Louisiana Senate Bill SB161

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10

Caption

Dedicates state funds for the purpose of providing health insurance premiums of certain plan members in hurricane affected areas. (7/1/10) (OR -$10,388,280 GF RV See Note)

Impact

The establishment of the Hurricane Recovery Health Insurance Premium Fund could significantly impact Louisiana's public health policy related to its educator workforce. By providing subsidies for the health insurance premiums required by the employees of affected school boards, the bill is designed to ease the financial burden on these employees and ensure continued access to necessary healthcare provisions. Such measures may directly contribute to retaining teachers and staff in critical regions recovering from natural disasters.

Summary

Senate Bill 161 establishes the Hurricane Recovery Health Insurance Premium Fund as a special fund in the Louisiana state treasury, aimed at providing health insurance premium subsidies for certain plan members employed by school boards in hurricane-affected areas. The bill mandates that starting July 1, 2010, the state treasurer must allocate 40% of the necessary health insurance premiums into the fund, dedicated to specific school boards including Cameron Parish, Orleans Parish, Plaquemines Parish, and St. Bernard Parish. This allocation is dependent on the annual appropriations set forth by the legislature.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB161 appears to be predominantly supportive as it addresses the pressing needs of school employees in hurricane-affected areas. Legislators and stakeholders who favor the bill argue that it represents a vital safety net for educators and school staff, acknowledging the challenges they face in predominantly vulnerable communities. However, discussions might surface regarding the ongoing fiscal implications of funding the premium subsidies, raising concerns about the sustainability of such financial commitments in the longer term.

Contention

While SB161 is broadly viewed positively, potential points of contention may arise over the specific allocations within the fund and the overall costs associated with the proposed financial measures. There may also be debates on how the fund's establishment will impact budget priorities for other social services in the state. Critics could question whether sufficient funding will be allocated in subsequent fiscal years to uphold these commitments, thus impacting service delivery to the broader population.