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Gov't. To Give Katrina Victims $2k Debit Cards

By Jeralyn, Section Huricanes Katrina and Rita
Posted on Wed Sep 07, 2005 at 09:54:17 AM EST
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Finally, a good idea from the government. It will begin handing out debit cards today worth $2,000 to Katrina survivors, beginning with those at the Astrodome and other rescue centers.

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    Gov't. To Give Katrina Victims $2k Debit Cards | 10 comments (10 topical)
    Re: Gov't. To Give Katrina Victims $2k Debit Cards (none / 0) (#1)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:25 PM EST
    The 2 grand won't rebuild peoples lives, but the psychological boost they get from feeling they have a little control over what happens to them, more than makes up for the cost. Though I'm sure some RW troll will be along to decry the "entitlement mentality" that led to this compassionate act.

    Re: Gov't. To Give Katrina Victims $2k Debit Cards (none / 0) (#2)
    by kdog on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:25 PM EST
    Good news, it's something. I hope the govt.follows up with exemptions to the new bankruptcy bill for hurrican survivors.

    Re: Gov't. To Give Katrina Victims $2k Debit Cards (none / 0) (#3)
    by karen on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:25 PM EST
    It's about time that the hurricane survivors are getting help that allows them a little autonomy. I find it interesting that the government chose to distribute debit cards in lieu of cash. The merchants who accept the cards pay a percentage plus a per-transaction fee to the issuing banks. No sense in handing out 'welfare' to the impoverished only - let the banks share in the handout!

    Re: Gov't. To Give Katrina Victims $2k Debit Cards (none / 0) (#4)
    by kdog on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:25 PM EST
    Intersting point Karen.

    Re: Gov't. To Give Katrina Victims $2k Debit Cards (none / 0) (#5)
    by roy on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:25 PM EST
    Debit cards are also much less tempting to steal than cash.

    Re: Gov't. To Give Katrina Victims $2k Debit Cards (none / 0) (#6)
    by desertswine on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:25 PM EST
    Good news, it's something. I hope the govt.follows up with exemptions to the new bankruptcy bill for hurrican survivors.
    Ditto.

    Re: Gov't. To Give Katrina Victims $2k Debit Cards (none / 0) (#7)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:26 PM EST
    Wow, with my new 2k debit card I can buy a new house to replace my old one that was destroyed in a flood made possible by governmental negligence..... Oh wait....nevermind. Still, it's the first good idea I've seen come out of this mess, and that ain't saying much.

    Re: Gov't. To Give Katrina Victims $2k Debit Cards (none / 0) (#8)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:30 PM EST
    Now if only FEMA will actually get them out. I have been working the Texas 211 center (information and referral network) and taking a lot of calls from Katrina evacuees. Every few hours we get an update on the FEMA debit card situation so we know what to tell the callers. They're going to announce today, no, tomorrow, oh wait, the media's reporting it, oh, there will be housing vouchers separately, no, the FEMA staff are telling them to call the Red Cross or 211 for housing even though FEMA is supposed to be starting Section 8 voucher applications. Ok, they're going to start in Houston and Dallas, and people should go to the shelters even if they're not staying there, no, they're going to start in Houston, ok, they're going to start in Houston only at the shelters and everyone else has to wait, oh, no, they should go to the Convention center, no, the Astrodome...but they were supposed to start today and it's 9:30pm and the FEMA workers at the Astrodome don't claim to know anything about it...

    Re: Gov't. To Give Katrina Victims $2k Debit Cards (none / 0) (#9)
    by Sailor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:30 PM EST
    fema reneged on the debit cards. Now they'll mail a check to your home or direct deposit to your bank.

    Re: Gov't. To Give Katrina Victims $2k Debit Cards (none / 0) (#10)
    by Che's Lounge on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:30 PM EST
    Mailit to thier homes? WTF? WHAT HOMES?

    Gov't. To Give Katrina Victims $2k Debit Cards | 10 comments (10 topical)