Louisiana House Bill HB381

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/11
• Refer: 4/25/11
• Report Pass: 5/17/11
• Engrossed: 5/24/11
• Refer: 5/25/11
• Report Pass: 6/8/11
• Enrolled: 6/20/11
• Chaptered: 6/29/11
• Passed: 6/29/11

Caption

Clarifies and specifies the value of health care benefits offered to employees as a factor in the determination of qualification for tax rebates under the Louisiana Quality Jobs Program (EN DECREASE GF RV See Note)

Impact

The overall impact of HB 381 is expected to enhance the state's approach to economic development through job creation. By recognizing health care benefits as a factor in calculating tax rebates, the legislation encourages businesses to provide comprehensive health insurance to their employees, aligning employee welfare with economic incentives. Employers who offer health care benefits are likely to benefit from significant financial rebates, stimulating job growth and improving overall job quality in the state. The requirements outlined in the bill aim to ensure that employees not only secure employment but also have access to essential health benefits, ultimately contributing to a healthier workforce.

Summary

House Bill 381 focuses on amending certain provisions regarding the Louisiana Quality Jobs Program, aiming to clarify and specify how health care benefits offered to employees are evaluated as part of qualification for tax rebates. Specifically, the bill indicates that the value of health care benefits should be included when determining the number of new direct jobs created, thus potentially increasing the tax rebates available to employers who meet specific wage and health benefit criteria. This legislative effort intends to incentivize employers to provide adequate health coverage alongside competitive wages, fostering a more robust workforce in Louisiana.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 381 appears generally positive among proponents of the bill, including business leaders and some lawmakers who advocate for increased job creation through enhanced employer incentives. They view the integration of health care benefits in the tax rebate qualification as a step forward in attracting and retaining businesses, thereby boosting the local economy. Conversely, there are concerns from critics who argue that while the focus on health benefits is commendable, it may inadvertently benefit larger corporations disproportionately compared to small businesses that may struggle to meet these added requirements.

Contention

Despite the bill's intended positive outcomes, notable points of contention have emerged. Critics suggest that the specific thresholds for wage and health care benefits may be too high for smaller employers, potentially leading to an uneven playing field in the labor market. Additionally, there are discussions on whether the bill adequately addresses the diverse needs of various sectors or simply promotes a one-size-fits-all model. This concern raises questions about how effectively the legislation can balance the promotion of job creation with the need for equitable treatment across businesses of different sizes.