(See Hillary Clinton in 2008 Info Center Hub.)
6. COMBAT RISING CRIME, GIVE FIRST RESPONDERS NEEDED TOOLS
The murder rate in New Orleans has spiked, while the police ranks have dwindled.
Senator Clinton would provide sufficient COPS and Byrne Grant funding to put two hundred new police officers back on the beat in New Orleans, to fill vacancies in prosecutors’ offices, and to help the city deploy new crime-fighting technologies and methods in partnership with local community leaders.
Senator Clinton would also confront the challenge of interoperability by setting national communications standards and providing funds for equipment upgrades.
7. BUILD 21ST CENTURY SCHOOLS IN NEW ORLEANS
The schools in New Orleans suffered hundreds of millions in damage, and remain in various states of disrepair.
Senator Clinton would renovate and modernize school facilities through the Gulf Coast Corps. The Corps would also fill the large teacher shortage – officials are anticipating 650 vacancies alone in the Recovery School District.
In addition, Senator Clinton would direct the EPA to provide technical assistance through its “Tools for Schools” program to help New Orleans build modern school facilities that are energy efficient, free of lead, mold and other pollutants, and designed to maximize fresh air and sunlight.
8. REVITALIZE A LAGGING HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
A recent survey reported that more than a third of greater New Orleans residents reported less access to quality health care than before the storm.
As president, Senator Clinton would deploy the Gulf Coast Corps to rebuild hospitals and clinics, especially those that serve the under- and uninsured.
She would recruit health care workers – doctors, nurses, mental health professionals – through the Corps. And she would provide Community Mental Health Block Grants to address a growing mental health care crisis.
9. PROMOTE SMART DEVELOPMENT
In addition to supporting and extending federal incentives to stimulate a thriving Gulf Opportunity Zone and to support small businesses, Senator Clinton would direct federal agencies to provide technical assistance to help individuals and communities build energy-efficient “green” homes and buildings, environmentally friendly public transit systems, and modern parks and recreation areas.
10. REVAMP FEDERAL DISASTER RESPONSE
To avoid a repeat of the catastrophic failures of the Bush Administration, Hillary would immediately pursue two proposals she has offered in the Senate: elevate FEMA to cabinet-level status; and establish a Katrina/Rita Commission – modeled on the 9/11 Commission – to review what went wrong and what changes are necessary.
She would modify the Stafford Act to add a Catastrophic Annex and would direct FEMA to work with folks on the ground to develop preparedness and response plans and lines of authority. As president, she will be ready to respond the moment a disaster strikes.
(See Hillary Clinton in 2008 Info Center Hub.)
