Requests the Board of Regents to study the need, structure, and location of a community college in the Natchitoches area
Impact
If adopted, this resolution could significantly influence educational policy in Louisiana, particularly by addressing the lack of community college access in the Natchitoches area. This initiative is considered crucial for improving local educational opportunities and ensuring that residents have access to two-year academic degree programs that align with regional economic needs. The study proposed under HCR182 is expected to explore potential partnerships and the use of existing facilities to support these services.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 182 (HCR182) seeks to initiate a study on the feasibility of establishing community college services in the Greater Natchitoches Region of Louisiana. The resolution acknowledges the importance of community college education in fulfilling the workforce and economic development needs of underserved areas. It requests collaboration between the Board of Regents and various educational institutions to assess how best to provide these educational offerings.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR182 appears to be supportive, particularly among educational leaders and local legislators who recognize the need for improved educational access. Proponents argue that community college services can play a vital role in enhancing the local economy and providing individuals with the necessary skills for employment. There is a general consensus that the region would benefit from increased educational opportunities.
Contention
Despite the positive reception of HCR182, there are underlying concerns regarding funding and the feasibility of implementing a new community college program. The resolution highlights the existing financial constraints and calls for a strategic approach to utilize available resources effectively. Critics may point out the challenges associated with establishing a new educational institution in the current economic climate, suggesting caution in proceeding without thorough evaluations and budget considerations.
Requests the Bd. of Regents and the Bd. of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges jointly to study offering community college services to the Greater St. Mary Parish Area
Requests that the Board of Regents, in consultation with the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges, study the feasibility of offering community college services in Livingston Parish
Requests the Board of Regents to conduct a study of two-year college services offered in the greater south central Louisiana area and determine how best to meet both the educational needs of students and workforce development needs of business and industry in the area.
Requests the Board of Regents to conduct a study of two-year college services offered in northeast Louisiana and determine how best to meet both the educational needs of students and workforce development needs of business and industry in the region.
Requests that the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges and Board of Regents study and report relative to changes needed for community and technical colleges in response to COVID-19
Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges to study the availability of and need for vocational education programs for high school students
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.