Posted on 09/23/2005 2:48:35 PM PDT by econjack
Louisiana Senators Propose $250-Billion Katrina Reconstruction Package, Other Lawmakers Seek Offsetting Cut
September 23, 2005
Louisiana's Senators, Mary Landrieu (D) and David Vitter (R), have proposed legislation to provide about $250 billion in federal aid to help their state rebuild from Hurricane Katrina. The massive, 10-year plan, contained in a bill introduced on Sept. 22, includes about $180 billion in direct federal spending, Vitter said. The rest would represent the cost of various tax breaks.
But Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and several other GOP colleagues want at least some of the federal hurricane relief spending to be offset with spending cuts. Among their suggestions: a 5% across-the-board cut in discretionary spending other than defense and homeland security; and rescinding $24 billion in earmarked highway projects in the recently enacted highway and transit authorization bill.
Already, Congress has approved $62.3 billion in post-Katrina relief aid for Louisiana and other Gulf Coast states. The Office of Management and Budget has said it further spending would be requested.
The Landrieu-Vitter package would draw most of its funds from federal appropriations, but they also are seeking 50% of the revenue from oil and gas leases off their state's coast. Vitter says that 50% share of lease payments recently has ranged between $3 billion and $4 billion annually. Those revenues would go for restoration of coastal wetlands and barrier islands as well as infrastructure.
The energy bill signed into law in August provides Louisiana with $135 million in oil and gas lease revenue annually for four years to be used for coastal restoration work.
The new plan also includes more than $16 billion for transportation, of which $2.9 billion would be emergency relief aid to repair highways and other infrastructure; and $50 billion in Community Development Block Grants "to provide disaster relief and promote long term recovery" in the affected area, according to a summary of the bill prepared by Landrieu's staff.
There also would be $40 billion that an envisioned new "Pelican Commission" would use for Corps of Engineers hurricane and flood protection, coastal restoration and navigation projects."
Landrieu says she recognizes that the sum she and Vitter are seeking is large, but she says of the hurricane's aftermath, "It's not a local problem. It's not a state problem. It's a national tragedy and it needs an unprecedented national response."
The legislation also would allot $150 million to the National Park Service for historic preservation grants "to owners of historic structures and artifacts affected by Hurricane Katrina," says the bill summary. The non-federal matching share for the grants will be 25%, instead of the usual 50%.The non-federal match could be cash or services, labor or equipment. The program would be administered together with the State Historic Preservation Office and National Center for Preservation Technology and Training in Natchitoches, La.
In addition, the measure would provide $30 million to the Park Service for preservation grants for National Historic Landmarks, plus $8 million to technical assistance and training for people who want to restore historic property, and $20 million for the Trust's preservation services.
Can anyone say "Boondoggle"? How about "graft"?
I would much prefer they did not use a penny of taxpayer money. I have no obligation to pay for someone elses home, business or other entity, insured or not.
Every time the political class spends a billion dollars it costs each American $3.33. This is about $13.00 for each family of four, so a 250 billion price tag on Katrina costs each family about $3,300 on top of the $34,700 each family owes on the 2.6 TRILLION current annual federal spending budget. Just wanted to add some perspective. I think we'd all be better off if we elected drunken sailors to congress rather than the lawyers who presently control the purse strings. Drunken sailors at least stop spending when they run out of money.
I'd like to add that I'm not being cynical for cynicism sake - my large LA family was wiped out in Katrina. If I were Governor Blancstare I wouldn't campaign in St. Bernard Parish.
Oh, but we will continue to pay...both for the insured and the uninsured. Our taxes fund the federal flood insurance programs. And private sector insurance companies aren't going to pay for all of their claims without demanding some form of government bailout. We pay for that, too.
So if Louisianna gets 250 billion what is left for Alabama and Mississippi?
That's certainly an understandable reaction. My hope is that *the people* will find their voice and let their elected representatives know that "business as usual" is no longer going to get them re-elected.
I've watched politics long enough to know that any politician will respond to the people if his re-election is on the line. Time to cut spending and no longer tolerate copprution and waste...
The true cost of living there, if reflected in housing costs, would preclude the welfare class living in or around New Orleans. That alone would spark a renaissance there
If it's not economically viable, then it's not economically viable. End of story
Having a levee system strong enough to protect part of current New Orleans, such as the French Quarter, plus housing for Port of New Orleans workers, might be viable.
How much is the State of Louisiana going to kick in?
Maybe she'll punch me for saying this: not one dime of our money should be spent by or through any of the corrupt and depraved Democrats of LA.... I will support a substantial recovery package, but only if the money is kept out of the grubby paws of local officials.... of course, since that is virtually inconceivable, maybe I won't support a federal recovery package..... :^(
If you like I can get you a $2000.00 gift card from the Federal Government. All you need to do is trade your house, car and all belongings to my cousin from New Orleans who lost everything in Katrina. I am sure you would be more than happy to make such a deal with you.
Maybe he should have thought of having insurance, and/or not living below sea level.
It's not economically viable to this nation or your pocketbook to not rebuild and protect a port near the mouth of the Mississippi River. End of Story.
How about $250 billion in interest free loans. I could accept that.
We could also give Louisiana back to the Indians. They can finance the reconstruction with their casino profits.
IronMan04, forgive me if I'm wrong, but you seem to support the $2000.00 cards. Personally, I think $2000 isn't nearly enough. The federal government should certainly give each family $100,000 or maybe even $200,000. With that kind of money, the recovery would go much faster. Oh, there is the tiny matter of actually paying for such a generous handout plan, but, oh well, we can worry about that later. The most important thing is compulsory compassion!
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