>>>Posted below is an email I just sent to everyone I have an address in my book. I post it here so you can possible help too and share with my my passion for prison ministry. Here is my communication:
It is with great sadness that I write you tonight to help me and so many others save the state correctional center in Angie, La. Known as Rayburn Correctional, this institution, which holds over 1,100 inmates and employs almost 400 people, is scheduled to be closed if the Louisiana Senate upholds the draconian budget cuts of the Louisiana House of Representatives.
These budget cuts go beyond those called for by Governor Bobby Jindal and the consequences of shutting down Rayburn and other state prisons, intended or unintended, may cost the state far more than the small amount of budgetary savings proposed. The state corrections department, having to react to this unexpected action of the state House, is devising a plan to shift inmates to local sheriff's offices or release hundreds of inmates and hope for the best.
I can only speak of Rayburn, where I have ministered both in my formation days in 2007 and as their Catholic chaplain after my ordination in 2008. I have witnessed firsthand the amazing transformation of lives in both the extensive educational programs at Rayburn, from G.E.D. classes and those carrying college credit, and the faith based programs of many different ministries. Several days each week, volunteers flock to Rayburn to be present to the men incarcerated there and break open the Word of God, pray for and with the men and help many bring their lives full circle. I can attest to this. I have witnessed this. I have experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the manifold graces of an almighty God who neither abandons or forsakes these men. Because of the St. Peter Catholic Community of Rayburn men get to celebrate the Mass, receive Jesus in Holy Communion and have their confessions heard. And thanks to the Kairos group at Rayburn, an ecumenical movement I am happy to be affiliated with, many experience fellowship with Christ and their brothers through retreats, reunions and prayer and share services. And many more ministries exist at Rayburn.
Just a little over a year ago, we dedicated the chapel on the grounds of the Rayburn Correctional Center. These men have been inspired by the outpouring of love, money and sweat equity, that built a house of worship; a chapel that they have been able to use for all of 6 months.
Please realize that this too is an ecomomic development or social justice issue. Tucked away far from any population center in Angie, La, this prison does employ 400 men and women. This area of northeast Washington Parish is about as economically depressed as any area of the state of Louisiana. This may well be the largest employer in northern Washington Parish. These are hard working middle class men and women who will be hard pressed to find similar employment within 25 to 50 miles from their homes.
I am listing below the names and addresses, phone numbers and emails of the Louisiana Senate Finance Committee. They are our last hope. Please contact them and ask them to stop this ill-fated bill.
And as a person of much faith, I beg you to pray earnestly that Rayburn and the other prisons be saved, that our state be safe and that our politicians gain some much needed wisdom.
In the Love of Christ,
Deacon Mike Talbot
Proud to be Catholic Chaplain at Rayburn Correctional Center
Committees
Finance Committee
Committee Members
Senator Michael J. "Mike" Michot (Chairman)
P.O. Box 80372
Lafayette, LA 70598
(337) 262-1332
lasen23@legis.state.la.us
Senator Lydia P. Jackson (Vice-Chairman)
330 Marshall Street
Suite 706
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 676-7029
jacksonl@legis.state.la.us
Senator John A. Alario, Jr.
1063 Muller Parkway
Westwego, LA 70094
(504) 340-2221
alarioj@legis.state.la.us
Senator Sharon Weston Broome
P. O. Box 52783
Baton Rouge, LA 70892
(225) 359-9352
lasen15@legis.state.la.us
Senator Sherri Smith Cheek
9973 Mansfield Road
Keithville, LA 71047
(318) 687-4820
smithcheek@legis.state.la.us
Senator Jack Donahue
3030 East Causeway Approach
Mandeville, LA 70448
(985) 727-7949
donahuej@legis.state.la.us
Senator Eric LaFleur
P.O. Box 617
Ville Platte, LA 70586
(337) 363-5019
lafleure@legis.state.la.us
Senator Gerald Long
P.O. Box 151
Winnfield, LA 71483
(318) 628-5799
longg@legis.state.la.us
Senator Edwin R. Murray
1540 N. Broad St.
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 945-0042
murraye@legis.state.la.us
Senator Karen Carter Peterson
1215 Prytania Street
Suite 364
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 568-8346
petersonk@legis.state.la.us
Senator Mike Walsworth
4007 White's Ferry Rd
Suite A
West Monroe, LA 71291
(318) 396-5499
walsworthm@legis.state.la.us
Senator Dan Claitor (Interim Member)
7520 Perkins Road
Suite 170
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
(225) 765-0206
claitord@legis.state.la.us
Senator Dan "Blade" Morrish (Interim Member)
119 W. Nezpique Street
Jennings, LA 70546
(337) 824-3979
morrishd@legis.state.la.us
Senator Willie L. Mount (Interim Member)
P.O. Box 3004
Lake Charles, LA 70602
(337) 491-2016
lasen27@legis.state.la.us
Senator Francis Thompson (Interim Member)
P.O. Box 68
Delhi, LA 71232
(318) 878-9408
thompsof@legis.state.la.us
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