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Congress in the Aftermath of Hurricanes
Posted by on September 27, 2005
Mr. Speaker, in the aftermath of the two hurricanes,
Katrina and Rita, the question comes up, how do we evaluate the Federal response and how do we learn from the events of the past 4 weeks? How do we protect our country going forward? There are some in this body who have called for a special commission to conduct that inquiry, a special commission as opposed to a congressional inquiry. But I believe that Congress not only has the duty, I believe Congress has the constitutional obligation to undertake that process. In fact, Mr. Speaker, this is one job that is too important for the other side to outsource. In order for this to work, that is a Congressional inquiry, it is going to require participation from both sides of the aisle. It is not healthy for the country for one side to stand on the sidelines and point fingers. And what about a special commission? Well, we saw that with the 9/11 Commission. Their former commission spokesman said that he could not evaluate the information on Able Data because the information provided did not mesh with the conclusions that they were drawing. I submit, Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate for Congress to do this investigation and I look forward to the result.  Watch Video
Hurricane Rita
Posted by on September 26, 2005
UPDATE: As of today, the Dallas Convention Center is open to process Rita evacuees as disaster victims. There are long lines, but as of this morning they are not issuing appointments for future dates so evacuees can complete their processing the day they check in. Please encourage Rita evacuees still in the area, especially those who expect to stay for an extended period of time, to visit the Dallas Convention Center this week and register with the appropriate agencies.
Hurricane Rita continues to oscillate between a category four and a category five hurricane. It is anticipated to bring heavy rain, possible flooding, high winds, possible downed trees and even tornadoes to the North Texas area this weekend.
People living in mobile homes or lightweight structures, vulnerable to high winds, should locate an alternative place to ride out the storm. People in low lying and flood prone areas should locate a place on higher ground to move to should the heavy rain and flooding happen.
Evacuees from the Texas, and some parts of the Louisiana Coast, are heading to the metroplex to escape Rita. Emergency personnel are preparing to help those evacuees and fellow North Texans.
Click here for the Texas Prepared.
Click here for the Hurricane Rita - Texas Department of Emergency Management site.
Storm Preparation Tips
BEFORE THE STORM
Stay informed
Listen for radio and TV storm reports.
Prepare for outages
Back up files on your computer regularly.
Find a phone that does not require power.
Keep your car fuel tank at least half full.
Limit electricity use, which can help prevent rolling blackouts.
Prepare a disaster supply kit
First-aid kit and essential medications
Canned food and can opener
At least three gallons of water per person
Protective clothing, rainwear and bedding or sleeping bags
Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
Special items for pets, infants, elderly or disabled family members
Short-term supply of cash
Identify where you could go if told to evacuate
PREPARE FOR A TORNADO
Pick a safe spot in your home. A basement is ideal. You can also use a center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor.
Prepare for strong winds
Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools; anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but could be tossed by the wind.
If possible, remove outdoor antennas.
Pick up items that winds could toss and cause damage, such as tree branches or pieces of wood.
Make trees more wind-resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs.
DURING A TORNADO WARNING
Go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects.
If you are outside, rush to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety.
DURING FLASH FLOODS
If the roads you normally travel are prone to flooding, take other routes during storms.
Never drive on a flooded road.
If your car stalls, move to higher ground.
DURING POWER OUTAGE
Turn off or disconnect appliances and equipment to prevent damage.
Leave one light on so you'll know when your power returns.
Use the phone for emergencies only.
AFTER A MAJOR STORM
Beware of downed or loose power lines; report them immediately to the utility company, police or fire department.
Do not use candles in case of gas leaks.
Use a flashlight to inspect for damage.
Take pictures of the damage for insurance claims.
Rep. Burgess Welcomes New Health Care Congressional Fellow Jessica Nguyen-Trong
Posted by Michelle Stein on September 26, 2005
Congressman Michael C. Burgess welcomes Phuong-Khanh Jessica Nguyen-Trong to his Washington, DC staff. Jessica, a medical student at the University of Texas Southwestern, will serve as a Health Care Congressional Fellow. UT Southwestern has an exclusive agreement with the office for selecting fellows. Ms. Nguyen-Trong’s will focus her research and work on health care issues.
