Representative Neil Abramson of New Orleans who last week wrote a letter criticizing Governor Jindal's veto of Abramson's transparency legislation that would have affected government officials and Governor Jindal, again vehemently opposed a Jindal veto of legislation that would have helped to reduce a very sore subject in New Orleans--a camp of homeless individuals underneath a very popular intersection in the city.

Here is Abramson's e-mail to Bayoubuzz: 

It is mind-boggling that Governor Jindal vetoed my appropriation request for $50,000 to Unity of Greater New Orleans.  That was my only request in the entire $30 billion appropriations bill before the Governor. The request clearly met the Governor's self-imposed standards for appropriation requests, and the Governor did not even contact me prior to the veto to allow me to respond to any concerns he may have had.

This appropriation to Unity would have taken 44 people off the streets of New Orleans, who are currently living under the Claiborne Street overpass near the French Quarter and Central Business District.  This appropriation request satisfied the Governor's transparency requirements because it was submitted at the commencement of the legislative process on the budget and was subject to full openness and public debate throughout both legislative chambers.  This request also met the Governor's other standards as this funding directly addressed the housing shortage following Hurricane Katrina.

The enormous amount of relief effort following Hurricane Katrina at all levels of government is an easy testament to the substantial impact and priority of this housing problem.  The federal government in fact appropriated to the State of Louisiana $74.5 million dollars two years ago specifically for housing needs, and the State dedicated those monies to the Katrina Cottage Program. Despite having the money for two years, the State has not built one cottage or housed one person with that money. This appropriation to Unity, which is less than .01% of the Katrina Cottage money, would have immediately provided housing for 44 people. Many of these citizens have jobs but simply cannot afford the sky rocking costs of housing. 

In addition to critical housing needs, this funding also had direct state and regional impacts in other areas.  The Claiborne Overpass is at the edge of the French Quarter and the Central Business District and near the heart of the "biomedical corridor" in Downtown New Orleans. Seeing our citizens sleeping on the street and reflecting that our State has not solved the housing shortage following Hurricane Katrina directly impact tourism, economic development and rebuilding.  Fixing this housing problem is vital not only for New Orleans but also for the rebuilding and economic development of the entire state.

It is a shame the Governor vetoed this critical appropriation. The State has already proved its impotence at addressing the housing crisis following Hurricane Katrina despite multi-million dollar appropriations which have languished for years. Brad Pitt has built more houses for us than our own government!  This appropriation to Unity would have immediately, economically and effectively addressed this issue.  Governor, where is your plan?