[StBernard] Louisiana Sheriffs Association Endorses

[Westley Annis]

April 20, 2007	 
 	 
Louisiana Sheriffs Association Endorses

Earlier today, I was incredibly honored to receive the official endorsement
of the Louisiana Sheriffs Association. The Louisiana Sheriffs Association
represents 65 sheriffs from all over the state, only eight of which are
Republicans. The Louisiana law enforcement community, Republicans and
Democrats alike, is clearly committed to energizing our government to create
progress in the areas of economic development, education, and health care
which have lacked much-needed advancement for too long.

In their endorsement press release, Louisiana Sheriffs Association President
Hal Turner said quote, Congressman Jindal has demonstrated an unerring and
determined dedication to the higher good of law enforcement, antiterrorism,
the criminal justice system and the people of Louisiana.

Their endorsement of my agenda to bring a fresh start to Louisiana adds an
incredible jolt of energy to the building momentum for change in this state.
I am humbled by the confidence and support of these leaders and look forward
to their partnership.

Coastal Protection Prevails

I voted yesterday to pass the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) in the
U.S. House, which I am pleased to announce, authorizes funding for the very
important Morganza to the Gulf project. Last week, I sent a letter to the
President after the White House signaled their potential opposition to the
project, detailing the essential hurricane protection measures the project
will provide for Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes.

Thankfully, after receiving the letter, the White House rescinded their
objection to the project being included in the WRDA legisation, while noting
they still had concerns about the plan. Although I certainly would have
preferred an unqualified endorsement for the project from the
Administration, I am very pleased the Morganza to the Gulf plan is now being
funded in order to better protect citizens and industries in the bayou
region.

The passage of WRDA reflects the national importance of protecting the
coasts of Louisiana. I am urging my colleagues in the Senate to quickly send
this bill to the President for his signature, so we can bring home the more
than $2 billion in funding to restore coastal wetlands in our state over the
next decade.

This legislation authorizes funding for the Morganza to the Gulf project, a
plan for the closure and environmental restoration of the Mississippi River
Gulf Outlet (MRGO), the Inner Harbor Navigational Canal Lock, Ouachita River
Levees, the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway System, and the Red River Below
Denison Dam. We need to get to work on these projects now. The last time
this type of legislation was signed into law was in 2000, and we no longer
have the option of waiting.

Jindal Amendment for Small Businesses Succeeds

An amendment I offered on the U.S. House floor this week to provide small
businesses affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita with the option of
receiving a four year deferment on paying back their disaster loans was
successfully passed. The amendment was adopted as part of the Relief for
Entrepreneurs: Coordination of Objectives and Values for Effective Recovery
(RECOVER) Act (H.R. 1361), which passed the House by a margin of 267-158.
The original version of this bill only extended the deferment period to
victims of future disasters. My amendment applies this option to those
businesses severely affected by the 2005 hurricanes.

The RECOVER Act gives the Small Business Administration (SBA) the authority
to offer grants up to $100,000 for businesses severely affected by the 2005
Gulf Coast hurricanes, and is likely to distribute an estimated $180 million
to small businesses damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The legislation
also contains a provision directing the SBA to establish a program to
administer immediate short-term loans to small businesses damaged in
disasters.

As we continue to rebuild our state, it is critical for us to give our small
businesses the resources they need to create and maintain jobs right here in
Louisiana. By allowing those small businesses that received disaster loans
to defer their repayment, more money is freed up for them to use for
rebuilding, expanding, or continuing to hire new employees. Helping our
small businesses helps re-grow our economy and provide greater economic
opportunities for our state.

Get Involved

Mark Your Calendars: We need your help next Saturday, April 28th, for our
Super Saturday Doorbelling Day. You can help my campaign by going
door-to-door to tell your neighbors about my agenda for a fresh start for
our state. Stay tuned for more details!

Thank you for your continuing support and please contact my office if you
need any assistance in the coming days,

Bobby