Having recently completed her first year of medical studies at the University of Texas Southwestern, Ms. Nguyen-Trong’s involvement in the Texas Medical Association (TMA) and American Medical Association (AMA) made her an ideal candidate for the newly created position. Her experience extends beyond the medical field with extensive work in analyzing public policy.
“I am honored that Jessica decided to join our team in Washington,” said Congressman Burgess. “Her unique public policy background and medical education will be an invaluable asset as we work on transforming America’s health care system.”
During her undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University, she attended conferences on China-U.S. relations and “North Korea Today: Engagement or Confrontation” to gain a deeper insight into the United State’s foreign policies. Later, she helped develop a script, in Spanish, in conjunction with the Department of Performance Studies, which served to highlight the unemployment, health and other social problems of Coahuila State, Mexico. Jessica is fluent in four languages and graduated Summa Cum Laude and University Honors. Additionally, she gained a first hand experience in health care lobbying by being an active member of TMA and by participating in TMA’s “First Tuesdays” in Austin.
“I have come to understand how intricately linked the practice of medicine is to public health legislation,” stated Jessica Nguyen-Trong. “I want to shape the environment in which future physicians and I will be practicing.”
As and ob-gyn, Chairman of the Medicare and Medicaid Services Health Subcommittee and a member of the Health Subcommittee of the prestigious House Energy and Commerce Committee, Representative Burgess is intimately involved in writing and promoting legislation that can change the country’s outlook on medical issues. The new position of “Health Care Congressional Fellow” is the only one of its kind available in the State of Texas.
“I believe the position will provide a necessary link between the medical community and Congress,” continued Congressman Burgess. “I hope Jessica is the first of many bright and civic-minded medical professionals who will participate in this new program.”
Rep. Burgess Hosts CMS Administrator Dr. McClellan at Policy Committee Meeting
Posted by Michelle Stein on September 22, 2005
Congressman Michael C. Burgess hosted Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Director Dr. Mark McClellan at the weekly Republican Policy Committee meeting.
At the meeting, Rep. Burgess introduced Dr. Mark McClellan and spoke briefly about the work of CMS and its relationship with Members of Congress. Dr. McClellan spoke on a variety of health care related topics but focuses his remarks in Hurricane Katrina and the upcoming Medicare Prescription Drug Card program rollout, with enrollment beginning November 15, 2005.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has acted to assure that the Medicare, Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Programs will flex to accommodate the emergency health care needs of beneficiaries and medical providers in the Hurricane Katrina devastated states.
Many of the programs’ normal operating procedures will be relaxed to speed provision of health care services to the elderly, children and persons with disabilities who depend upon them.
Because of hurricane damage to local health care facilities, many beneficiaries have been evacuated to neighboring states where receiving hospitals and nursing homes have no health care records, information on current health status or even verification of the person’s status as a Medicare or Medicaid beneficiary. CMS is assuring those facilities that in this circumstance the normal burden of documentation will be waived and that the presumption of eligibility should be made.
Dr. McClellan went on to discuss the Medicare rollout. Twice in the last month, Dr. McClellan traveled to the 26th Congressional District to host Medicare Events with Congressman Michael Burgess. On one of his recent visits, Rep. Burgess and Dr. McClellan were accompanied by Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt. The programs, the first in a series, are designed to educate the public about the upcoming program.
“The important thing to remember is that the new Medicare Prescription Drug Card program is being delivered on time, at a lower cost,” stated Congressman Michael C. Burgess. “The benefits from this program are that Medicare beneficiaries will have cheaper premiums and lower deductibles.”
The grassroots effort is an ongoing program that is nation wide and includes public forums, mail pieces and television advertisements. The program will be effective January 1, 2006. Congressman Michael Burgess will be hosting three additional Medicare events in November.
Investing Hurricane Katrina
Posted by on September 21, 2005
Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, we are starting to hear a lot of talk about where is the proper place for the investigation into the response and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Madam Speaker, I submit that the proper place for that investigation is here in the United States Congress. We have the responsibility, indeed, we have the constitutional obligation to be the ones responsible for this oversight investigation. In fact, my committee, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, maintains a standing subcommittee called the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, a committee that already has subpoena power, a committee that has a history of bipartisanship.
No matter which party was in power, this committee does have a history of bipartisanship, and I think it is the correct committee to investigate the response in the aftermath to the hurricane.
