The Hurricane Katrina emergency appropriation is a promising beginning. To accomplish its purpose the provisions of the legislation must be expanded to include the following: The establishment of a Right of Resettlement for all who want to return. The immediate establishment of an Emergency Free Communications Network with cell phones for all refugee families. The establishment of a Job Corps for able bodied refugees which mandates their priority hiring for jobs related to the cleanup and rebuilding. The establishment of Faith and Community Based Family Resettlement Projects to assist in the relocation of refugee families. The establishment of Family Resettlement Accounts for families who wish to relocate to some other part of the country. The establishment of an Emergency College Student Temporary Resettlement Program utilizing Colleges that volunteer to receive students. faculty and administrators. The provision of Impact School Aid for school districts where large numbers of refugee families are located. A mandatory review and revamping of the Corps of Army Engineers Master Plan for New Orleans. A federally funded initiative to establish "Fail Safe" Committees in local communities. In summary. Congress must act immediately to specify how the Hurricane Katrina appropriation will be spent. There is a clear and present danger that billions will be contracted out to Haliburton type corporations and refugees will receive only a very meager benefit. We members of Congress must remain vigilant to guarantee that no more official crimes will be perpetrated against New Orleans.
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refugees refugee