The bill was advocated by a non-partisan partnership of community, faith, student, labor and human rights organizations, known as the Gulf Coast Civic Works Campaign or Project.
This partnership started from the ideas of San Jose State University (SJSU) students Rochelle Smarr and Victor Ly to garner national support for rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Katrina.
The Bill empowers residents to realize their right to return with dignity and safety, revitalizes the local workforce, and helps create more sustainable communities.
It is our moral obligation to acknowledge that there have always been two America’s here in the United States; and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita lifted the curtain on the connection of race and poverty....
I am personally vested in eradicating the poverty across this country-particularly in the Gulf Coast and support increasing funding and job opportunities for our brothers and sisters trying to rebuild their lives.
"—Congresswoman Barbara Lee, California "Today's call to action serves as a critical resurgence of attention, compassion, and resources directed toward the residents and displaced of the Gulf Coast.
"—Assemblywoman Sally Lieber, Speaker pro Tempore, California State Assembly "Mississippians believe that we have worked diligently to put our lives and homes back together following Hurricane Katrina.
"—Brian Carriere, Gulfport City Council President "The Gulf Coast Civic Works Project presents a common sense solution that's as bold and broad as the problem it's trying to solve.