KIN - Katrina Information Network

Day of Presence Policy Agenda

Enough is enough! It's time for our community to stand up and take action. Together, we must push our national decision makers to redirect our tax dollars for relief and recovery...and nothing less.

They must adopt a comprehensive action plan that fully restores the area, its people and its infrastructure. Such a plan must include:

1. Funding for the rebuilding of the levees, for the safety of the people of New Orleans.

2. Expedited housing and job assistance for New Orleans residents so they can return home.

3. Adequate health care. No displaced child or adult should go sick, untreated or without medication because his or her state-based medical insurance is not valid in the state where they've been temporarily relocated.

4. Funding for mental health counseling and support services for those dealing with the aftermath of their loss.

March 15, 2010

Subject:

It has been two years since Katrina and Rita struck the Gulf Coast and tens of thousands are still displaced.  Key infrastructure has yet to be restored in many communities and we have yet to see an effective government response in the region.

Congress and the Administration must act now.

Research by the National Priorities Project (http://www.nationalpriorities.org/Cost-of-War/Cost-of-War-3.html) place costs for the Iraq war at over 450 billion dollars.  Expenditures for Gulf recovery has been significantly less and MSNBC reports that much of the money allocated to rebuilding infrastructure has not been expended due to matching fund requirements (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16992558/)

Given these pressing priorities, we must redirect public dollars domestically for a comprehensive regional action plan that fully restores the area, its people and its infrastructure.   Such a plan must include:

Total and world class flood protection, including restoration of wetlands, levee, pumps, and tax credits for households engaging in flood mitigation activities like raising their homes and using cisterns.

Comprehensive supports for the expeditious return of those displaced including stable, safe and environmentally sound housing, job assistance and other services.

Quality health services including mental health support and wellness care for every survivor, displaced or returnee in the process of rebuilding. No displaced child or adult should go sick, untreated or without medication because his or her state-based medical insurance is not valid in the state where they have been temporarily relocated or because services have not been re-established where they have returned.

Access to quality schools for every child.  It is a shame that there are many parts of the region that are “open for business” yet their schools are not open for children.  In New Orleans, thousands of children are still without schools and safe places to learn and play.  Our children must be a top priority, not an afterthought in recovery policy.

The Gulf needs comprehensive, dedicated resources immediately without unnecessarily complex procedures that do not further burden cash strapped survivors and their local jurisdictions.  As we commemorate the second anniversary of the disaster, I urge you to act decisively to finally address this national shame.

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