June 2006 Congress acts(?)  then adjourns

On June 29, 2006 , in a landmark vote, the US House of Representatives approved by a vote of 232 (192 republican, 40 democrat) to 187 (31 republican, 155 democrat) H.R.4761 which would give coastal states including Louisiana a share of the offshore royalties from energy production in the OCS. Jindal did a fantastic job of dealing with objections from Rep Markey (Mass), positioning the bill so successfully that he had 114 cosponsors and got Yea votes from 42 states. His continuing comments that the nation needs an energy policy is a bright spot on the landscape.

The Senate is expected to consider the bill in July. Opposition from New Mexico Senators and Energy Committee leaders Bingaman and Domenici as well is possible. The RestoreWetlands.com letter writing campaign from Louisiana citizens directly to New Mexico citizens asking for their support may be bearing fruit.

CDBG money has been approved and the LRA is gearing up to distribute the funds to homeowners at up to $150,000 each for uninsured losses. Some money is reserved for renters. Louisiana has let a $750 million contract to ICF International to administer the program.

Entergy is struggling with summer power outages and the city is rattling sabers rather than offering olive branches. FERC is getting involved in the rate issues as other Entergy companies have begun questioning their positions. If New Orleans can't find a way to make Entergy whole (or nearly so) I expect trouble.

Other utilities are struggling with their infrastructure. The S&WB is rewinding motors at its pumping stations as fast as it can. Two thirds of the drinking water they are pumping is leaking out of the pipes before it reaches customers.

Acorn is suing HUD over the closure and planned demolition of four public housing projects. The debate continues across the city whether the poor have the right to be restored into their "free housing." Some advocates claim an inalienable right to return home. Pragmatists ask whether the city can provide services to support a poor and marginally productive population of single mothers and elderly. Testimony from 30-40 year tenants of public housing show the system is not working.  The FEMA trailer debate is quiet for now.

Crime is up and recent events prompted the mayor to request additional help from the state in the form of State Police and National Guard troops in the city to help the local police. The Criminal Justice System remains disfunctional and the mayor has appointed a coordinator (past La. Attorney General, Richard Ieyoub) to get the processes between police, DA and courts working more smoothly. The state is moving to consolidate the N.O. criminal and civil courts. Regional crime has experienced an uptick as well and St. Tammany parish officials are worried that enforcement in New Orleans is driving the thugs their way.

City land use planning is at a standstill even as billions of CDBG dollars are about to start flowing into the city. FEMA maps and advisories are in place. Many neighborhoods have tried to start some independent planning efforts. Lakeview is rebuilding but the jack-o-lantern effect is pretty strong. Gentilly held some sessions with Andres Duany. Broadmoor is trying. The East is uncertain although the Vietnamese are back and in a battle over a reopened dump site close to their community. The lower ninth above Claiborne remains deserted. It's just the big picture that's missing.

The health care crisis is still brewing. Lack of compensation for indigent care is obvious. Tenet just announced its intention to sell four hospitals including Meadowcrest, Memorial, Boggs, and Kenner.

The hospitality industry is doing well. The 19,000 person library convention was a success with only the reduced air schedules presenting any sort of a problem.