From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 00:01:52 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 23:01:52 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Question regarding SBP renters during Katrina Message-ID: <2d2e01ca5d0b$eccc0ee0$c6642ca0$@com> Is there any updated information that would help the displaced renters who were originally from St Bernard Parrish? It seems that they are still "the forgotten", four years after the Katrina Disaster. Most were dropped through the cracks by FEMA. There was never a roll made of those displaced by the flood that followed Katrina. Nor were they ever notified of the availability of help available by the various agencies. The most seriously neglected were the elderly renters who had minimum Flood Insurance and were not eligible for FEMA help .and those who had Renter's Homeowner Insurance and couldn't collect because the Insurance Companies said they didn't have to pay since the damage was "due to rising water" which wasn't covered by their Home owner's policy. Most of us were dropped from the rental assistance programs just months after the Flood. Many of us were personally self sufficient enough to find lodging in another state and many of us are still there living outside of Louisiana as our families are now spread across the Gulf Coast. The worst thing is, if you moved out of the "Flood Zone" you were dependent on your own sources for assistance. FEMA wouldn't even talk to you if you were from Louisiana and , say, now living in Florida. We were told to go back to Louisiana.if we required help. So I was just wondering are the files closed on any assistance for renters from St. Bernard Parish? Al From westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 00:04:30 2009 From: westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 23:04:30 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] St. Bernard Parish Council backs off on vote on apartments Message-ID: <2d2f01ca5d0c$4a9722d0$dfc56870$@com> St. Bernard Parish Council backs off on vote on apartments By Chris Kirkham, The Times-Picayune November 03, 2009, 10:05PM After pressure from federal housing officials and a pending lawsuit in federal court, the St. Bernard Parish Council on Tuesday officially rescinded an item on this month's special election ballot that would have given voters the chance to permanently ban large apartment complexes in the parish. The move came on advice from the parish's lawyers, who last month told the council that they believed the potential apartment ban would jeopardize federal financing for recovery projects and hurt the parish's appeals of its ongoing fair housing lawsuit. The council proposed the voter referendum on future apartment complexes after three defeats in federal court this year over its attempt to block construction of four 72-unit mixed-income apartment buildings in Chalmette. U.S. District Judge Ginger Berrigan sided with a local fair housing group and a Dallas real estate company on the four apartment complexes, and the parish eventually granted the building permits necessary for the developers, Provident Realty Advisors, to begin construction. The council's plan for the apartment referendum would not have applied to the Provident developments, but was crafted to allow voters to ban any future apartment complexes of more than six units. After the council called for the election, the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center filed a motion last month arguing that parish officials were again in contempt of court. The Parish Council unanimously voted to rescind the apartment ban from the ballot Tuesday, except for Councilman George Cavignac, who was absent at the time of the vote. There was no discussion during the meeting. Afterward, there were some strong words from Parish Councilman Wayne Landry, who said the only reason he voted to rescind the apartment ban was because officials from the Department of Housing and Urban Development had made it clear to Parish President Craig Taffaro that the parish could risk losing federal money for recovery projects if it continued to thwart multifamily housing. HUD controls both the low-income housing tax credits that are financing the mixed-income apartment developments and the Community Development Block Grant money that is being used to pay for projects such as a new hospital. "I'm not going to do anything to jeopardize the CDBG money for that hospital. Other than that, I would have been against this, because I think the judge was wrong," Landry said after the meeting. "I think we should have had the right to let the people decide what they want. We're losing our rights as a government to govern. That's what's happening." Taffaro added after the meeting that, "We're not giving up our position. We're trying to put ourselves in the best position for our appeal to be successful." Berrigan has put the housing group's request for a contempt order on hold, anticipating the council's decision to remove the apartment proposal from the ballot. Lawyers for the parish must notify her today of the council's decision. "The most important thing I think is that we need to get all this behind us to move St. Bernard forward," Councilman Kenny Henderson said after the meeting. "And I think that's what we're showing in repealing this. From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 07:17:17 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 06:17:17 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] The 11th Husband !! Message-ID: <2ddc01ca5d48$c06b81e0$414285a0$@com> The 11th Husband !!! A young man married a beautiful woman who had previously divorced 10 husbands. On their wedding night, she told her new husband to "Please be gentle; I'm still a virgin." "What ?" said the puzzled groom. "How can that be if you've been married ten times?" "Well, husband #1 was a Sales Representative; he kept telling me how great it was going to be. "Husband #2 was in Software Services; he was never really sure how it was supposed to function; but he said he'd look into it and get back with me. "Husband #3 was from Field Services; he said that everything checked out diagnostically but he just couldn't get the system up. " Husband #4 was in Telemarketing; even though he knew he had the order, he