Common Ground in an Unlikely Place
I don’t often find myself agreeing with Governor Jeff Landry. Our views sit on opposite ends of Louisiana’s political spectrum. Yet, even political opposites can meet in the middle. The governor’s recent decision to use state funds to keep SNAP benefits flowing during the federal shutdown is one of those moments.
Feeding children, the disabled, and our seniors is not a partisan issue. It’s a human one. When Washington politics threaten the dinner tables of working families, Louisiana’s leaders must step up. On this issue, Governor Landry did exactly that.
Doing the Right Thing
Landry declared a state of emergency to ensure that Louisiana families who rely on SNAP — also known as food stamps — wouldn’t go hungry while federal funds are frozen. His plan prioritizes the most vulnerable residents: households with children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Critics can debate budgets, but when people are facing hunger, leadership demands action. The governor found the money, made the call, and did what was necessary to prevent chaos in kitchens across Louisiana. Right is right. Our most vulnerable people thank you, Gov. Landry.
Landry’s Own Words
When I asked the governor about his decision, he kept it simple:
“When you’re fiscally responsible, you can act when it rains. This is about people, not politics. We know Louisianans are extremely compassionate. We want to take care of our neighbors and take care of our people, so we acted in a bipartisan way. And really, this is about the work we have already done. We did tax reform so we are in a position to give. All of the financial reforms we put in place allow us to help our people.”
Gov Jeff Landry
The governor continued, saying:
“When Washington becomes dysfunctional, at least you know our state will still function properly.”
Now, the emergency funds he assembled do not include able-bodied individuals without dependents. When I asked why some SNAP recipients are ineligible, he explained:
“We’ve got a limited amount of money, so we had to take care of the most vulnerable. But the good news is that for seniors, we have 75% loaded on the first four days. The feds will put up 50%, and the state will put up 25%. But I caution our elderly to be diligent with that money because we don’t know if Washington can get their act together.”
That’s a message every Louisianan should appreciate. It’s not about party loyalty or headlines — it’s about priorities. When leaders recognize that feeding hungry children is more important than scoring political points, that’s progress worth applauding.
Related: New Orleans on the Brink
Feeding the People Is Smart Policy
Food insecurity is not abstract. In cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport, it’s real life. Many Louisianans live paycheck to paycheck, and missing one or two SNAP payments can mean empty refrigerators and hungry kids.
When a leader steps up to protect those families, it’s not charity — it’s good governance. Ensuring our people are fed strengthens communities, reduces strain on emergency services, and keeps local grocery stores alive. It’s practical, humane, and economically sound.
The Bigger Picture
I still disagree with Governor Landry on many other policies. His approach to education, policing, and civil rights often clashes with what I believe is best for our state. But leadership isn’t about agreeing on everything. It’s about recognizing when someone, even an opponent, does the right thing.
In this case, Governor Landry’s move shows compassion and fiscal responsibility can coexist. He found a way to protect Louisiana’s most vulnerable citizens when Washington turned its back. That deserves respect.
Credit Where It’s Due
Too often, political divides stop us from acknowledging progress. But today, I’ll say it plainly: this decision is great for our state, great for our people, and a great move by our governor.
We can argue later about tax credits, infrastructure, or partisan priorities. But for now, Louisiana families will eat. That matters most.
Jeff Landry SNAP benefits, Louisiana food assistance, Jeff Thomas BlackSourceMedia, Louisiana government shutdown, food insecurity Louisiana, feeding children seniors disabled, Louisiana governor SNAP emergency
Jeff Thomas
Publisher • Opinion Columnist • Licensed General Contractor • Real Estate Appraiser • New Orleans
Jeff Thomas is the publisher of Black Source Media and one of New Orleans’ most direct voices on civic affairs, economic justice, and Louisiana politics. He writes from the intersection of experience and accountability — as a licensed general contractor,a tech company founder and executive with over 30 years experience, and a businessman who has worked across the city’s civic, media, and construction ecosystems for decades.
His Sunday column covers Louisiana legislative politics, insurance discrimination, housing policy, and the forces shaping Black community life in New Orleans and across the state. Thomas writes in the tradition of Black journalists who hold power accountable without apology — building arguments from data, delivering verdicts from evidence, and speaking to Black New Orleans with the directness the moment demands.
He is also the principal of EA Inspection Services, LLC, a government inspection services company. Black Source Media is his platform for the civic conversation New Orleans has needed and too rarely had.
Selected Articles by Jeff Thomas
Black Neighborhoods Pay the Highest Insurance Rates in Louisiana. Here’s What They Don’t Want You to Know.
They Didn’t Yell the N-Word. They Went to Law School, Bided Their Time, and Rewrote the Constitution Instead.
Vappie vs. Morrell: Why Does Justice Look Different in New Orleans?
The State Has the Money. New Orleans East Just Needs Them to Use It.
The Failure of Mitch Landrieu
Publisher — Black Source Media
Jeff Thomas
Publisher • Opinion Columnist • Licensed General Contractor • Real Estate Appraiser • New Orleans
Jeff Thomas is the publisher of Black Source Media and one of New Orleans’ most direct voices on civic affairs, economic justice, and Louisiana politics. He writes from the intersection of experience and accountability — as a licensed general contractor,a tech company founder and executive with over 30 years experience, and a businessman who has worked across the city’s civic, media, and construction ecosystems for decades.
His Sunday column covers Louisiana legislative politics, insurance discrimination, housing policy, and the forces shaping Black community life in New Orleans and across the state. Thomas writes in the tradition of Black journalists who hold power accountable without apology — building arguments from data, delivering verdicts from evidence, and speaking to Black New Orleans with the directness the moment demands.
He is also the principal of EA Inspection Services, LLC, a government inspection services company. Black Source Media is his platform for the civic conversation New Orleans has needed and too rarely had.
Selected Articles by Jeff Thomas
Black Neighborhoods Pay the Highest Insurance Rates in Louisiana. Here’s What They Don’t Want You to Know.
They Didn’t Yell the N-Word. They Went to Law School, Bided Their Time, and Rewrote the Constitution Instead.
Vappie vs. Morrell: Why Does Justice Look Different in New Orleans?
The State Has the Money. New Orleans East Just Needs Them to Use It.
The Failure of Mitch Landrieu
Very welcome! Thank you, both Jeffs! You two are both right about how compassionate Louisianans are. Cheers, Don Paul