medic06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2006
www.gov.state.la.us CONTACT: DENISE BOTTCHER
RODERICK HAWKINS
225-342-9037


Gov. Blanco's response to President's comments on La.'s housing plan

"President Bush said today that he will not support additional funds to assist in the recovery of Louisiana because 'the plan for Louisiana hasn't come forward yet.' In fact, Louisiana has a well-designed bipartisan plan for reconstruction that the White House doesn't want to accept and very publicly rejected just Tuesday.

"That plan, approved by a large majority in a House committee, was sponsored by Republican Congressman Richard Baker and is supported by all members of the Louisiana delegation. It would enable Louisiana homeowners to avoid foreclosure and will prevent widespread suffering and financial ruin by Louisiana homeowners who simply put their faith in the integrity of levees built by the U.S. Government. The White House approach would only help one out of ten homeowners in Louisiana whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged.

"Administration officials do not understand the suffering of the people of Louisiana. If they did, the president could not reject a bipartisan plan that enjoys widespread support in Louisiana and in Congress. I believe that Congressman Baker's plan could be modified to meet the president's concerns and still serve the devastated people of Louisiana. Despite the president's rejection of the Baker bill, I will continue to work with Congressman Baker and other members of our congressional delegation to change the president's mind."


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The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation
Louisiana's Fund for Louisiana's People
www.louisianahelp.org 1-877-HELPLA1 (877-435-7521