didn't know when he would be able to deliver.. "Husband #5 was an Engineer; he understood the basic process but he wanted three years to research, implement, and design a new state-of-the-art method. "Husband #6 was from Administration; he thought he knew how but he wasn't sure whether it was his job or not. "Husband #7 was in Marketing; although he had a product, he was never sure how to position it. "Husband #8 was a Psychiatrist; all he did was talk about it. "Husband #9 was a Gynecologist; all he did was look at it. . "Husband #10 was a Stamp Collector; all he ever did was........... God I miss him !!. "But now that I've married you, I'm so excited". "Wonderful", said the husband, "but why ? "You're with the " GOVERNMENT ". ... This time I KNOW I'M gonna get SCREWED." From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 07:20:49 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 06:20:49 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Incoming Fire Has the Right of Way Message-ID: <2ddd01ca5d49$3ea30fb0$bbe92f10$@com> Incoming Fire Has the Right of Way Clint Smith, Director of Thunder Ranch, is part Drill Instructor, and part standup comic. Here are a few of his observations on tactics, firearms, self defense and life as we know it in the civilized world. . "The handgun would not be my choice of weapon if I knew I was going to a fight....I'd choose a rifle, a shotgun, an RPG or an atomic bomb instead." . "The two most important rules in a gunfight are: Always cheat and Always win." . "Every time I teach a class, I discover I don't know something." . "Don't forget, incoming fire has the right of way." . "Make your attacker advance through a wall of bullets. I may get killed with my own gun, but he's gonna have to beat me to death with it, cause it's going to be empty." . "If you're not shootin', you should be loadin'. If you're not loadin, you should be movin', if you're not movin', someone's gonna cut your head off and put it on a stick." . "When you reload in low light encounters, don't put your flashlight in your back pocket... If you light yourself up, you'll look like an angel or the tooth fairy...and you're gonna be one of 'em pretty soon." . "Do something. It may be wrong, but do something." . "Nothing adds a little class to a sniper course like a babe in a Ghilliesuit." . "Shoot what's available, as long as it's available, until something else becomes available." . "If you carry a gun, people will call you paranoid. That's ridiculous.. If I have a gun, what in the hell do I have to be paranoid for." . "Don't shoot fast, shoot good." . "You can say 'stop' or 'alto' or use any other word you think will work but I've found that a large bore muzzle pointed at someone's head is pretty much the universal language." . "You have the rest of your life to solve your problems. How long you live depends on how well you do it." . "You cannot save the planet. You may be able to save yourself and your family." . More Excellent Gun Wisdom.......The purpose of fighting is to Win! . There is no possible victory in defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more important than either. . The final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental. . Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you. . If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck. . I carry a gun cause a cop is too heavy. . When seconds count, the cops are just minutes away. . A reporter did a human-interest piece on the Texas Rangers. The reporter recognized the Colt Model 1911 the Ranger was carrying and asked him 'Why do you carry a 45?' The Ranger responded, 'Because they don't make a 46.' . An armed man will kill an unarmed man with monotonous regularity. . The old sheriff was attending an awards dinner when a lady commented on his wearing his sidearm. 'Sheriff, I see you have your pistol. Are you expecting trouble?' 'No ma'am. If I were expecting trouble, I would have brought my rifle.' . Beware the man who only has one gun. He probably knows how to use it! . 'The true Soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because He loves what is behind him.' - G. K. Chesterton . A people that values its privileges above its principles will soon lose both. . 'Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not.' ~ Thomas Jefferson . "A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy." -- Samuel Adams If you believe in the 2nd Amendment, please forward. I just did. From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 07:26:32 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 06:26:32 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Rally Thursday Against Obama/PelosiCare Message-ID: <2de201ca5d4a$0b44c5e0$21ce51a0$@com> If you haven't heard, Speaker Pelosi will try to ram through the House a $1.3 trillion, 1990-page government-run health care bill this week. With our very freedom at stake, I have an important request to make of you: Come to Washington, DC this Thursday, November 5, at Noon for a nationwide "House Call" to protest this government takeover of our health care system. OR: If you can't make the trip to DC, join the protest by calling your Member of Congress' office on Thursday at Noon. I know coming to Washington, DC is a lot to ask, and I wouldn't be asking if I did not think it was critical. But this could be our only chance to stop the government from taking our freedom by taking over our health care. If you can make it to Washington, DC, Members of Congress will be holding a rally at noon on the East steps of the U.S. Capitol, followed by walking the halls of Congress and the Capitol office buildings to share your concerns directly with your representative and his or her staff. We're hoping as many people as possible responds to the "House Call" to demonstrate our strong opposition to Pelosi's plan for government-run health care. See more details here and RSVP for the "House Call" rally. The overwhelming outcry at the August town halls was a clear sign that the American people reject a government takeover of health care. But now it's as if Speaker Pelosi is pretending those town halls never happened. They are more determined than ever to ram through this legislation without listening to the wishes of the American people. Before the House votes later this week