Federal employees, veterans, and community members will rally outside Congressman Steve Scalise’s Metairie office this Thursday to demand his support for protecting jobs and public services at key federal agencies. The event, organized by Step Up Louisiana in collaboration with the Federal Unionists Network, is part of a growing national campaign urging lawmakers to oppose harmful staffing cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The “Step Up for Federal Workers” press conference and rally is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 22 at 111 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, where advocates will urge Rep. Scalise to sign a congressional letter calling for the preservation of critical federal services.
Organizers say the rally comes at a time when all three agencies are facing workforce crises. The VA is grappling with a shortage of healthcare professionals, causing delays in care for veterans. The Social Security Administration is overwhelmed by benefit claims and understaffed offices. And the EPA—tasked with enforcing regulations that protect clean air and water—is increasingly unable to meet its mandate due to resource shortfalls.
“Cutting staff at these agencies doesn’t just put federal workers at risk—it puts entire communities at risk,” said a spokesperson from Step Up Louisiana. “Veterans wait longer for care, seniors wait longer for benefits, and families live with higher pollution levels. We’re here to tell Rep. Scalise: these cuts are unacceptable.”
The letter being circulated in Congress not only opposes the reductions but raises legal and operational concerns, citing violations of collective bargaining rights protected under the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 and questioning the ability of agencies to meet demand if further staff reductions occur.
Congressman Troy Carter and Cleo Fields have already signed the letter. Rep. Carter also issued a separate letter highlighting the impact such cuts would have on Louisiana specifically.
Thursday’s rally will feature federal employees who are part of Step Up Louisiana, as well as residents who rely on federal services, including veterans and Social Security recipients.
The event is one of many actions nationwide intended to pressure Congress to prioritize public service protections amid growing concerns about understaffed agencies and declining service quality.
About Step Up Louisiana:
Step Up Louisiana is a grassroots organization fighting for education and economic justice across the state. Working through a racial justice lens, the group partners with families, students, and workers to organize, campaign, and hold public officials accountable.
