Louisiana Goes After Federal Billions

washingtonpost.com ^ | Sep 26, 2005 | Michael Grunwald and Susan B. Glasser

[blogblogginaway]

Louisiana's congressional delegation has requested $40 billion for Army Corps of Engineers projects in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, about 10 times the annual Corps budget for the entire nation, or 16 times the amount the Corps has said it would need to protect New Orleans from a Category 5 hurricane.

Louisiana Sens. David Vitter (R) and Mary Landrieu (D) tucked the request into their $250 billion Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief and Economic Recovery Act, the state's opening salvo in the scramble for federal dollars.

The bill, unveiled last week, would create a powerful "Pelican Commission" controlled by Louisiana residents that would decide which Corps projects to fund, and ordered the commission to consider several controversial navigation projects that have nothing to do with flood protection. The Corps section of the Louisiana bill, which was supported by the entire state delegation, was based on recommendations from a "working group" dominated by lobbyists for ports, shipping firms, energy companies and other corporate interests.

[blogblogginaway]

Louisiana should not be 'given' one red cent without an overseer! The blatant corruption in that state is unprecidented and mind boggling!

[Mo1]

Louisiana Sens. David Vitter (R) and Mary Landrieu (D) tucked the request into their $250 billion Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief and Economic Recovery Act, the state's opening salvo in the scramble for federal dollars

Do these Fools realize that they aren't the ONLY STATE EFFECTED BY THIS STORM???

Can you say GREEDY ?!?!?

Also ... Louisiana should not get anymore money until we find out what the hell happened to all Billions of Federal Money they rec'd BEFORE the storm hit

[Last Dakotan]

All your pork is belong to us!

[johnmecainrino]

Haley Barbour has said Mississippi will pay its share compared to Louisiana with no leadership.

Blanco wants feds meaning tax payers to pay for all the salaries of Louisiana cops, firefighters, teachers.


Blanco is what dem big spending looks like. She wants another agency to get billions too.

[Marine_Uncle]

I fear the POTUS's speach a few weeks back has opened Pandora's box.

[Prime Choice]

Louisiana government has yet to accept any real responsibility for the debacle in their own backyard. Therefore, I say the money should remain in close Federal control with strict oversight and accountability put in place over the Louisiana screwoffs.

After all, if they can't tell where they went wrong, then they cannot be trusted to fix it on their own.

[afnamvet]

The Corps section of the Louisiana bill, which was supported by the entire state delegation, was based on recommendations from a "working group" dominated by lobbyists for ports, shipping firms, energy companies and other corporate interests.

Da hawgs are gatherin' at the trough.

[Mo1]

Blanco wants feds meaning tax payers to pay for all the salaries of Louisiana cops, firefighters, teachers.

Because the State of Louisiana is BROKE and have no money

They are one of the Biggest Welfare States in the Country

They days of Hughie Long are coming back to bite them in the rear end

[Ruth C]

They have already squandered monies that were provided. How about the fountain in place of work on levees? How about the billions for casinos, yachts, yacht harbors, condos that should have gone to the levees? You fixing the levees doesn't provide any place to continually get kick-backs, like the casinos, condos and yachts.

That headline should read Louisiana Robs Rest of US Citizens

[calrighty]

Get me Arnold Ziffel, NOW!!

[blogblogginaway]

Highlights of the Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief and Economic Recovery Act

http://landrieu.senate.gov/hurricanes/MasterSectionbySection.pdf

[Mo1]

I fear the POTUS's speach a few weeks back has opened Pandora's box

By law, thanks to Congress .. the Feds are responsible for 75% of the infrastructure

Meaning bridges, transportation and things like that

The President didn't say anything about the 200 Billion the press kept yapping about

And he also didn't give them a blank check with no accountability

The State is responsible for paying for the rebuilding also

Seems Fat Mouth Mary is ignoring that fact

[Sunsong]

It is so important that we oppose this! If we don't it could happen. Politicians love to spend other people's money.

[Calpernia]

Also ... Louisiana should not get anymore money until we find out what the hell happened to all Billions of Federal Money they rec'd BEFORE the storm hit

There, that is better. ^-^

BUMP

[Marine_Uncle]

Thanks for the corrective thought process. Wheeew. Glad to hear that. Have a good one, time for me to hit the sack.

[dr_who_2]

According to our honest, diligent press, Louisiana is Bangladesh and Ethiopia combined. It's called political opportunism. It's the Democrats' specialty. Especially with slimy career politicians from Louisiana. Bush needs a backbone. It's gotten so bad, even the spineless congressional Republicans are getting in front of him instead of cowering behind him.

[zerosix]

Not a farthing until they repay the millions that they have already received of the taxpayers (my) money and squandered on everything BUT their levees.

[diogenes ghost]

Does ANYONE think Dubya would actually veto any relief bill? No, I didn't think so. He has never vetoed a spending bill, and damned sure ain't gonna start now.

[Mo1]

It's gotten so bad, even the spineless congressional Republicans are getting in front of him instead of cowering behind him.

And those spineless congressional Republicans will have to face us the voters come election time

The Dems will NEVER vote for them .. regardless

And we Republicans will be paying attention and will remember their actions

[Americanwolfsbrother]

"The bill, unveiled last week, would create a powerful "Pelican Commission" controlled by Louisiana residents that would decide which Corps projects to fund, and ordered the commission to consider several controversial navigation projects that have nothing to do with flood protection."

Haven't we let Louisiana residents decide what to do with federal funds already? Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice and shame on me. Louisiana can have the $40 bil when they agree to let someone from anywhere but Louisiana control the funds and make the final decisions. The U.S. taxpayers nationwide should have to bail N.O. and Louisiana out every 40 years or so.