Bush will push the burden of Katrina onto family & friends. We need a law

[HereSince1628]

Over the months and year family, friends and others will provide shelter, food, medicine and transportation to the victims. Probably in excess of $2.5 billion (think about a minimum of $50 per person per week to 1 million people).

IMHO, among all the many other needs that need to addressed, Congressional Dems need to push a change in the 2005 federal income tax law to help people providing shelter to claim victims of Katrina as temporary dependents AND recieve a special tax credit.

This needs to be done pretty quickly to get onto 2005 tax forms and to allow the caregivers to immediately take as tax-free from their paychecks up to $50 per week per person in their care and shelter.

[JDPriestly]

1. Great idea. Kick!

[MindPilot]

2. I posted this yesterday, but it sank like *'s approval

Now that Americans are doing what their governments can't or won't at the very least they should smooth the path. People are going to be relocating all over the country, and they are going to need a LOT of help. I propose a sort of omnibus help-give-Katrina-victims-a hand-up bill that will make it easy for the victims to get help, make it easy for people to provide it and reward those who do. And who knows maybe some will be able to start a new life free of the chains of poverty.

Let's create list of suggestions of things that should be in the bill that we can all send to our reps.

Katrina victims will get "head of the line" privileges for any public assistance.

Set up a quick registration/ID/processing program so the evacuees can be directed into more permanent housing.

Free medical care. Any Katrina victim should be able to go to any medical facility, show their ID and get treated. The Dr simply bills the Federal Katrina Medical Care Service.

Allocate funds for transportation of victims to locations where housing has been offered.

Waive state and local residency requirements which might interfere with schooling, obtaining driver's licenses, etc.

Give employers tax incentives to hire Katrina victims

Tax credits for expenses incurred helping Katrina victims

Waive tuition for community colleges and state universities

Require employers--especially big companies--to allow employees up to say 4 weeks of PAID time off to volunteer to help in any capacity.

[MindPilot]

3. kicked and nominated

[HereSince1628]

4. Would someone over Madison way send this to Tammy Baldwin

please. Her contact page at house.gov doesn't accept my Wauwatosa zip code.

Thanks