[StBernard] E-Update From Senator David Vitter

[Westley Annis]

IN THIS ISSUE

REFORMING LOUISIANAS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
EXPANDING FLIGHT SERVICES IN NORTHWEST LOUISIANA
FIGHTING CRIME AND KEEPING OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE
RECOVERING FROM THE RECENT TORNADOES 

The first seven weeks of the new year in the U.S. Senate have produced
important ethics reforms and help for small businesses.  Now I am looking
forward to traveling around Louisiana during the President's Day recess.  As
I travel the state, I like hearing feedback from constituents so that I know
what you want me to focus on in Washington, D.C., to make life better for
all Louisiana families. 
 
Following you can read more about my work on strengthening Louisiana's
health care system, expanding flights to Northwest Louisiana, fighting
crime, the recent tornadoes and other key issues for Louisiana families. 

 David Vitter

P.S. - Please feel free to forward the newsletter to your friends, neighbors
and business associates, and encourage them to sign up for their own copy by
visiting my Web site at http://vitter.senate.gov/.  


Reforming Louisiana's Health Care System 

As we continue to rebuild from the tragedy of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita we
have decisions to make about how our health care delivery system
<http://vitter.senate.gov/?module=PressRoom/VittersView&ID=d74070dd-8e36-424
c-ab92-bef14188855b>  should be rebuilt - and we have an opportunity to
enact real change and positive reforms.  Recently, I wrote letters to both
Governor Kathleen Blanco and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Alphonso Jackson urging them to ensure that federal hurricane relief funds
for Louisiana health care be used in a way that supports reform and patient
choice.  And I welcomed the news that the Louisiana Legislature voted in
favor of real health care reform and rejected the Joint Budget Committee's
recommendation to spend $300 million in federal hurricane disaster funds to
build a new, large Charity Hospital building in New Orleans.

Health care money should go to people, not buildings or institutions.
Specifically, federal dollars and state funds should not flow solely into
public hospitals like Charity but should follow the patient to a variety of
health care settings to provide real choice. In doing so, all Louisiana
citizens - including our poor - should be guaranteed access, quality and
choice in health care services.


Expanding Flight Services in Northwest Louisiana 

I was pleased when American Eagle Airlines, an affiliate of American
Airlines, announced it will soon be adding a daily nonstop flight between
Shreveport Regional Airport and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.
This is great news for the Shreveport airport and the entire region.  

Northwest Louisiana is continuing to grow and prosper.  These additional
flights will open more doors for economic development and commerce,
connecting Northwest Louisiana to new markets around the country and the
world. 




Fighting Crim and Keeping Our Communities Safe 

Since Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans has struggled with an increase in
crime.  The U.S. Department of Justice
<http://vitter.senate.gov/?module=pressroom/pressitem&ID=ae480179-80bc-44f3-
a134-b2a2694427ac>  (DOJ) has offered support and assistance as law
enforcement officials rebuild their departments, and the DOJ recently
announced more help to continue the fight against crime as our recovery
efforts continue.  

Most recently, the DOJ has committed funds to pay for two victim assistance
specialists who can provide advice and support to victims and witnesses of
crimes.  The victim specialists will establish a regional victim's services
committee to lead and coordinate victims assistance efforts within Orleans
and Jefferson Parishes by providing training and outreach to communities and
local law enforcement offices, educating the general population about the
criminal justice process and providing essential advice and counseling
services.


Recovering from the Recent Tornados 

My heart goes out to all those who were directly impacted by the recent
tornadoes
<http://vitter.senate.gov/?module=pressroom/pressitem&ID=10c78fdf-1162-4e2c-
94be-b08d7e9aa3a3>  that struck St. Martin, Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.
It seems that we are faced with yet another challenge.  I met with Col. Jeff
Smith, the Director of Louisiana's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency
Preparedness, the day after the tornadoes and have toured the damage in
Westwego.  

I have pledged to help the state in any way to support its request for a
federal disaster declaration, and I am committed to helping families
affected by these terrible storms.