Black Caucus honoraries

• By JORDAN BLUM AND MARK BALLARD
• Capitol news bureau
• Published: Jun 22, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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The Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus is allowing for the first time a handful of “honorary” white Democrats to join the organization, said the group’s chairman.

“The Black Caucus is not just about black-folk issues,” said state Rep. Juan LaFonta, D-New Orleans.

Since the caucus formed in 1977, it has been open to black state representatives and senators. Twenty-nine Louisiana legislators are now members.

The caucus pushes legislation aimed at “eradicating the social ills that persistently plague our communities; particularly those in education, crime, housing, employment, and healthcare,” LaFonta said.

Most lawmakers work for those same goals regardless of race, he said. And many non-minority legislators have significant black populations in their districts.

“It’s about small business people and working people, a lot of different issues,” LaFonta said.

For instance, during the legislative session that ends Monday, caucus members banded together to help pass bills that would allow high school students who are older than 18 to register to vote; remove hurdles to allow access for more non-violent offenders to work release and other rehabilitation programs; and expand no-cost pre-kindergarten programs.

LaFonta will be replaced as chairman of the caucus on July 1 by state Rep. Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge.

At least five white lawmakers will become honorary members, and LaFonta said, he expects up to 40 more. The first to express interest was Rep. James Armes, D-Leesville, who often votes with the caucus, LaFonta said.

Among those LaFonta specifically named are state Reps. Andy Anders, D-Vidalia; Jeff Arnold, D-New Orleans; Fred Mills, D-St. Martinville; and Karen St. Germain, D-Pierre Part, who chairs the Democratic Caucus at the Louisiana Legislature.

Other white Democrats, such as state Reps. Walt Leger, D-New Orleans, and John Bel Edwards, D-Amite, also joined in on the new “honorary” membership.

“We want to unify, not divide,” said state Rep. Rickey Hardy, D-Lafayette.

State Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans, jokingly added, “As the fiscal conservative in the group, I just want you to know this membership is not free.”