Katrina Victims To Receive $2,000 Debit Cards

Story from NPR.org:

U.S. to Distribute $2,000 Debit Cards to Victims

The federal government plans to begin handing out debit cards worth $2,000 each to adult victims of Hurricane Katrina, according to The Associated Press. The cards could be used to buy food, transportation, gas and other essentials the displaced people need, according to a state official.

Homeland Security Department Secretary Michael Chertoff described the plan in a conference call with state officials Wednesday morning. The unprecedented cash card program initially will benefit stranded people who have been moved to major rescue centers such as the Houston Astrodome.