culture and joy, the Supreme Court has issued a disgraceful decision which will make it harder for minority students to have a chance at equal admissions to our nation's top schools. Affirmative action is a tool to help level the playing field for everyone. It’s especially egregious that only race-conscious admissions practices have been eliminated today, but other accommodations like legacy preference have been left in place.

“I know firsthand the value of programs that help increase minority representation at institutions of higher learning. I am the product of an HBCU education, with a family who has attended Xavier University for generations. These schools and other programs were born out of a necessity to combat generations of discrimination that people of color in our country have faced. As we continue to increase representation in ALL career fields, universities, and colleges, every student should have equal opportunity to attend the school of their choice.

“As Justice Jackson writes, ‘Deeming race irrelevant in law does not make it so in life… No one benefits from ignorance. Although formal race-linked legal barriers are gone, race still matters to the lived experiences of all Americans in innumerable ways, and today’s ruling makes things worse, not better.’

“Diversity is our nation’s greatest strength, and we must keep fighting for equal opportunity for everyone.”

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NEW ORLEANS, L.A. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) announced the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is allocating $1,355,554,552 in funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program to help close the digital divide. Louisiana’s grant was in the top ten highest awards through this program.

“Internet access is a necessity, NOT a luxury,” said Rep. Carter. “Broadband access is a great equalizer, bringing new opportunities to communities previously left in the dark. Education, healthcare, business, and everyday life demand that Louisianans have full access to it. The funding announced today will help equitably deploy reliable, affordable high-speed internet across our state.”

Background

The BEAD program is the federal government’s largest and most ambitious investment in high-speed, affordable broadband in history. The $42.45 billion dollar program will provide federal funding in the form of grants to eligible states, territories, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico for broadband planning, development, mapping, equity, and adoption projects and activities by the program’s conclusion. The program was created through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Congressman Carter proudly supported.

Learn more here.

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NEW ORLEANS, L.A. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) announced the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority has received a $71,439,261 grant to put new American-built buses on the road and improve transit service. The grants, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration, were made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Rep. Carter helped get passed in Congress.

“I’m excited to announce this grant which will put cleaner, American-made buses on the road in New Orleans,” said Rep. Carter. “The funding means more electric buses and fewer carbon emissions, nicer facilities and better service, and support for good-paying jobs to build, drive, and maintain the new fleet. Let’s get moving, New Orleans!”

The funding also includes support for workforce training, registered apprenticeships, and project labor agreements, ensuring good-paying jobs into the future.

“Every day, over 60,000 buses in communities of all sizes take millions of Americans to work, school, and everywhere else they need to go,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Today’s announcement means more clean buses, less pollution, more jobs in manufacturing and maintenance, and better commutes for families across the country.”

"The New Orleans RTA continues to embrace green infrastructure as we work to modernize our fleet. We know that the adoption of low- and zero-emission vehicles are an essential part of these efforts,” said Lona Edwards Hankins, RTA CEO. “But this isn't just about creating more environmentally friendly fleets and facilities; it's also about modernizing out workforce so that we can attract, train and retrain the best employees in this field and in the process strengthen our position as a regional economic force. I want to thank our congressional delegation for their partnership in these investments."

Background

The projects announced today are supported by FTA’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities and Low- and No-Emission (Low-No) Vehicle programs. They make funding available to help transit agencies buy or lease American-built low- or zero-emission vehicles, including buses and vans; make facility and station upgrades to accommodate low- or zero-emission vehicles; and purchase supporting equipment like chargers for battery electric vehicles. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $5.5 billion through Fiscal Year 2026 for the Low-No Program – more than six times greater than the previous five years of funding combined.   

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) released the following statement in response to United States Supreme Court case Ardoin v. Robinson, acknowledging that the court took the case in error.

“Today the Supreme Court was on the side of justice. In a healthy democracy fair and equitable representation matters, whether to the people of Louisiana or anywhere else in the world. I have consistently asked for a fair redistricting process in Louisiana that protects Black voters and creates a second majority-minority congressional district. Louisiana's population rose 2.7% since the 2010 census and has grown more diverse in the past decade with Black residents making up 31% of the state. I have said it before, and I will say it again – math is math. We must begin to overcome our tarnished past and move toward fair maps that follow the math and give Black Louisianans the opportunity to elect a Black candidate. Let’s finally get this right.”

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NEW ORLEANS, L.A. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will award New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) $24,826,905 for the final design and construction of the Downtown Transit Center and connecting transit corridor. This funding was made possible through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Congressman Carter supported.

The new bus terminal will provide riders safer connections between transit modes, improved rider conveniences like shelter from extreme weather, restroom facilities and more. The Downtown Transit Center will also serve as the key downtown hub of the proposed Bus Rapid Transit project which will significantly shorten transit times for East New Orleans and West Bank riders. The site of the new transit center is in the same location as the former Southern Railway Terminal.

“I firmly believe that investing in our city’s infrastructure is important to fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for all Louisianans,” said Rep. Carter. “Our transportation network serves as the lifeblood of our communities, connecting people to jobs, businesses to customers, and families to essential services. This funding for the Regional Transit Authority will ensure smoother commutes, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable transportation options for a prosperous future."

