Urges and requests the La. Department of Economic Development to complete a military economic impact analysis
The resolution explicitly requests an updated assessment to provide an inventory of military facilities and analyze their overall economic impact. This information is intended to inform the governor's Military Advisory Board and assist in regional planning. Given that military installations like Fort Polk and Barksdale Air Force Base are among the largest employers in Louisiana, there is a clear expectation that the outcomes of this analysis will guide future decisions related to economic development and support for military families and operations within the state.
HCR176 is a House Concurrent Resolution aimed at urging the Louisiana Department of Economic Development to conduct a military economic impact analysis. The resolution highlights the significant presence of military installations in Louisiana and their substantial contributions to the state's economy. It cites a previous analysis from 2002, which demonstrated that the military presence generated over $7 billion in gross sales, $3.56 billion in household earnings, and hundreds of thousands of jobs. The bill stresses the evolving nature of military activities and their economic implications since that time, particularly in light of various base realignments and closures mandated by the federal government.
Overall, the sentiment around HCR176 appears to be supportive, particularly among lawmakers recognizing the crucial role of military installations in Louisiana's economy. This bill has received unanimous approval in the Senate, suggesting a bipartisan acknowledgment of the need to evaluate military contributions to the local economies. There is a shared understanding that military operations not only provide jobs but also concern regional infrastructures crucial to disaster response and recovery efforts.
While there seems to be widespread support for the analysis called for by HCR176, there is an underlying recognition of the potential changes in local economic dynamics based on military funding and operations. Discussions around military spending and its influence on state budgets can develop into points of contention, especially among community members who may have varying opinions on the prioritization of military investment versus other public service needs. However, no notable opposition against this particular resolution has been recorded.