An independent commission, as we have already seen in the last year, can become a side show for partisanship, and yet we still have to convene our own congressional committees in order to write the legislation.
No, the correct path for this Congress to take is to use an already established committee for the investigation of the response and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
 Watch Video
Success of the Texas Medical Liability
Posted by on September 20, 2005
SUCCESS OF THE TEXAS MEDICAL LIABILITY TRUST -- (House of Representatives - September 20, 2005)
Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, just a little over 2 years ago Texas passed a constitutional amendment that allowed for caps on noneconomic damages in medical liability lawsuits. And what has been the experience in Texas over those 2 years?
Well, we have seen insurance and doctors come back to the State. Texas had gone from 17 down to two medical insurance companies, and now they are back up to 12. Not-for-profit hospitals have seen significant increases in the money that they are now able to invest in plants and equipment, money that otherwise would have gone for their self-insurance programs.
And perhaps most importantly, the rates of liability insurance for Texas doctors has come down. Texas Medical Liability Trust has reduced rates three times since the passage of House bill 4 and proposition 12, 12 percent in 2004, 5 percent in 2005, and now a recently announced 5 percent decrease in 2006, and, coupled with that, a 5 percent dividend rebate. So that now there is a total of 27 percent insurance savings for Texas doctors in medical liability.
Speaking to physicians of the Texas Medical Association just last weekend, Dr. Dennis Factor said, ``Access to health care and the malpractice environment in Texas has made a healthy recovery since the Texas legislature passed medical liability reform.''
I urge this body to take it up and get it done.
 Watch Video
US Long Term Care Needs Better Strategy
Posted by on September 15, 2005
There is a lot of talk and debate nowadays inside the Beltway on whether America is becoming more “red” or “blue.” While that may be an issue for the punditry to argue, it is undeniable that our country is becoming more “gray.” Most Americans have some experience with nursing homes or other long term care settings, and nearly half have had a family member or close friend in a home in the past three years. But even with this close familiarity to long term care, only a small minority of Americans are saving or preparing for this likely, future financial challenge. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly a third of all Americans have not thought about ways to pay for long term care and fifty percent say that planning to pay for it is too costly.
The disconnect between recognizing the need to plan for long term care and saving for it, is in part due to perceptions of the current system. It is a fact that long term care is expensive. The average cost of an annual stay in a long term care facility is around $70,000. It is nearly impossible for most families to pay this amount of money, and if a loved-one’s stay in a nursing home is in-line with the average three years, nursing home care can become extremely expensive. And because only a small minority of Americans have planned for this expense, the cost of this care usually falls on taxpayers who subsidize long term care through Medicaid to the tune of billions of dollars a year.
In a system where the cost of care is hidden by taxes levied on your income, property, and business activities, it is no wonder why so many Americans rely on Medicaid to pay their long term care. The cost is not immediately discernable to the beneficiary, but it is beginning to take an increasing toll on state Medicaid programs and crowding out other priorities like education as primary financial commitments. This trend is unsustainable over time. By 2040, the number of seniors in this country will have doubled, and a large portion of those individuals will have to rely on some type of long term care.
It is important that incentives are put into place today that will deal with this influx of elderly Americans who will rely on the long term care health system in the future. To address this, I have introduced H.R. 3511, The Medicaid State Long term Care Partnership Act of 2005. H.R. 3511 would extend the very popular Long term Care Partnership Program, currently available to only four states, to all fifty states.
The benefits of partnership policies are two-fold: the program will provide incentives for individuals to purchase long term care insurance and relieve pressure on state Medicaid programs where long term care expenses are growing exponentially. And if the purchasers of these policies spend down their policy and need to rely on Medicaid, they will be able to protect assets on a dollar-for-dollar basis. This arrangement helps protect beneficiaries’ important asset and relieve pressure on publicly financed long term care.
The fact remains that most of us are anesthetized to the true cost and true value of long term care insurance. Those of us who can should consider the purchase of long term care insurance as the socially responsible thing to do. Providing this additional incentive to the purchase of long term care coverage may allow some of the burden to be shifted from the government to the private sector. This, while allowing great flexibility in coverage options, provides a win-win solution to what otherwise is a looming financial catastrophe.
