Requests the United State Department of Commerce to establish a Foreign-Trade Zone in the Delta region.
Impact
The establishment of a foreign-trade zone in the Delta region, which includes parishes along the critical Mississippi River and I-20 corridor, aims to enhance the local economy. The resolution suggests that such a zone could serve as a hub for industrial storage, light assembly, and logistics, optimizing connections to various modes of transportation including rail, truck, air, and barge. This could potentially increase trade volume and create new employment opportunities in the area, promoting broader economic development across the region.
Summary
Senate Resolution 125 (SR125), proposed by Senator Thompson, urges the United States Department of Commerce to establish a Foreign-Trade Zone in the Delta region of Louisiana. This resolution highlights the potential economic benefits of creating a secured area where usual customs and duties do not apply unless goods are brought in for domestic consumption. Importers would have the flexibility to pay duties based on either the original foreign materials or finished products, incentivizing businesses to utilize this zone for trade and export activities.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SR125 appears to be positive, particularly among stakeholders interested in economic expansion. Proponents view the establishment of a foreign-trade zone as a strategic opportunity to strengthen the region’s competitive edge in global trade, drawing on the advantages of the Mississippi River as a transport route. There is a strong expectation that this initiative would not only benefit local businesses but also attract new investment to the Delta region.
Contention
While the resolution largely receives support, notable points of contention may arise regarding the implications of foreign-trade zones on local regulations and businesses. Critics could argue that the focus on trade facilitation might overshadow other pressing local economic needs or lead to adverse effects on local industry sectors that do not benefit from trade-related policies. However, as it currently stands, there is no substantial opposition documented in the transcripts surrounding SR125.
Requests the Board of Regents to study the feasibility of establishing a program in colleges of education that offers college credit to future teachers who tutor students in elementary and secondary schools in poverty stricken areas of the state.
Requests the Department of Economic Development to study and report on commercial activities by state-owned companies or organizations in and subsidized by certain foreign governments and requests the state treasurer to certify that no public funds are used to support commercial activities in foreign governments
Requests various state and local departments to take certain actions regarding the commercial construction and operation by Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast of a facility to provide abortions in Louisiana.
Requests the LSU Health Sciences Center-Shreveport and the Department of Health and Hospitals to study the healthcare needs of the Northeast Louisiana Delta region and to make recommendations to the legislature which would increase the provision of healthcare in that area of the state.
Requests the Department of Economic Development to study and report on commercial activities by state-owned companies or organizations based in and subsidized by certain foreign governments and requests the state treasurer to certify that no public funds are used to support commercial activities in certain foreign governments
Urges and requests the La. Dept. of Economic Development to continue its endeavors to foster international commerce, including the assertive attraction of foreign direct investment