on spending $1.3 trillion to create a government-run healthcare system, we have another chance to make our voices heard. I hope you'll join the "House Call" this Thursday. Sincerely, Newt Gingrich General Chairman American Solutions P.S. Please RSVP and let us know if you're able to join the rally in Washington, DC or by calling Congressman's local district office. From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 07:39:12 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 06:39:12 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Question regarding SBP renters during Katrina Message-ID: <2dfe01ca5d4b$d03cdb20$70b69160$@com> Al, you bring up many good points. how do we reach out and contact displaced residents, how do we get available aid to them, etc. should FEMA and other assistance be closed to renters, one would hope our hearts are not the community center of st bernard, in arabi, has information on many programs. contact here: ccstbp at yahoo.com , ccstp at ccstbp.org cell (504) 617-2580 office (504) 281-2512 http://www.ccstb.org/ ---SJK -----Original Message----- Is there any updated information that would help the displaced renters who were originally from St Bernard Parrish? It seems that they are still "the forgotten", four years after the Katrina Disaster. Most were dropped through the cracks by FEMA. There was never a roll made of those displaced by the flood that followed Katrina. Nor were they ever notified of the availability of help available by the various agencies. The most seriously neglected were the elderly renters who had minimum Flood Insurance and were not eligible for FEMA help .and those who had Renter's Homeowner Insurance and couldn't collect because the Insurance Companies said they didn't have to pay since the damage was "due to rising water" which wasn't covered by their Home owner's policy. Most of us were dropped from the rental assistance programs just months after the Flood. Many of us were personally self sufficient enough to find lodging in another state and many of us are still there living outside of Louisiana as our families are now spread across the Gulf Coast. The worst thing is, if you moved out of the "Flood Zone" you were dependent on your own sources for assistance. FEMA wouldn't even talk to you if you were from Louisiana and , say, now living in Florida. We were told to go back to Louisiana.if we required help. So I was just wondering are the files closed on any assistance for renters from St. Bernard Parish? Al From westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 07:46:25 2009 From: westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 06:46:25 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Gov. Bobby Jindal to address St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce today Message-ID: <2e0301ca5d4c$d2665560$77330020$@com> Gov. Bobby Jindal to address St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce today By Bob Warren, The Times-Picayune November 04, 2009, 6:00AM Gov. Bobby Jindal will be in Chalmette to address the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce during a luncheon today. Jindal will discuss the local and state economy during the event at the St. Bernard Civic Auditorium, St. Bernard Parish government said in a news release. The presentation will begin approximately 12:15 p.m., the news release said. Reservations are required to attend the luncheon. "The chamber is honored to host the governor and we look forward to his address," 2009 Chairman Sean Warner said in the news release, "This will be a great opportunity for our chamber membership to gauge the progress and recovery we are making in light of the recent recession." St. Bernard Parish President Craig P. Taffaro will present Jindal with a presidential commendation at the event, the news release said. From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 08:55:06 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 07:55:06 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Group presses refinery lawsuit Message-ID: <2e4001ca5d56$6a5f1fb0$3f1d5f10$@com> FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2009 THE TIMES-PICAYUNE 8-3 SCAN COPY Group presses refinery lawsuit By Chris Kirkham St. Bernard bureau A St. Bernard Parish resi?dents group is asking a federal judge to allow them to proceed with a lawsuit alleging that the Murphy Oil refinery in Meraux has emitted far more pollutants than allowed under the Clean Air Act over the past five years. The group, Concerned Citi?zens Around Murphy, is repre?sented by the Tulane Environ?mental Law,Clinic. The lawsuit was initially filed late last year, claiming that Murphy Oil of El Dorado, Ark., had exceeded its permitted limits for emissions more than 120 times since late 2003. Attorneys for the group on Thursday filed a request for sum?mary judgment, asking U.S. Dis?trict Judge Sarah Vance to find that Murphy is responsible for at least 24 Clean Air Act viola?tions, and to allow the group to move forward with the case. Ultimately the group is asking for penalties of $32,500 a day for each violation. Attorneys for Murphy have not yet filed a response. An attor?ney for the company, Kerry Mill?er, said he does not believe the citizens group is a bona fide orga?nization that has standing to file the case against Murphy. Miller said a number of the violations cited in 2006 came as Murphy was coming back online after being shut down for nearly a year after Hurricane Katrina. He said the company will be able to defend those emissions. Concerned Citizens Around Murphy is registered as a non?profit with the Louisiana secre?tary of state's office . ???????? Chris Kirkham can be reached at ckirkham at timespicayune.com or?504.826.3321. From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 19:14:41 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:14:41 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Rally Thursday Against Obama/PelosiCare Message-ID: <30e601ca5dac$f892aa80$e9b7ff80$@com> " If you haven't heard, Speaker Pelosi will try to ram through the House a $1.3 trillion, 1990-page government-run health care bill this week " ... $1.3 trillion to create a government-run healthcare system. ----Newt Gingrich Jer Responds: Think all this is so farfetched? Was it farfetched only