June 14, 2006
Contact: Robin Winchell (202) 225-4031

WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon announced the House of Representative's Labor-Health and Human Services-Education 2007 Appropriations bill includes $1.15 million for health and education priorities in Louisiana's Third Congressional District.  The Committee on Appropriations passed the budget bill on Tuesday with a voice vote, sending it to the House floor for a full vote. 

"I am happy the committee has decided to honor my requests for the citizens of southeast Louisiana by keeping them in the budget," said Melancon.  "While much of our focus over the past year has been on hurricane recovery and relief, our health and education needs are still a major priority and this budget reflects that.  I will continue to work with my fellow members of Congress to guide these allocations through the budget process."

Health and education requests in the third congressional district include:

• St. Bernard Parish - $500,000 for facilities and equipment for primary health care. 
   
• St. Charles Community Health Center - $150,000 for equipment.
   
• St. James Parish Hospital - $300,000 for facilities and equipment. 
   
• District Attorney, 32nd Judicial District, Houma - $100,000 for counseling and other intervention services for at-risk youth and their families.
   
• Lafourche Parish School Board - $100,000 for early childhood learning centers.

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