Bennie Thompson, Mississippi's Representative

Congressman Bennie Thompson, by far Mississippi's most influential representative, is the head of a coalition of twelve powerful house members in an attempt to block the diversion of $600 million in Katrina Housing funds. Thankfully, Bennie is fully aware of the tragedy still unfolding in the lives of many "forgotten" Mississippi Katrina victims. Most are ready to sweep the ugly facts under the rug because in their opinion the Katrina sympathy well has run dry politically.

Mississippi received $5.4 billion in HUD Community Development Block Grant money to help flooded homeowners restore their properties or pay off mortgages. Some of that money also was used to cover utility company losses and for economic development needs.

HUD officials said they had reservations about Barbour's request to shift $600 million from a low-income housing program to the port, but they felt they had to comply under the terms of law that provided Mississippi with the grant money.

Thompson wants the Appropriations Committee to change the law and require HUD to deny Barbour's request.

This money in question was originally designated for the benefit of the poor flood victims from Katrina, but has now become the subject of a heated debate. Sensible democrats demand the money be used for its original purpose, since that purpose has yet to be realized. The Republicans, and their friends, think it is swell to hijack money designated for the poor and use it for big business by building a needed port. The port project is a great idea, and should be funded, just get the money from somewhere else. Don't take it from those with the least voice.

"This transfer is unreasonable in light of the fact that the state has not met all of its unmet housing needs," said the letter. "Although the state maintains that it has met its unmet housing needs, housing advocates on the ground in Mississippi contend that the state is cherry-picking numbers that are favorable to its plans."

Reilly Morse, senior attorney with Biloxi office of the Mississippi Center for Justice, said, "Affordable housing is a necessity, not a luxury.

Bennie Thompson is leading the charge to make sure this money grab by the right does not happen. According to testimony Representative Thompson gave the Senate, there are 5,000 Katrina victims In temporary housing. This issue is a no-brainer if you genuinely care about the hurricae victims. Shame on Gene Taylor for supporting the money grab. Gene, you are better than that, tighten up.

Thank you Bennie Thompson for supporting those without a voice, which is what I want from a Democrat.