Burgess Set Medicaid Health Opportunity Legislation in Motion
Posted by Michelle Stein on September 14, 2005
Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) and Rep. Mike Rogers (MI-108) introduced the Medicaid Health Opportunity Act of 2005 which would help many of our most vulnerable Americans, including families whose resources were devastated by Hurricane Katrina, as they work to manage their health care needs with Health Opportunity Accounts (HOAs).
The Medicaid Health Opportunity Act of 2005 will give states the option to enroll Medicaid beneficiaries into flexible consumer based accounts. Health Opportunity Accounts will prioritize utilization of preventative services and controlling spending that will create financial incentives for both beneficiaries and the taxpayer.
“Giving Medicaid beneficiaries more control over their care will not only improve their health in the long-run, but will also help shore up a floundering Medicaid program,” said Congressman Michael Burgess, one of the main sponsors of H.R. 3757. “Given the right incentives, Medicaid enrollees can better utilize their health care dollars to manage their care. Health Opportunity Accounts are just what states need return the focus on Medicaid on quality health outcomes, not the same bloated program that will become more and more of a burden for all involved.”
The measure calls for a five-year, 10-state demonstration program that is voluntary and would support the following beneficiary goals:
Creating patient awareness of the high cost of medical care
Providing incentives to patients to seek preventive care services
Reducing inappropriate use of health care services
Enabling patients to take responsibility for health outcomes
Providing enrollment counselors and ongoing education activities
Eligible individuals would basically include low-income individuals, who are not disabled or elderly, and low-income families and children. Unused state and federal contributions to the accounts would roll over each year and the accounts would remain available to individuals for withdrawals even after they leave the Medicaid program. At that point, individuals could use funds to purchase health insurance coverage, or for job training and tuition expenses.
Although this type of program could be initiated now by states, the process is convoluted and timely. This would provide incentives and ease the process of implementation.
The Medicaid Health Opportunity Act of 2005 is expected to be referred to the Energy and Commerce Committee of which Congressman Burgess is a member.
Giving a Moment of Hope and a Future of Happiness
Posted by on September 14, 2005
The saying goes "some people come into our lives for just a moment and leave footprints in our heart." Well, that’s exactly what happened on the tumultuous Thursday during the first few days after Hurricane Katrina. That night, a bus load of Louisiana evacuees stepped off the bus at the Tarrant County Resource Connection in Southeast Fort Worth where Congressman Michael C. Burgess has one of his district offices.
From the bus emerged a petite woman with beautiful brown eyes that were filled with hopelessness and desperation. Her name was LaShawn Traylor; she had given birth to a 2 lb. 11.4 oz baby boy on August 25th, just days ahead of the hurricane, at Tulane University Hospital in New Orleans. She had given birth via C-Section while on a respirator, but with difficulty and emotional strain, she stepped off the bus and walked into the unknown world of evacuees and the caregivers from the city, county and Congressman Burgess’ office.
Her first words were a plea for help. Help to find her newborn son that she had never held, never seen. All she had were the pictures that the nurses had given her. Faith Ellis, Congressman Michael Burgess’ outreach coordinator immediately contacted Kim Reasoner, the Congressman’s legislative counsel, and they began to take swift action to locate the missing baby boy, Lorenzo.
Congressman Burgess, and obstetrician for over twenty years in North Texas, was immediately notified that several women, who had recently had C-Sections, had arrived at the Resource Connection. When the Congressman arrived, he coordinated medical efforts with JPS Health Network for those patients in critical need of attention. He made sure they had cots, blankets, food and medical attention. As he tended to their health, Melanie Torres, case worker for Congressman Burgess searched for food and water for the evacuees while Faith and Kim listened carefully, through tear-filled eyes, the exact details of the case.
LaShawn Traylor had been removed from her respirator just moments before the power went off in a hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. Male nurses carried her, and other new moms, up several flights of stairs to escape the looters that had entered the lower levels of the hospital complex. After reaching the roof, the waiting began. After two days, help did arrive – a helicopter would whisk the patients to a bridge where they could take a connecting ride to the airport and onto Carswell Air Force Base. Landing in Tarrant County, and unsure of her new surroundings, LaShawn was placed onto one more bus for her final ride to safety and the helping hands of emergency volunteers and the Congressman’s office. All the while, she wondered about her newborn child, and the husband and children who were still stuck in Mississippi.
