Update on State Aid

Sam, my friend and fellow blogger, dropped by my site a few days ago to point out some additional states that he knew were offering space to evacuees (New Mexico, Michigan, Missouri, Illinois, and California). It raises the total states to 13, roughly one quarter. Which raises two points: One, I'm glad to see that other states are chipping it; two, why did an official FEMA list of states offering support not include every state. Seems like that should be a pretty easy list to keep track of... it's not like it detailed the extent of the aid they were offering.

All that being said, the Seattle Times is reporting that all of the generosity may not be needed... or, at least, not accepted. From the article, it sounds as thought Washington State will only be taking in those evacuees who manage to get up here under their own power. Which is great that we are going to have a place for those people... but what about all of those who need a place to say and lack the means to get here? I'm not sure if keeping them all bottled up in the Astrodome is really the most humane thing to do. Not that shipping them halfway across the country is any better, but I'm perplexed as to why FEMA is trying to avoid distributing the evacuees beyond the immediately surrounding area. Is this a failure to see beyond the next few weeks when those areas begin to complain about the overwhelming drain of social welfare resources?

On a cynical note... the Washington Post reports that President Push is asking for an additional $51 billion in hurricane relief funding. Watch as Congress completes this appropriations bill in under a week. Obviously getting funds to that area to care for the needy is important and rightfully falls to the Federal government (who can tax generally and spend specifically). But I'm wondering if there isn't a few couple billions in there for actual reconstruction of buildings and private property? Roads, telephone polls, general use stuff is great... but I can't help but wonder if there will be money made available to help rebuild apartments and share living spaces. And if there is such money, who is going to own those buildings when all is said and done? They were owned by private property holders to begin with, those property holders charged people who lived there rents, and now those same people are going to pay taxes to rebuild them and still have to pay rents... all to the benefit of the original private property owner?

I don't know how this reconstruction thing works, but it strikes me as being a potential boon for property owners who make money off providing services for profit to the poor. But I admit, I'm feeling cynical tonight.