AP Wire

JBE going back to DC seeking flood aid

by The Associated Press

Photo Illustration. Obviously

Gov. John Bel Edwards is returning to Washington to continue pushing for federal aid for Louisiana's recovery from March and August flooding.

Edwards was leaving Wednesday and scheduled to return Friday, according to his office.

Louisiana has received $438 million in disaster block grant assistance from Congress, but the Democratic governor is asking for a total of $4 billion. Edwards hopes to get the money included in budget legislation to keep government running.

He's scheduled to meet Thursday with Louisiana's congressional delegation, with House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers and Senate Appropriations Committee members.

While in Washington, Edwards also plans to attend a National Governor's Association meeting and participate in the Google Summit on Justice Reform, a bipartisan effort to change the nation's criminal justice laws.