Urges and requests the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to investigate the partnership between the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services and the Louisiana Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies
Impact
The passage of HR82 could have significant implications for state laws related to child care and early childhood education. It may lead to legislative changes that enhance funding and resources for child care providers, thereby improving the quality of services offered. The resolution highlights the importance of oversight in the partnership between DCFS and related organizations, ensuring that public funds are appropriately managed and used to support early childhood education effectively. Moreover, the resolution's push for unionization initiatives indicates a shift towards recognizing the rights and needs of child care providers in Louisiana, a right-to-work state.
Summary
House Resolution 82 (HR82) urges the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to investigate the partnership between the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Louisiana Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. The resolution is primarily focused on the implementation of accreditation, training, wage-setting, and the incentivizing of benefits for home-based child care providers, with the aim of embedding a public union or partnership of child care providers within state government. This initiative is being supported by various national organizations advocating for better working conditions and compensation for child care providers, including the National Women's Law Center and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HR82 appears to be supportive among advocates for children’s services and labor rights, as it aligns with broader efforts to improve working conditions and financial compensation for child care providers. However, it also faces potential contention from critics who may express concerns about the implications of unionization and the use of public funds. The overall discourse reflects a growing recognition of the importance of early childhood education and the need for systemic improvements to support both providers and the families they serve.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the fine balance between public funding and the privatization of child care services, as well as the implications of unionizing child care workers. Some legislators and stakeholders may argue that while increasing support for child care providers is essential, the approach outlined in HR82 could lead to complexities in governance and funding management. Concerns may also be raised about the potential politicization of child care services and whether union involvement could effectively address the long-standing challenges in early childhood education.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health, the Department of Children and Family Services, and the office of the governor to study voluntary universal home visiting for all families with young children in the state of Louisiana.
Requests BrightStart, Louisiana's Early Childhood Advisory Council, to study the merits of, and possible plans for, expansion of the evidence-based Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) and to report to the legislature.
Transfers certain family and support programs from the Department of Children and Family Services to the Louisiana Workforce Commission and renames Louisiana Workforce Commission to Louisiana Works (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requests BrightStart, Louisiana's Early Childhood Advisory Council, to study the merits of, and possible plans for, expansion of the evidence-based Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) and to report to the House Committee on Health and Welfare
Request the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, the Division of Administration and the governor's office to work with the Louisiana Food Bank Association to ensure the acquisition and distribution of sufficient food to hungry Louisiana citizens, particularly children and the elderly.
Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to promote the department's EarlySteps system with the Louisiana Hospital Association, the Louisiana State Medical Society, and the Optometry Association of Louisiana.
Designates May 20, 2015, as LouisianaChildren.org Day at the Louisiana State Capitol and recognizes the efforts of LouisianaChildren.org in striving to give every child in Louisiana the opportunity to thrive.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to evaluate factors affecting children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in this state and their families
Transfers certain family and support programs from the Department of Children and Family Services to the Louisiana Workforce Commission and renames Louisiana Workforce Commission to Louisiana Works (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health, the Department of Children and Family Services, and the office of the governor to study voluntary universal home visiting for all families with young children in the state of Louisiana.
To recognize Monday, June 7, 2021, as Louisiana Childhood Obesity Awareness Day and commend efforts to prevent and combat childhood obesity in Louisiana.
Recognizes April 15, 2014, as "GEAUX BLUE FOR KIDS"! Day at the Louisiana State Capitol and commends LouisianaChildren.org and its member programs CACLA, LACASA, and PCAL.