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Jacksonville Democrat: "Why is the federal government missing in action?"
By JEFF BRUMLEY, The Times-Union
MACCLENNY -- U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown on Monday joined the chorus of voices blasting the federal government for its response to Hurricane Katrina and vowed to ask tough questions at the highest levels.
"I'm going to Washington today to find out what's going on there," said Brown, a Democrat, Monday morning at a rest area on Interstate 10 near Macclenny.
When she arrives in the capital, Brown said she would contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
"I want to know: Why is the federal government missing in action?" Brown said.
The "Operation Help -- Katrina Relief Convoy" carried several tons of food, water, clothing, toiletries and other items needed by communities devastated by the storm.
During the stop, Brown said the U.S. government has done a terrible job of responding to the crisis. Brown also criticized the use of the word "refugees" to describe hurricane victims.
"They are not refugees, they are taxpayers, and I want to know where is their government?" Brown said.
Brown said she would start those inquiries immediately.
"And I don't want all these excuses," she said.
Louisiana school teachers displaced to Texas by Hurricane Katrina could soon have jobs one state over. The Texas Education Agency is making special accommodations to allow retirees and displaced Louisiana teachers into classrooms.
Education Commissioner Shirley Neeley says that in the coming days and weeks she expects as many as 70,000 evacuee students to enroll in Texas schools.
More than 6,000 such students enrolled in Texas schools last week.
The Texas Board for Educator Certification today approved a measure that would expedite application and background checks on potential teachers.
Teaching certification records in Louisiana, which were kept online, were spared from the ravages of Hurricane Katrina.
Applications fees will be waived for Louisiana teachers looking for similar employment in Texas.