The Burgess staff armed with only an I.D. number from Mrs. Traylor’s bracelet went to work making calls to federal agencies and rescue organizations working for a miracle. A twofold mission, the staff spent time searching and reassuring LaShawn and encouraging her to eat and stay strong.
No one on the congressional staff had any experience tracking down a missing newborn who was presumably taken from a hospital with a natal intensive care unit (NICU). Erik With, the Congressman’s district director, with no template to follow, began making calls to hospitals trying to locate the infant.
Each facility reached was initially elated at perhaps finding one of “their” baby’s mother – for there were many other mother-infant pairs who had been separated during the evacuation – only to be disappointed when no match was found. But they would then offer another name of a hospital which might have the precious evacuee baby and so it went on for Mr. With. Call after call, each one a disappointment until it was discovered, that Lorenzo had traveled to three different hospitals during the hectic evacuation. He was alive and well. At 3:45pm, after 24 hours of searching, Erik With sent out an email confirming that “Baby Boy Traylor” had been located at Baton Rouge General.
The moments that followed were priceless –tears of joy followed by laughter. As Mrs. Traylor sat around a table to discuss the experience she had just been through and the amazing help she had received. LaShawn mentioned that when she walked off that bus, she had lost her faith, but that the Office of Congressman Michael Burgess had helped her find it again. She even decided that Faith Ellis would be Lorenzo’s new godmother. Mrs. Traylor said she would never forget the Congressman’s office.
Although a few days more have passed, the good story of the LaShawn and the Traylor family continues. Shortly after locating Lorenzo, Mr. Traylor and their other children, arrived at the Tarrant County Resource Connection and were reunited. From there, the family went together to Baton Rouge. Yvonne Jokinen, a social worker at Baton Rouge General, called Congressman Burgess’ office to share the great tidings that LaShawn was now embracing and holding Lorenzo.
Through great adversity, hope and compassion must always prevail. Congressman Burgess and his staff continue to work diligently to ensure that federal agencies, emergency personal and the health care needs of those evacuees in North Texas met. The process may be arduous, but the stories of success and joy are beyond comparison. The case of LaShawn and Lorenzo will always be in the hearts of the Burgess staff.
HURRICANE KATRINA - How to Help
Posted by Michelle Stein on September 13, 2005
"My prayers go out to those victims of Hurricane Katrina. I am working around the clock with local, state and federal agencies to assist those stranded and suffering all along the devastated Gulf Coast. This is all about neighbors helping neighbors. Our country has shown it can come together during times of great crisis, and we will rise to that challenge again now. We can help those in need by donating time, money and goods to those agencies organized to help during times of crisis." ~Congressman Michael C. Burgess
________________________________________________________________ The federal government is supporting state and local authorities by leading one of the largest disaster response mobilizations in United States history to respond to Hurricane Katrina. For those individuals looking for ways to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, or to find out more information on the disaster relief plans, please refer to the following organizations: American Red Cross 1-(800) HELP NOW (435-7669) English 1-(800) 257-7575 Spanish For Shelter and Service Locations: 1-(866)-GET-INFO For Family Linking: 1-(877)-LOVED-1S For Emergency Financial Assistance: (800) 975-7585 America's Second Harvest (800) 344-8070 Adventist Community Services (800) 381-7171 Catholic Charities, USA (703) 549-1390 Christian Disaster Response (941) 956-5183 or (941) 551-9554 Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (800) 848-5818 Church World Service (800) 297-1516 Convoy of Hope (417) 823-8998 Lutheran Disaster Response (800) 638-3522 Mennonite Disaster Service (717) 859-2210 Nazarene Disaster Response (888) 256-5886 Operation Blessing (800) 436-6348 Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (800) 872-3283 Salvation Army (800) SAL-ARMY (725-2769) Southern Baptist Conv Disaster Relief (800) 462-8657 x.6440 United Methodist Committee on Relief (800) 554-8583 Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund This fund, set up by former Presidents Bush and Clinton, serves as an umbrella organization for the three special funds established by Governors of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi and will focus on collecting donations to assist in the long-term recovery plan for the states affected by Hurricane Katrina. Volunteer Center of North Texas The center coordinates volunteers with agencies with disaster-related needs. Volunteers wishing to donate time and skills may fill out a volunteer application at the website or call (866) 797-8268 for more information. ________________________________________________________________ To assist with locating patients who may have been transferred to hospitals from New Orleans: Louisiana Hospital Association Alabama Hosptial Association DFW Area Patient Locater ________________________________________________________________ Banking Concerns: Consumers with questions about accessing bank accounts, lost records, ATM cards, direct deposit or how to reach their bank can contact the FDIC toll-free at 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342). The hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The FDIC's Web site, FDIC, also has helpful consumer information. