[StBernard] An Important Update from Bobby

[Westley Annis]

An Update from Bobby	 
May 17, 2006	 
Dear friends, 

I wanted to take a moment to provide you with one of my regular updates on
the important issues that Congress is currently working on, and let you know
about the work I am doing for Louisiana. 

Working to lower energy prices

We are continuing to make progress as we fight for Louisiana's fair share of
the energy royalties that our state produces each year. My bill, the
"Domestic Energy Production through Offshore Exploration and Equitable
Treatment of State Holdings Act of 2006" (H.R. 4761), now has 95 co-sponsors
representing 31 states! 

This bill will bring Louisiana up to 75 percent of energy royalties produced
offshore, which will mean more than $10 billion for the state in just the
first 10 years of the program. That amount grows to more than $28 billion
over the first 20 years and $50 billion over the first 30 years of the bill.

Not only will this help Louisiana, but it will be a huge boost in the
efforts to lower energy costs throughout the nation by ensuring more
reliable domestic sources of energy.

I am very excited to see the momentum this legislation has gained day after
day. Nationwide, people are beginning to recognize what we in Louisiana have
known for generations--that our contributions to the nation's energy supply
cannot be overstated. I will keep fighting until this money is a reality. 

Fixing FEMA 

In my efforts to continue to address the problems at FEMA, I recently
unveiled a 10-point plan to reform our nation's emergency response and fix
the problems that were highlighted during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

As everyone in Louisiana knows, there was often no communication or
coordination between the state and federal government in the aftermath of
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This resulted in a delay in saving lives and
providing individuals on the ground with much-needed assistance. My 10-point
plan addresses these downfalls so that the confusion and chaos of last
year's hurricanes will not be repeated.

Specifically, my plan will:

- Restore FEMA as an independent cabinet level agency
- Ensure a strong command structure
- Coordinate local, state, and federal response efforts
- Create disaster response teams for the front line of response
- Establish a long-term recovery office in Louisiana
- Minimize government waste and abuse
- Enhance interoperability and emergency communications
- Establish pre-negotiated contracts for a more effective response
- Create an inventory program to better assess individual community needs
- Hire trained, professional staff for recovery efforts to minimize turnover


Louisiana was devastated not only by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, but also
by the failure of the state and federal government to respond in a speedy
and effective manner. With hurricane season just weeks away, we cannot stand
idly by and hope for the best. We must pursue real reform to protect the
people of Louisiana in case of another disaster.

You can view the complete plan on my website at www.Jindal.house.gov.

Getting closer to more funding for Louisiana

A huge bill that could provide billions of dollars for Louisiana has moved
one step closer to passage. The House and the U.S. Senate have both passed
an emergency supplemental bill that covers everything from funding for
Louisiana's fisheries to money for levee repairs and flood protection. Now
the House and Senate will work out the differences in the two bills and send
the legislation to the President for his signature.

This money will be a huge boost to the recovery process in Louisiana. With
hurricane season rapidly approaching, we must do everything possible to
ensure that Louisiana is ready, and this money will go a long way toward
making that happen. 

Celebrating with the kids

Two years ago, I asked for your prayers when our newborn son had to undergo
open heart surgery. Recently, we celebrated his 2nd birthday with a party
and I wanted to update you on his condition. Although he still needs
medication, he is very healthy and growing like a weed. He has even gotten
into the spirit of fighting back when his older sister tries to boss him
around too much. His birthday party was a great time to celebrate, and a
wonderful reminder of what is truly important in life. 

I hope everyone celebrated a happy Mother's Day with family. My own daughter
asked when we celebrate Sister's Day. I told her what my parents used to
always tell me, namely that every day is Children's Day!

I will keep you informed as more happens in Washington, D.C., but as always,
please feel free to contact my offices to share your views and concerns.

Sincerely,

Bobby Jindal 

Paid for by The Committee to Re-Elect Bobby Jindal, Inc.