[StBernard] Washington Report from Rep. Richard H. Baker

Westley Annis westley at da-parish.com
Sat Nov 18 10:26:29 EST 2006


November 17, 2006

Thank you for signing up for Congressman Baker’s newsletter. Below are issue updates that you may find interesting. As always, please visit his website at http://www.baker.house.gov <http://www.baker.house.gov/> for the most up-to-date news and information on what Congressman Baker is working on in the Sixth Congressional District of Louisiana.

An Environmental Victory for Louisiana

Congressman Baker’s bill to improve the health of the entire Lake Pontchartrain Basin – from Lake Maurepas to the Mississippi Sound – passed the House of Representatives and Senate this week and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. This $100 million program will go a long way to restoring the vitality of our prized natural treasure. Click here <http://www.baker.house.gov/html/news_item.cfm?id=603> to learn more.

Efforts to Save the Baton Rouge-to-New Orleans Bus

Rep. Baker has made a bipartisan appeal for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reconsider its decision to discontinue financing for a special bus service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. In an Oct. 26 letter to Louisiana officials, FEMA announced that it would end financing for LA Swift, the bus service between New Orleans and Baton Rouge on Nov. 30, and would not extend money for additional bus service in the two cities. The Louisiana delegation sent a letter to FEMA on Wednesday asking for the agency to continue funding the important public transportation service between the two cities. Please click here for the full press release <http://www.baker.house.gov/html/news_item.cfm?id=605> .

Baker Announces $23,750 Grant for Slaughter Fire Department

Congressman Baker has announced that the Slaughter Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded a federal grant of $23,750 through the Department of Homeland Security. The award was granted as part of the Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety Program, which includes training, wellness and fitness, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, and modifications to fire stations and facilities. Visit the Congressman’s website to learn more <http://baker.house.gov/index.cfm> .

Louisiana Delegation Supports "Katrina Cottage" Application

Congressman Baker, joined by Louisiana’s entire congressional delegation, has written to Department of Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff in support of Louisiana’s application under FEMA’s Alternative Housing Pilot Program (AHPP), sometimes referred to as "Katrina cottages." Click here to view the letter <http://baker.house.gov/files/katrinacottages.pdf> . President Bush signed the fiscal year 2007 Homeland Security Appropriations bill in October which included legislative proposals by Rep. Baker to authorize the use of “Katrina Cottages” and other reforms of federal policy governing post-disaster long-term housing.

Traffic Watch

You don’t have to be in traffic to be reminded of the difficult conditions and congestion on Louisiana roads. But you can always be aware of congestion and construction by clicking here <http://www.baker.house.gov/html/content.cfm?id=251> for up-to-the-minute traffic conditions in the greater Baton Rouge area.

Planning to Visit the Nation’s Capital?

Washington, D.C., is a great place to visit and learn about our nation’s history, observe first hand the wheels of democracy, and to have a great time with the whole family. Click here <http://www.baker.house.gov/html/tours.cfm> to find out what Washington, D.C., has to offer you.

Join the Community Congress II on December 2nd

New Orleanians have the opportunity to come together on Saturday, December 2nd, to help steer the future of the city. Town meetings will take place in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Dallas, Houston and New Orleans on this date. Please click here <http://www.unifiedneworleansplan.com/home2/section/23-105/> for more information.





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