Criticism dogs 'feel-good' relief efforts

MIAMI, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Efforts by Florida officials to use federal disaster aid to produce entertaining activities as a means of recovery has gotten federal criticism.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that Florida's efforts, such as a puppet show and salsa dancing for senior citizens, to help people recover from disasters has been criticized by members of Congress.

But the newspaper said the practice is relatively common in a number of states.

Previously, California officials got bad publicity for using relief money connected to the 1994 Northridge earthquake to fund puppet shows, as well as poster contests.

Virginia also felt a political backlash after its officials used Sept. 11, 2001, funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for various workshops and classes oriented towards psychological improvement.

"This sort of spending is exactly the opposite of what Americans expect the government's response to a disaster should be," U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Fla., said. "This is a national, systemic problem."