[StBernard] e update 6 24 09

[Westley Annis]

e-update
6.24.09


IN THIS ISSUE 
FIGHTING INTERNATIONAL BAILOUTS 
REWARDING INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEES FOR THEIR HARD WORK 
FIGHTING TO GET FEMA TO APPROVE V-ZONE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
GETTING READY FOR HURRICANE SEASON


This past month, I  introduced a bill to allow all workers to be rewarded
for their hard work, and I applauded FEMA's recent decision to allow
construction  projects in hurricane-damaged areas to proceed across
Louisiana.  I also  fought to keep more American tax dollars here in the
United States instead of  going overseas for foreign bailouts.

Below you can read about  these and other issues, such as getting ready for
hurricane season.

 

 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/.

 

This  month I met with President Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court,
Judge Sonia  Sotomayor.  The Judge had some trouble getting around following
an injury  to her ankle, but her sense of humor remained unharmed as she
appreciated me  offering her a bag of ice and a pillow. 

FIGHTING INTERNATIONAL BAILOUTS  

A few weeks ago, President  Obama met with member countries of the G20 to
discuss the state of the global  economy.  Following that meeting, Treasury
Secretary Tim Geithner proposed  a ten-fold expansion of an emergency
international fund that loans money to  bail out troubled countries like
Sudan.  The current program can issue a  loan of up to $50 billion, but
Geithner wants to expand that to $500  billion.  We would have to borrow
another $100 billion from China to bail  out these foreign countries, and
this makes no sense when we are already facing  record debt and millions of
Americans continue to struggle with employment here  at home.

The International Monetary Fund provides loans to countries that are
"troubled" or struggling to stay  afloat financially.  If the Obama
administration's plan passes, our tax  money could be loaned to countries
like Pakistan, Ukraine and Takijistan, as  well as other countries with
questionable allegiances to the United States. We  shouldn't be asked to put
the rest of the world's struggling economies on our  backs while we face our
own economic challenges here at home.  American  taxpayers already see a
generous amount of their hard earned money being lent  to foreign entities
each year in the form of other foreign aid like that which  goes to the
United Nations.  I intend to keep working with other concerned  senators to
help keep your hard-earned taxdollars at home, where they belong.

REWARDING INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEES FOR THEIR HARD WORK  


This month, I introduced the Rewarding Achievement and Incentivizing
Successful Employees (RAISE) Act, to allow employers to give merit-based
bonuses or other increases in compensation to employees above and beyond any
collective bargaining agreement in place. Currently, the National Labor
Relations Board can strike down bonuses and merit pay that have not been
negotiated by the unions. 

The RAISE Act would allow unionized companies to award raises and bonuses to
high performing employees, rewarding those individuals who make the extra
effort to achieve in the workplace. This bill embodies one of the most
important principles of our nation - that those who work hard are rewarded
for their efforts. Under current federal law, however, that principle is
rendered obsolete, and even the most lackluster employees receive the same
compensation as their hard-working colleagues. The RAISE Act would change
that and allow employers to award appropriate merit raises and bonuses
beyond those negotiated by the unions and their bosses. 

FIGHTING TO GET FEMA TO APPROVE V-ZONE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

FEMA has finally decided  to allow construction projects in Grand Isle,
Cameron Parish and other  high-risk flood areas of the state to move
forward.  This announcement  signals real progress for folks across the
state, and this is a huge  breakthrough for our ongoing recovery process.

I've been working closely  with FEMA on the V-Zone issue since January and
have repeatedly called on  officials to allow these projects to move
forward.  Last month, I held up  the nomination of Craig Fugate, President
Obama's selection to head up FEMA,  over concerns with FEMA's position on
V-Zone issues.  After meeting with  Fugate and receiving a letter of good
faith from FEMA that stated their intent  to reach a timely decision on the
V-Zone issue, I agreed to lift the hold. I've  been working with FEMA
closely to help them reach the right conclusion, and  they finally did just
that.  These communities have waited long enough,  and I know that they are
anxious to get on with the rebuilding process.

GETTING READY FOR HURRICANE SEASON

June 1 marked the  beginning of hurricane season, and it's important that we
prepare ourselves for  the hurricane season by taking appropriate steps to
ensure that our families  are ready to face the challenges of hurricane
season. As Louisianans, we are  acutely aware of how dangerous and damaging
these storms can be. Since it  is impossible to predict when disaster will
strike, making preparations early  is the best way to help ensure the safety
of our families.  Waiting until  the last minute during the most active part
of the season can have disastrous  results.

The National Hurricane  Center recommends that you create a plan for your
family, to include locating a  safe room or the safest areas in your home
for each hurricane hazard, making a  plan for your pets and taking first
aid, CPR or disaster preparedness  classes.  These are just a few of
examples of how you can best prepare for  the hurricane season.  Hurricanes
are part of life every year in  Louisiana, but advance preparations can help
reduce their impact on your  family.  I urge you to take hurricane watches
and warnings seriously.   Please plan ahead for your family's safety and
encourage your neighbors to do  the same.

For any other questions or concerns visit my Web site at:
www.vitter.senate.gov.