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has setup a hotline to field consumer calls. The number is 1-800-827-6282 x.4049 for Louisiana or x.3049 for Mississippi and Alabama. ________________________________________________________________ To help the pets and animals: Help PETS Hurt by Katrina In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, The HSUS has launched a massive relief effort to rescue animals and assist their caregivers in the disaster areas. Toll-Free Hotline: 1-(800)-HUMANE-1 Email Humane Society Disaster Relief Search Dog Foundation The mission of the Search Dog Foundation is to produce the most highly trained canine disaster search teams in the nation. The job of these teams is to find people buried alive in the wreckage of natural disasters and terrorist attacks. Twenty-six Search Dog Foundation Advanced-Certified canine teams have been called out by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to search for people buried alive in the wreckage left by Hurricane Katrina. 1-(800)-Save-A-Pet 1-800-Save-A-Pet.com is a non-profit pet adoption charity that helps shelters, humane societies, SPCA's, and pet rescue groups advertise their homeless pets to adopters for free. Foster homes will be needed for the thousands of pets being recovered from the destruction left by Hurricane Katrina. We are compiling a database of foster homes for the various emergency response teams on the ground. • Animal rescue of Texas has committed to working with the Humane Society of the United States to collect supplies needed for the animals that have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Many volunteers are needed in different capacities. Contact Kimberly Jenkins or by phone: (214) 559-2817. • If you have an animal and need a place for it to stay, call (972)562-7297, ext. 123. • If you left an animal behind and want to alert rescuers to its location, call 1-(800)-486-2631. • If you want to be a foster family for an animal needing a temporary home in North Texas, call (214) 651-9611, ext. 123. • If you want to adopt an animal – which would help make room for animals needing temporary quarters – call 1-(888)-264-6257. You can also get information online at SPCA of Texas • Fort Worth Animal Care and Control Center - 4900 Martin St. Adoption hours: noon to 5 p.m. on weekends and noon to 6 p.m. on weekdays. (817) 392-3737. • Humane Society of North Texas - 1840 E. Lancaster St. Adoption hours: noon-5 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. (817) 332-4768. • Arlington Animal Shelter - 5920 W. Pioneer Parkway. Hours: 10 a.m.-6:45 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Saturday. (817) 451-3436. • Denton Humane Society - PO Box 1972, Denton, TX 76202. (940) 382-7387. ________________________________________________________________ For those individuals looking for the latest information on federal and state responses to Hurricane Katrina, please utilize the following agencies: Federal Emergency Management Agency National Hurricane Center Emergency Management Assistance Compact Department of Education: Hurricane Help for Schools Department of Health & Human Services: Hurricane Katrina Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Department of Energy: Hurricane Katrina Department of Homeland Security: Hurricane Katrina Department of Defense: Hurricane Katrina Department of Labor: Hurricane Recovery Assistance Department of Transportation: Hurricane Katrina White House: Hurricane Katrina USA Freedom Corp - How to Volunteer and Help Department of Agriculture: Hurricane Katrina Department of Agriculture: Hurricane Katrina Department of Agriculture - Women, Infants & Children (WIC Division): Hurricane Katrina CONGRESSIONAL PRESS CONFERENCE on Hurricane Katrina, September 2, 2005 Alabama Emergency Management Agency (205) 280-2200 Florida Division of Emergency Management (850) 413-9969 Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness (225) 925-7500 Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (601) 352-9100 (800) 442-6362 Toll Free City of Denton Relief Site The website is designed to assist Hurricane Katrina evacuees in the Denton area connect with local and national services and resources. The website has connections for: The Texas Work Force Commission (TWC) so that you can register for Disaster Unemployment Insurance, or to locate a job in the North Central Texas area; Housing information, including helping those individuals with Section 8 vouchers; Connection to travel arrangement assistance; Registration information for the Denton Independent School Distrcit and both Universities in Denton; Connection to the Social Security administration; and connection to the United States Postal Service. |
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