“Federal partnerships are vital to the RTA’s commitment to creating world-class ridership that will connect our passengers from throughout Greater New Orleans,” said Lona Edwards Hankins, RTA CEO. “This grant is a crucial step toward the creation of our Downtown Transit Center, which will serve as the heart of our service. I want to thank the Biden Administration and Congressman Troy Carter for their leadership and for recognizing the value of transit – not just as a service to riders but also as a driver economic development to move our region forward.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.), Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (D-Tx.), Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-Sc.), and Congressman Randy Weber (R-Tx.) have launched the bipartisan Flood Resilience Caucus to protect American families, homes, and communities from flood damage.

Extreme flooding ruins homes and property, uproots lives, and leaves a devastating impact on family and government budgets alike. Pre-disaster strategies to educate the public and invest in resilient infrastructure are critical to avert the post-disaster devastation so many communities face.

“My district knows firsthand the danger and destruction that flooding can bring to communities,” said Rep. Carter. “And as the climate changes, more and more communities will also be threatened by extreme flooding. We must take federal action to ensure that our nation is not only prepared to respond to and recover from flooding disasters, but to adapt our systems and infrastructure to be more resilient and better able to weather any storm. I’m proud to be a part of this new caucus and to be a leader in this effort.”

This Caucus will bring members of Congress together with flood resilience experts to represent the millions of Americans living in communities at highest risk of devastating flooding. The Caucus is committed to using proactive strategies and policy tools to protect American families’ homes and livelihoods.

“Along the Texas Gulf Coast, we know all too well the devastating impacts of flooding and disasters,” said Rep. Fletcher. “I am committed to working to protect communities from the impact of flooding and that is why I am glad to launch the Flood Resilience Caucus.  I look forward to working with Representatives Weber, Carter, and Mace as fellow Co-Chairs of the Caucus, as we bring the needs of our coastal communities to the forefront and respond to the threat of flooding.”

"We must be proactive in our efforts to enhance flood resiliency and adaptation in South Carolina in tandem with our Federal partners,” said Rep. Mace. “By investing time and effort in these initiatives, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our communities and protect our states against the effects of future floods. I am eager to begin our important work on this Caucus and applaud the bipartisan nature of tackling these issues. Thank you Rep. Fletcher for your leadership and collaboration!”

“The Texas Gulf Coast is home to millions of people, countless homes and jobs, and numerous refineries,” said Rep. Weber. “Prioritizing and strengthening the resiliency of the Gulf Coast is imperative since it’s a question of when—not if—another big storm barrels up the upper Texas Gulf Coast. I am excited to join the Flood Resilience Caucus to ensure that our coastlines have the necessary investments to help protect against future storms.”

Members of the bipartisan Flood Resilience Caucus recognize the importance of acting now to adapt communities and build resilience in the face of rising sea levels and extreme flooding. Research shows that proactive investments in adaptive measures, such as elevating homes and retrofitting infrastructure, can save taxpayers an average of six dollars for every one dollar of federal spending.

The Flood Resilience Caucus will use proactive strategies and policy tools to protect the more than 40 million Americans who live in communities at high risk of severe flood damage.

The Flood Resilience Caucus is co-chaired by Reps. Carter, Fletcher, Mace, and Weber. Other founding members include Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-Or.), Greg Murphy (R-Nc.), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fl.), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fl.), and Jimmy Panetta (D-Ca.).

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NEW ORLEANS, L.A. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) released the following statement after hearing of the passing of New Orleans legend Philip M. Baptiste:

“Today we mourn the loss of Philip Baptiste, a distinguished individual whose contributions have left an enduring mark on New Orleans. His unwavering dedication to service and his unyielding passion for community empowerment was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His leadership, integrity, and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others will be deeply missed.

“As we mourn him, let us also celebrate Philip’s remarkable achievements and the profound impact he made on our community. May his memory continue to inspire us to strive for excellence, compassion, and social justice in all our endeavors. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched during this difficult time.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) released the following statement in response to today’s United States Supreme Court ruling in Allen v. Milligan

“I am relieved that the Supreme Court has acknowledged that the Voting Rights Act still exists in this country. I have always called for a fair redistricting process in Louisiana that protects Black voters and creates a second majority-minority congressional district. This Supreme Court ruling is a win not just for Alabamians but for Louisianans as well. Rarely do we get a second chance to get things right – now Louisiana can.

“Louisiana is a diverse state and 33% Black, yet only has one majority-Black district. We must begin to overcome our tarnished past and move toward fair maps that follow the math and give Black Louisianans their rightful representation in our democratic system. I will continue to fight for equitable representation in voting for our state and around the country.

“I call on the Louisiana legislature to convene and draw fair maps without spending precious resources on feudal litigation. The Supreme Court has spoken. ALL American’s voices deserve to be heard. That starts with fair districts that represent the people who live in them.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) released the following statement after voting yes on the Bipartisan Budget Agreement.

“I voted for the Bipartisan Budget Agreement because it prevents a devastating default on our debt that would trigger a job-killing recession and raise costs for working families. Additionally, this agreement protects Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, protects veterans’ health care, protects historic infrastructure and climate investments, and protects the 40 million borrowers in President Biden’s student debt relief plan. These are programs that so many Louisianans rely on.

“It’s tragic that this measure could cost Louisiana $119 million in highway funding and over $150 million in other projects slated to be funded. Unfortunately, my Republican friends wrote a bill that will cost Louisiana things we really need. I am grateful it appears that the additional work requirements for SNAP and TANF will NOT impact our state.

“I know that this is a compromise agreement. Neither Republicans nor Democrats got everything they wanted in this deal. To prevent a default on our debt, I voted yes on this legislation.”

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