So Katrina caused a huge amount of economic destruction… people just can’t seem to agree on how MUCH economic destruction. Louisiana asked for $250 BILLION! Mississppi was a little surprised to learn this, since they’ve only asked for $33 Billion. So here’s a little math based on Census data. Louisiana’s $250 Billion translates into
$533,012 for every person in that lived in New Orleans
$55,361 per person in Louisiana
Seven times the total retail sales for the entire state of LA in 1997 (http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/22000.html)Mississippi’s $33 Billion translates into
$86,118 per person in Mississippi
Twelve times the total retail sales for the entire state of MI in 1997 (http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/28000.html)It looks like both states are going to be disappointed since the current aid bill working it’s way through Washington has been moving between $25 and $30 billion. Total.
Louisiana’s funding request created shockwaves