one year ago? I will say this. If the "Pelosi-Reid-OB-1" (stooges) get their way in the end, it will be the "death knell" (certainly) for these 3 and many others in Congress/Senate (if passed there). And, if it makes it to a signing bill, we'll have chaos and more division in the land from America falling to its knees from bankruptcy. You see, people who were once called "Democrats" , who became "liberals" and are now socialist in once was the greatest nation on earth has moved the nation so far to the left, it is/soon will be off the charts. Each are willing to self-sacrifice (aka body mutilation, acting as a radical terrorist blowing oneself up, kamikaze, throwing oneself into a blazing volcano to his/her god (no capitalization intended because it's an oxymoron and contradiction in Marxist philosophy who believe in the Almighty and Communism simultaneously), etc. They realize that this "ultimate" sacrifice to give their extremist duty will limit themselves politically to this term only. The outcry in the land will be too great against them as their cause for socialized medicine, bills to uphold homosexuality to the highest social status in our culture, will turn what was once the greatest, most blessed nation on earth into a nation of desolation and despair. It is the aim of socialists worldwide to achieve what they deem into a land of social order, one world government (watch what the upcoming Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen will do to unite a spark towards one-world unity) and civil strife. But if it turns out this way, They will have achieved perfection to their aim. Religions will perish, freedoms will falter. So let it be written, so let it be done at the cost of "God's Children" as prophesized. --jer-- From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 19:16:05 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:16:05 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] St. Bernard Parish Council backs off on vote on apartments Message-ID: <30e701ca5dad$2a9a6f90$7fcf4eb0$@com> "After pressure from federal housing officials and a pending lawsuit in federal court, the St. Bernard Parish Council on Tuesday officially rescinded an item on this month's special election ballot that would have given voters the chance to permanently ban large apartment complexes in the parish." Jer Responds: Thus begins the "cluster bomb" effect to St. Bernard Parish. Be the first on your block to have a multiplexed apartment springing up around you. I've seen it happen in New Orleans in the late 50's to early 60's. "Flight to the suburbs" were the outcries. Now, the "migration will be back to the country." Mr. Henderson says "put it behind you". We realize just the opposite. It will be forced before you! Another attempt at government control as the socialists turn freedoms into mandatory equality. When choices are made at government level to up heave the majorly democratic system, there is something seriously wrong, unnatural, immoral and distasteful to freedoms. Interpretation of constitution by judges were wrong this past 50 yrs. It's called legislating from the bench. --jer-- From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 19:17:21 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:17:21 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Frank Sends Letter on Derivatives to Gensler, Schapiro Message-ID: <30e901ca5dad$57ca6dd0$075f4970$@com> Frank Sends Letter on Derivatives to Gensler, Schapiro Washington, DC - House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) yesterday sent a letter to Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Gary Gensler and Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Mary Schapiro seeking their input on efforts to strengthen the derivatives legislation recently approved by the Committee. To read the text of Rep. Frank's letter, click here . ### From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 19:18:54 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:18:54 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Girlie wisdom Message-ID: <30ea01ca5dad$8f499510$addcbf30$@com> Girlie Wisdom! 1. A friend of mine confused her Valium with her birth control pills... she has 14 kids but doesn't really care. 2. One of life's mysteries is how a 2-pound box of chocolates can make a woman gain 5 lbs. 3. My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely. 4. The best way to forget your troubles is to wear tight shoes. 5. The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don't know what you are doing, someone else does. 6. The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your body and your fat are really good friends. 7. Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today. 8. Sometimes I think I understand everything, and then I regain consciousness. 9. I gave up jogging for my health when my thighs kept rubbing together and setting fire to my knickers'. 10. Amazing! You hang something in your closet for a while and it shrinks 2 sizes! 11. Skinny people irritate me! Especially when they say things like...'You know sometimes I forget to eat!'...Now I've forgotten my address, my mother's maiden name and my keys, but I have never forgotten to eat. You have to be a special kind of stupid to forget to eat! 12. The trouble with some women is that they get all excited about nothing and then they marry him. 13. I read an article that said the typical symptoms of stress are eating too much, impulse buying, and driving too fast. Are they kidding? That's my idea of a perfect day! SEND THIS TO 5 EXTREMELY BRIGHT WOMEN YOU KNOW AND MAKE THEIR DAY!!! LIVE SIMPLY.......LAUGH OFTEN.....LOVE DEEPLY You can tell the quality of a person by how they treat people they don't need. From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 19:24:21 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:24:21 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Financial Services Committee Approves Investor Protection Act Message-ID: <30eb01ca5dae$528040b0$f780c210$@com> Financial Services Committee Approves Investor Protection Act Washington, DC - Today, the House Financial Services Committee passed H.R. 3817, the Investor Protection Act, by a vote of 41-28. The legislation is part of a broader effort to modernize America's