John Edwards Kicks Off Tour to One America

John Edwards is in New Orleans where he kicked off his "Road to One America" Tour.  On the Road to One America Tour, John Edwards will visit 11 cities in 8 different states to shine a light on the problem of poverty in America, and highlight solutions to restore economic fairness.

This is something we can do if we work together.  We can create opportunity and reward work to end this injustice.  But we have to face the hard truth that one in 8 of our fellow citizens live in poverty - that's 37 million Americans - and it's a disgrace.  We know that America is better than that, and we know we have a responsibility to each other to do something about this problem.  John Edwards has offered a plan to end poverty in America in 30 years and his travels on the Road to One America will focus on some of the steps that will get us there.

Last night, Senator Edwards joined community leaders of New Orleans for a walking tour of the Lower 9th Ward which is still facing an uphill battle as it attempts to recover and rebuild from the heartbreaking devastation Hurricane Katrina and the utterly shameful lack of response from President Bush

In New Orleans, Senator Edwards will unveil his three-point plan to rebuild the city.  The plan seeks to address the question of recovery with a focus on rebuilding infrastructure, creating jobs and keeping the city safe from future storms and rising crime.

Rebuild:  The rebuilding of infrastructure in New Orleans is stalled. The city needs new hospitals, clinics, schools and roads. John Edwards will call for building a new Veterans' hospital downtown, call on the VA to stop delaying site selection and choose downtown New Orleans, and then fast-track the design process so construction can begin. He will also propose building a 21st century infrastructure, integrating new housing, and preserving livable housing.

Create:  Edwards believes we need to create good jobs in New Orleans. He will propose hiring 50,000 Gulf Coast residents to fill stepping stone jobs dedicated to rebuilding infrastructure that will help local and returning residents gain skills and experience. He will also protect workers from contractor exploitation.

Protect:   Finally, Edwards believes we need to protect the city and the region from weather and crime. As president, Edwards will do whatever is necessary to ensure that Katrina never happens again, including building stronger levees and restoring coastal wetlands. Following Katrina, New Orleans has experienced an epidemic in violence. Edwards will strengthen public safety to end the epidemic of crime and violence.

To keep up with the tour text “TOUR” to 30644.

For more details on John Edwards' plan to rebuild New Orleans, check out this fact sheet.

-Team Edwards