Blanco: New Orleans deserves same reconstruction aid that federal government

Blanco: New Orleans deserves same reconstruction aid that federal government gives Baghdad

Gov. Kathleen Blanco is telling a U. S. House committee investigating Hurricane Katrina response that she hopes Congress recognizes "the gravity" of Louisiana's situation.
"If we can rebuild Baghdad, we can rebuild New Orleans," Blanco said in her prepared testimony that began at 9:56 a.m. CST.

She's asking Congress for specific help in five specific areas:

Strengthening the levee system and rebuilding coastal wetlands.

- Restoring housing.

- Special tax incentives to businesses and families.

- Increasing funding for health care.

- Providing financial support fordisplaced students and schools.

"Katrina was a natural disaster. The levees failing was a man-made disaster," Blanco said.

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