financial regulatory system and was introduced by Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski (D-PA), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises. "In order to maintain a sound economy, we must improve investor protection and confidence," said Chairman Kanjorski. "The Investor Protection Act aims to achieve these goals while also improving enforcement powers at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and implementing a fiduciary standard for broker-dealers and investment advisers to ensure that customers' interests are at the forefront of investment recommendations. Our financial system has failed far too many investors for far too long and we must change course. I believe this bill has the capabilities to address many of the problems we continue to face." A summary of H.R. 3817 follows: * Protecting Investors and Righting Wrongs. The financial crisis exposed the perils of deregulation. The Investor Protection Act will right these wrongs by reforming the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to strengthen its powers, better protect investors, and efficiently and effectively regulate our securities markets. * Comprehensive Securities Review and Reorganization. The failures to detect the Madoff and Stanford Financial frauds demonstrate deep deficiencies in our existing securities regulatory structure. An expeditious, independent, comprehensive study of the entire securities industry by a high caliber body will identify reforms and force the SEC and other entities to put in place further improvements designed to ensure superior investor protection. * Enhanced SEC Enforcement Powers and Funding. By doubling the authorized funding for the SEC over 5 years and providing dozens of new enforcement powers and regulatory authorities, the SEC will be able to enhance its enforcement programs and gain the tools needed to better protect investors and police today's markets. * Fiduciary Duty. Every financial intermediary who provides advice will have a fiduciary duty toward their customers. Through a harmonized standard, broker-dealers and investment advisers will have to put customers' interests first. * Whistleblower Bounties. A whistleblower bounty program will create incentives to identify wrongdoing in our securities markets and reward individuals whose tips lead to successful enforcement actions. With a bounty program, we will effectively have more cops on the beat in our securities markets. * Ending Mandatory Arbitration. Because mandatory arbitration has limited the ability of defrauded investors to seek redress, the SEC will gain the power to bar these clauses in customer contracts. * Closing Loopholes and Fixing Faulty Laws. The Madoff fraud revealed that the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board lacked the powers it needed to examine the auditors of broker-dealers. The $65 billion Ponzi scheme also exposed faults in the Securities Investor Protection Act, the law that returns money to the customers of insolvent fraudulent broker-dealers. The Investor Protection Act closes these loopholes and fixes these shortcomings. ### From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 19:36:49 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:36:49 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Honoring a True Louisianian Message-ID: <30f701ca5db0$10680440$31380cc0$@com> Dear Friends, This past week Louisiana lost a truly great man, former Governor Dave Treen. Governor Treen served our state as both Governor and as a member of the United State's House of Representatives, and his efforts to make Louisiana a better place for us all were only surpassed by his own kindness. I was honored to speak at his memorial service Monday, and I know that his service to our state will never be forgotten. We did, however, also welcome some good news last week. As Bloomberg reported, our "economy outperforms the U.S. as a whole.[and] Louisiana has maintained an unemployment rate below the national average since early 2006." Also our Department of Economic Development won an award for their innovations in attracting new opportunities, which, as the Baton Rouge Advocate reported, was awarded in "competition with hundreds of North American economic development groups. We welcomed the expansion of Orion Instruments in Baton Rouge, which represents a $5 million effort. Also, as I said in the Baton Rouge Advocate , Orion's expansion is "not only going to create 35 new jobs, it will also create an additional 61 indirect jobs." The project is estimated to generate more nearly $7 million in combined local and tax revenues over the next 15 years. Also, RoyOMartin Lumber Company has announced that they will speed up their proposed expansion in Chopin, offering new employment opportunities for many in Central Louisiana following IP's announcement that they will close their plant in Pineville. RoyOMartin's expansion will, as reported by the Alexandria Town Talk , "add between 40 and 50 jobs as part of a $10 million expansion to be finished in spring 2010." This is great news for the Alexandria area, and shows that the good we can do by working together to help our neighbors out. I traveled to Shreveport and Northwest Louisiana Sunday to survey the damage brought by last week's storms, and to offer the state's assistance to all the affected families. As reported by KTAL-TV , "We're continuing to work hand-in-hand with local parish and city officials to make sure their response and recovery needs are met." We will work swiftly and efficiently to ensure that the residents of Northwest Louisiana recover quickly from the storms. Sincerely, Governor Bobby Jindal From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 19:37:24 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:37:24 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Invitation to Read Health Care Bill Message-ID: <30f801ca5db0$253fb5c0$6fbf2140$@com> As you know, the U.S. House of Representatives recently introduced a 1,990 page health care bill, and I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know I have provided a copy of the bill for you to read at all of my eight office locations. * Acadiana Office - 800 Lafayette Street, Suite 1200, Lafayette * Southwest Office - 3221 Ryan Street, Suite E, Lake