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Santorum Calls for a “Marshall Plan” to Rebuild Our Coast, Culture and Communities After Hurricane Katrina
Proposal outlines need for streamlining efforts into one agency and continued Congressional action to help families
September 8, 2005 - U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today proposed a recovery “Marshall Plan” to rebuild the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
“We need a plan to rebuild the coast, culture and communities along the Gulf Coast that were hit by Hurricane Katrina,” said Santorum. “The time to act is now to provide immediate relief for families and individuals to help them on the road to recovery.”
Senator Santorum proposed the establishment of a temporary stand-alone Hurricane Katrina relief agency led by an individual who would delegate, coordinate and implement the necessary aid and services for the period of time deemed necessary to ensure successful recovery efforts. The organization would oversee efforts to assist impacted families and individuals through the following initiatives:
· RELIEF - Providing the necessary resources to aid victims
· COORDINATION - Maximizing effectiveness and innovation
· SOCIAL SERVICES - Helping families, children and seniors with educational, health care, and housing needs
· ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Rebuilding infrastructure and creating jobs
· PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS - Using market forces for long-term success and to create opportunity
· CHARITABLE GIVING - Building on the generosity of Americans through charitable and religious institutions
Earlier today at a bicameral leadership meeting at the White House, Santorum discussed this proposal with President Bush.
Santorum also suggested that a successful recovery involves legislative initiatives to assist in the recovery and redevelopment processes. Congress has and continues to play an important role in passing supplemental funding requests as needed.
In addition, Santorum has worked extensively on legislative initiatives to empower families in need. As Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, he has worked extensively on a legislative agenda that fights poverty and helps Americans in need find jobs. One proposal, the CARE (Charity, Aid, Recovery and Empowerment) Act, aims to boost charitable giving and assist faith-based and community charities to help millions more people in need. The Work-Opportunity Tax Credit offers incentives for employers to help Americans to shift from public assistance programs to lives of self-sufficiency.
Next Tuesday, Santorum will chair a previously-scheduled hearing of the Subcommittee on Social Security and Family Policy of the Senate Finance Committee to hear testimony on "Charities on the Frontline: How the Nonprofit Sector Meets the Needs of America's Communities."
“At a time when many have lost their homes, we as Members of Congress have an opportunity to help many to rebuild their lives,” said Santorum.
“Although recovery will be a long process, by streamlining efforts and enacting corresponding legislation, we will make a good start toward assisting and empowering families and individuals who are trying to rebuild their lives,” Santorum concluded.
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