Yearly Archives: 2009

Governor Jindal Awards $110,000 in Grants to Richland Parish

RAYVILLE, LA - December 17, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Today, Governor Bobby Jindal awarded four grants totaling $110,000 to Richland Parish that will go towards infrastructure improvements. Governor Jindal awarded the funds to local officials in a ceremonial check presentation during an event in Rayville.

Scalise Helps Pass Resolution to Assist Homeowners Affected by Toxic Chinese Drywall

Washington, DC - December 3, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman Steve Scalise successfully worked to pass legislation today that encourages banks and mortgage servicers to work with families affected by toxic Chinese drywall to allow temporary leniency without penalty on payments on their home mortgages. Scalise is a co-sponsor of H.Con.Res. 197 which passed by a vote of 419 – 1.

Rep. Melancon Comments on New Report Linking Chinese Drywall to Corrosion in Homes

Sends Letter to Federal Agency Urging Quick Action on Establishing Repair Guidelines for Homes. WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 30, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) commented today on a new report from a federal agency finding a strong association between defective Chinese drywall and corrosion of pipes and electrical wiring in homes. The report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also found a possible link between the drywall and health problems reported by homeowners

Rep. Melancon Introduces Bill Aiding Victims of Chinese Drywall

WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 17, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) introduced legislation today to aid Louisiana homeowners with defective Chinese drywall in their homes. The Drywall Victims Insurance Protection Act would prevent insurance companies from cancelling or failing to renew homeowners’ policies as the result of Chinese drywall in the home. The bill would also prevent insurers from changing rates or altering the type or amount of coverage based on problems stemming from Chinese drywall.

Rep. Melancon Votes to Extend Unemployment Benefits, Homebuyers’ Tax Credit

Supports Bill After Fighting to Include Louisiana’s Unemployed Workers. WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 6, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) voted today to help Louisiana families hit hardest by the recession by extending unemployment benefits, the homebuyers’ tax credit, and tax relief for military families and businesses. The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 (H.R. 3548) passed the House today by a strong bipartisan vote of 403 to 12 and will now go to the President for his signature.

Governor Bobby Jindal Announces the Appointment of Gary Littlefield to the Louisiana Real Estate...

BATON ROUGE, LA - November 6, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Governor Bobby Jindal announced the appointment of Gary Littlefield to the Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board. The Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board serves to regulate the issuance of real estate appraiser and trainee licenses and related services.

Vitter Joins Other Senators to Introduce Resolution Urging Mortgage Relief for Homeowners with Contaminated...

Washington, D.C. - November 5, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Senator David Vitter today joined a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators from three states in introducing a resolution that urges banks and mortgage lenders to work with the estimated 1,300 homeowners in 26 states who are dealing with health and safety issues linked to the use of contaminated drywall. The homeowners have reported a range of similar problems with structural corrosion and odors, as well as many common health concerns, including headaches, rashes, burning eyes and nosebleeds.

Governor Bobby Jindal Announces the Appointment of Michael Burroughs to the State Board of...

BATON ROUGE, LA - October 26, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Governor Bobby Jindal announced the appointment of Michael Burroughs to the State Board of Home Inspectors. The State Board of Home Inspectors serves to regulate the practice of home inspectors by examining all applicants and issuing licenses or permits to those possessing the necessary qualifications.

Boustany Urges Safeguards to Prevent Fraud in First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

Opening Statement of Charles Boustany, Jr. (R-LA) Ranking Member Subcommittee on Oversight Hearing on Administration of the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

President Obama and Local Residents Discuss Rebuilding and Recovery in New Orleans

Senior Administration Officials Joined President to See Recovery Progress Firsthand. WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 16, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- On his sixth trip to New Orleans since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, President Barack Obama today visited the Dr. Martin Luther King Charter School and held a town hall event to hear directly from the people of Louisiana. President Obama discussed both the progress made in the region and the challenges that remain. In his first public event in New Orleans, President Obama also spent time answering questions from everyday people.

Cao Calls for Changes in New Orleans Housing Situation

October 6, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman Anh “Joseph” Cao (LA-2) released a statement regarding the housing crisis in New Orleans. During his first 10 months in office, Congressman Cao has been consistently vocal on this issue

House Passes Bill with $35 Million in Melancon-Secured Water Projects for South Louisiana

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that includes $35,045,000 in earmarks Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) secured for projects in the Third Congressional District. The funding was included in the fiscal year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations conference report (H.R. 3183). The conference report now goes to the Senate for passage, and then to the President to be signed in to law. This annual funding bill will provide a total of $5.4 billion for Army Corps of Engineers projects nationwide

Landrieu, Melancon Announce $17.4M Investment For Affordable Housing In Louisiana

Grants will help create jobs and strengthen communities throughout Louisiana. WASHINGTON, DC - September 29, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., and U.S. Representative Charlie Melancon, D-La-03, today announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $9.9 million in grants to communities throughout Louisiana, and an additional $7.48 million to the State of Louisiana

Governor Bobby Jindal Announces Appointments to the Life Safety and Property Protection Advisory Board

BATON ROUGE, LA - September 22, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Governor Bobby Jindal announced appointments to the Life Safety and Property Protection Advisory Board. The Louisiana Life Safety and Property Protection Advisory Board shall advise the state fire marshal in matters relating to the regulation of the certifying, inspecting, installation, integrating, selling, and servicing of life safety and property protection systems and equipment and to prohibit the use of life safety and property protection systems and equipment which are not properly labeled in accordance with the rules adopted by the state fire marshal in the interest of safeguarding lives and property.

Vitter Offers Anti-Gang Amendment to Housing Spending Bill

Washington, D.C. - September 18, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Sen. David Vitter yesterday offered an amendment to the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development spending bill that would prohibit federal housing assistance from going to households that include drug dealers and members of violent gangs in New Orleans.

Recent

T & I Committee Passes Graves’ Legislation to Improve Disaster Recovery

The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure advanced a slate of bills today, including a bipartisan disaster relief bill authored by Reps. Garret Graves (LA-6) and Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.). The legislation, H.R. 1311 is designed to help communities recover from disasters and increase disaster program transparency and oversight