Charles * Baton Rouge/River Parishes Office - 858 Convention Street, Baton Rouge * Southeast Office - 2800 Veterans Boulevard, Suite 201, Metairie * Central Louisiana Office- 2230 South MacArthur Drive, Suite 4, Alexandria * Northwest Louisiana Office- 920 Pierremont Road, Suite 113, Shreveport * Northeast Louisiana Office- 1217 North 19th Street, Monroe * Washington, DC Office - 516 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC You may also access the health care bill and continuous updates to the bill and the debates on my website . This is a critical point in America's future, and I believe everyone should have access to the proposed bills. This access allows the public to be well informed during this debate and understand how this legislation will affect them. Again, do not hesitate to contact one of my eight offices or feel free to check my website, www.vitter.senate.gov, for up-to-date information on health care reform. From westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 19:43:09 2009 From: westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:43:09 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Gov. Bobby Jindal delivers $21 million check to St. Bernard Parish for hurricane recovery Message-ID: <30f901ca5db0$f2662c50$d73284f0$@com> Gov. Bobby Jindal delivers $21 million check to St. Bernard Parish for hurricane recovery By Bob Warren, The Times-Picayune November 04, 2009, 3:14PM Gov. Bobby Jindal came to St. Bernard Parish Wednesday, and he brought a big check with him. Jindal, in Chalmette to address the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce during a luncheon at the St. Bernard Civic Auditorium, presented an oversized check for more than $21 million to St. Bernard Parish President Craig Taffaro, payment of three grants to help finance the parish's ongoing hurricane recovery efforts. The largest of the grants, for $20.4 million, was from a pot of Community Development Block Grant money to reimburse the parish for the demolition of almost 1,000 homes destroyed when the levees failed during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, officials said. The federal recovery money will flow through the Louisiana Land Trust, which is financed by the Louisiana Recovery Authority and the Office of Community Development. The other grants were for $250,548 and $273,263 for work related to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008. Paul Rainwater, executive director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority, said he had committed to Taffaro many months ago that the agency would reimburse the parish for demolition of the houses. He said that at the time the parish had been told by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that the tab for the demolitions would not be covered by the feds. "We didn't want St. Bernard to lose momentum,'' by stopping its demolition program due to funding issues, Rainwater said. Taffaro said the parish greatly appreciated the efforts of the state to reimburse the demolition costs. Of Jindal, Taffaro said, "He's been an unbelievable supporter of St. Bernard Parish's recovery.'' Later, in his address to the Chamber, Jindal discussed the state's efforts to create a better environment for business and job growth. Jindal's visit was part of his "Louisiana Working Tour,'' a series of visits to each of Louisiana's 64 parishes to promote his job growth program. From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 19:44:58 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:44:58 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] here's a new sign for you from Casa D' Ice Message-ID: <30fa01ca5db1$33d0b1b0$9b721510$@com> I wanted to share with you the latest sign that I've posted outside of my restaurant. I Find It Amazing The Outcome Of Elections Without The "Help" Of ACORN 11-04-09 Follow me on Twitter Follow Me on Twitter Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Facebook Also, please Visit my Blog where you can comment and discuss issues with other people who love this country like I do. Click on the sign above to be taken to the site where you can see all of my famous signs ________________________________ Don't forget, almost all of our Signs are Available on T-Shirts, Bumper Stickers, Calendars, Coffee Mugs, etc. Click Here to Visit the Store Thanks for visiting, Bill Balsamico Owner, Casa D' Ice North Versailles, PA From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 19:46:25 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:46:25 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] House Votes to Speed Up Credit Card Reforms Message-ID: <30fb01ca5db1$67ae2120$370a6360$@com> November 4, 2009 House Votes to Speed Up Credit Card Reforms Maloney-Frank bill will implement credit card reforms immediately upon enactment Washington, DC - The House of Representatives today overwhelmingly approved legislation sponsored by Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Barney Frank (D-MA) that would push up the effective date of credit card reforms scheduled for next year to immediately upon the signing of the bill. Originally passed by Congress and signed into law by the President last spring, the Credit CARD Act had three staged implementation dates: August 2009, February, 2010, and August, 2010. H.R. 3639 moves up the remaining dates by which banks and credit card issuers would have to comply and applies to the largest card issuers that control over 80% of the credit card market. The bill passed by a vote of 331-92. Rep. Carolyn Maloney said, "Card companies have redoubled many of the abusive practices that brought Congress to pass my original reforms last Spring. Rather than use the time-- time they asked for-- since the bill's signing in May to prepare for the changes, they've raised rates and fees with absolutely no regard for the dire position of millions of their customers. "I believe the card issuers have heard the message loud and clear today: their practices can no longer be tolerated. These reforms are crucial changes which level the playing field between card issuers and card holders. The reforms force the credit card market to actually function as markets should: by open competition among card offerings, with clear disclosure of interest rates, fees and