Heritage Foundation proposal for Rebuilding - Compassionate Conservatives? [View All]

[OregonBlue]

Long article that outlines private sector redevelopment along with federal assistance (if necessary??). This is what the Neo-Cons are planning for New Orleans.

http://heritage.org/Research/GovernmentReform/sr05.cfm

From Tragedy to Triumph: Principled Solutions for Rebuilding Lives and Communities
by Edwin Meese III, Stuart M. Butler, and Kim R. Holmes
Special Report #05
September 12, 2005 |

As Congress and the nation consider how to rebuild shattered lives and destroyed neighborhoods and businesses after the Katrina disaster, it is important that the need to take action swiftly does not lead to steps that cause dollars to be used inefficiently or to unwise decisions that frustrate rather than achieve long-term success. This makes it imperative that Congress keep the following guidelines firmly in mind.

• The federal government should provide support and assistance only in those situations that are beyond the capabilities of state and local governments and the private sector. State and local governments must retain their primary role as first responders to disasters. The federal government should avoid federalizing state and local first response agencies and activities.

• Federal financial aid, when necessary, should be provided in a manner that promotes accountability, flexibility, and creativity. In general, tools such as tax credits and voucher programs, which allow individuals and families to direct funds, should be utilized to encourage private-sector innovation and sensitivity to individual needs and preferences.

• Consistent with genuine health and safety needs, red tape should be reduced or eliminated to speed up private-sector investment and initiative in the rebuilding of facilities and the restoration of businesses. Regulations that are barriers to putting people back to work should be suspended or, at a minimum, streamlined.