Rotary Club Meeting – 7-11-23 The speaker at the Rotary Club meeting on Tuesday, presented by Rotarian Bill Brunet was Louisiana State Representative Rhonda Butler. She has been out of session a month, but they are probably going to have go back for a veto override vote. Representative Butler talked about the success of this legislative session. She indicated that she and Senator Cloud were successful getting approval on about 95% of the projects they were working on. The focus was for infrastructure projects including roads, water and sewer. She worked on school projects and the courthouse renovation. $55 million dollars in funding was awarded to Evangeline Parish. There were two STEM programs for $3 million each awarded. Mamou got one of the programs. School funding is being directed to Junior High School programs to encourage these students to remain in school. Significant crime is coming from these ages, and the goal is to keep these students engaged in school. If the programs are successful, more funds will be available. An Economic Development Council is being developed for Evangeline Parish. This will create opportunities for funding and grants, and it will put the Parish on a State website. Internet is a key goal for the area. There is funding available. The market is now open for all competitors, not just a single provider. She will want to see maps for coverage and plans. The preference order for internet is hospitals, schools, businesses and then residences. Representative Butler is forming a Business Alliance Group again in order to get feedback from local leaders on projects proposed for the area. She will require business plans and models and a firm commitment as to what will be done for Evangeline Parish before backing anything. She also spoke about funding for the new Fire Station, and the Police Jury is getting a new building. These are all in the new Economic Development Plan. Other Rotary News • The program on July 18th will be presented by Brent Coreil.