other features. It bans rate hikes on existing balances, deceptive due-date gimmicks, and requires consumer opt-in to over-limit fees-and allows consumers enough time to switch cards if other terms and conditions change," Maloney said. "Consumers, especially in this economy, cannot wait any longer for these protections. I am extremely pleased that this legislation passed today," said House Financial Services Committee member Rep. Dan Maffei (D-NY), who successfully offered an amendment today that will move the effective date of the bill to the date of enactment. The House also approved an amendment, offered by Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) and Betsy Markey (D-CO), permitting card issuers that adopt a moratorium on interest rate increases on current balances and new balances incurred before Feb. 22 to be exempt from the earlier effective date for a provision that requires an issuer to apply customer payments to the highest rate balance. Today's bill also would exempt small credit card issuers that frequently outsource computer programming functions, and gift card providers, due to the fact that gift cards have already been printed and shipped for the 2009 holiday season. Both would have to comply with the later deadlines previously laid out in the Credit CARD Act. The bill now goes to the Senate, where Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO) has introduced companion legislation (S. 1833) and Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Chair of the Senate Banking Committee, has introduced an immediate moratorium on retroactive rate increases (S. 1927). The provisions which will take effect immediately upon enactment include: * Prohibits arbitrary interest rate increases and universal default on existing balances; * Prohibits issuers from charging over-limit fees unless the cardholder elects to allow the issuer to complete over-limit transactions, and also limits over-limit fees on electing cardholders; * Requires payments in excess of the minimum to be applied first to the credit card balance with the highest rate of interest; * Prohibits issuers from setting early morning deadlines for credit card payments; * Prohibits interest charges on debt paid on time (double-cycle billing ban); * Requires issuers extending credit to young consumers under the age of 21 to obtain an application that contains: the signature of a parent, guardian, or other individual 21 years or older who will take responsibility for the debt; or proof that the applicant has an independent means of repaying any credit extended; * Requires penalty fees to be reasonable and proportional to the omission or violation. * Requires that creditors periodically review all interest rate increases since January 2009 and reduce rates when a review indicates that a reduction is warranted. These provisions already took effect last August 20th: * Provide increased written notice to consumers of any increases in the interest rate or otherwise makes a significant change to the terms of a credit card account; * Inform consumers of their right to cancel the card before the rate hike goes into effect; * Send statements to consumers 21 days before the due date of any payments. ### From westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 19:48:55 2009 From: westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:48:55 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Renters Message-ID: <30fc01ca5db1$c0c2b1e0$424815a0$@com> I feel this pain...I am one myself! Bianca --------------------------------------------------- Is there any updated information that would help the displaced renters who were originally from St Bernard Parrish? It seems that they are still "the forgotten", four years after the Katrina Disaster. Most were dropped through the cracks by FEMA. There was never a roll made of those displaced by the flood that followed Katrina. Nor were they ever notified of the availability of help available by the various agencies. The most seriously neglected were the elderly renters who had minimum Flood Insurance and were not eligible for FEMA help .and those who had Renter's Homeowner Insurance and couldn't collect because the Insurance Companies said they didn't have to pay since the damage was "due to rising water" which wasn't covered by their Home owner's policy. Most of us were dropped from the rental assistance programs just months after the Flood. Many of us were personally self sufficient enough to find lodging in another state and many of us are still there living outside of Louisiana as our families are now spread across the Gulf Coast. The worst thing is, if you moved out of the "Flood Zone" you were dependent on your own sources for assistance. FEMA wouldn't even talk to you if you were from Louisiana and , say, now living in Florida. We were told to go back to Louisiana.if we required help. So I was just wondering are the files closed on any assistance for renters from St. Bernard Parish? Al From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 19:49:33 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:49:33 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Governor Jindal Awards Over $21 Million in Grants to St. Bernard Parish Message-ID: <30fd01ca5db1$d7cab0e0$876012a0$@com> Governor Jindal Awards Over $21 Million in Grants to St. Bernard Parish CHALMETTE - Today, Governor Bobby Jindal awarded three grants totaling $21,010,514 to St. Bernard Parish that will go towards hurricane recovery efforts and hazard mitigation. Governor Jindal awarded the funds to local officials in a ceremonial check presentation during an address to the St. Bernard Parish Chamber of Commerce in Chalmette as part of his "Louisiana Working Tour." The first grant is a commitment of $20,486,703 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to allow St. Bernard parish to pay for the demolition of blighted homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina in the parish that FEMA would not cover. The federal recovery funds will flow through the Louisiana Land Trust, which is funded by the Louisiana Recovery Authority and the Office of Community Development. Governor Jindal said, "When FEMA refused to reimburse St. Bernard Parish for these demolitions, we were determined they not be stuck paying this bill. We fought to cut through the red tape to get funding. We're happy to announce funding that will go towards the demolition of more than 750 blighted structures that served as old wounds and reminders of the destruction of Hurricane Katrina and would have burdened the parish's effort to attract new businesses to the parish." St. Bernard President Craig Taffaro, Jr. gave Governor Jindal a framed commendation at the luncheon sincerely thanking him for all of his support in St. Bernard's growth and recovery efforts. President Taffaro said he was truly grateful for the check to cover completed recovery work. "This is for the reimbursement of costs that have already been incurred because of demolition work that has been completed. This will pay contractors for work that they have been waiting for up to 18 months. This has nothing to do with operations." The second and third grants include a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) totaling $250,548 and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding totaling $273,263 that are related to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Governor Jindal said, "Folks in St. Bernard Parish know firsthand the devastation a hurricane can cause and the frustrating recovery process that often follows. After Gustav and Ike hit last year, we vowed to cut through the red tape and help people get back on their feet as quickly as possible. We followed through on that pledge by rejecting a one-size-fits-all program in Baton Rouge and instead, we decided to distribute funds directly to parishes so officials on the ground could have the flexibility to make their own rebuilding decisions and preparations for future storms." The Governor said St. Bernard Parish received $250,548 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to aid the recovery efforts from hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which caused widespread housing and infrastructure damage last year. Damage levels were determined for each parish based on HUD analysis of FEMA damage assessments. To use federal CDBG funds, states must present action plans for federal approval. HUD already approved Louisiana's first action plan for using these funds. Governor Jindal said the parish received $273,263 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding to support local hazard mitigation projects to protect St. Bernard from future damage following Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Unlike HMGP funds given to Louisiana after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, this HMGP funding comes with a requirement for local and state governments to pay matching costs, meaning the federal government pays 75 percent of the costs, with local or state government required to pay for 25 percent of the cost of the projects. Louisiana has repeatedly requested that federal government waive or lower the state and local match requirement, given the scope of the destruction wrought by four storms in three years. ### From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 19:49:42 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:49:42 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Parish President Craig Taffaro to Host Radio Town Hall Meeting tonight, Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 7 to 8 p.m. Message-ID: <30fe01ca5db1$dcec7900$96c56b00$@com> Parish President Craig Taffaro to Host Radio Town Hall Meeting tonight, Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 7 to 8 p.m. Proposed Fee for Services on Ballot in St. Bernard View on Channel 76 and listen to parish's AM radio station 1680-AM St. Bernard Parish President Craig P. Taffaro, Jr. will host a Radio Town Hall meeting tonight, Wednesday, November 4 from 7 to 8 p.m. to discuss the proposed $20 per month fee on the November 14 ballot. Residents may call 504-278-4227 during the broadcast with questions for President Taffaro. The meeting will be broadcast live on Parish Government Access Channel 76 and on the parish's AM radio station, 1680 AM. ### From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 22:49:55 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 21:49:55 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Governor Jindal Awards Over $21 Million in Grants to St. Bernard Parish Message-ID: <315c01ca5dcb$09e81770$1db84650$@com> As the Kingfish of Amos 'n Andy fame might rejoice with: "Great Day in da Mo'anin'!!! Good goin' Gov!! God knows da money's needed! ---jer--- Ps. Just don't use it towards a 72 unit multiplex set of apartments!! As it is everyone has to take a second and third dose of Kaopetate! From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 4 22:54:36 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 21:54:36 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] An Important Invitation from Congressman John Fleming, author of H Res 615 Message-ID: <315d01ca5dcb$b1a33d50$14e9b7f0$@com> November 04, 2009 As one who subscribed on my website for information regarding the health care debate, I would like to invite you to an important health care webcast I will be conducting LIVE on Thursday, November 5th at 7:00pm EST. I will be discussing the latest House Leadership healthcare takeover plan, what the vote this week is looking like, and how I have put forward H Res 615 as an amendment. If you would like to join us Thursday evening, click HERE . If you would like to ask me a question during the webcast, you can email me at: Dr.JohnCFleming at gmail.com . In addition, I would like to take this opportunity to make you aware of the "America Makes a House Call on Congress" event taking place on the Capitol steps this Thursday, Nov 5th at noon. This is a great opportunity for the American people to make sure Washington hears their voices of one final time before the upcoming health care vote. I will be at the event and am encouraging any who are able to join us to do so and let the Democrat leadership know what you think about government-run healthcare. I hope you can join me for both events this Thursday. I look forward to continuing to serve America as I work here in Congress for conservative causes and hope that you will let Congress know what issues are important to you. For more information please visit my website at fleming.house.gov .