Louisiana Senate Bill SCR70

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/8/11
• Passed: 6/8/11
• Engrossed: 6/8/11
• Refer: 6/9/11

Caption

Directs the division of administration to immediately release to members of the legislature any report generated by Chaffe and Associates, Inc., relative to the financial analysis and possible privatization of the Office of Group Benefits.

Impact

By mandating the release of the Chaffe and Associates report, SCR70 seeks to ensure that members of the Louisiana Legislature have access to crucial financial data related to the OGB. The resolution underscores the need for legislative oversight in matters pertaining to state employee benefits and highlights the ongoing discussions about the efficiency and sustainability of the OGB. The outcome of this bill could potentially alter how public benefits are managed and administered in the state, particularly if privatization is deemed viable.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 70 (SCR70) directs the Division of Administration in Louisiana to immediately release reports generated by Chaffe and Associates concerning the financial analysis and potential privatization of the Office of Group Benefits (OGB). This resolution comes in response to public and legislative demands for transparency and accountability regarding OGB's financial evaluation and any discussions around privatization, which could have significant implications for state employee benefits.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR70 appears to be supportive, as legislators and the public are pushing for increased transparency in the operations of OGB. This resolution reflects a consensus on the importance of making financial analyses accessible to lawmakers in order to make informed decisions about the future of the OGB. However, there are underlying tensions regarding the implications of privatizing public services, which could shift the focus from providing state employees with comprehensive benefits to more profit-driven motives.

Contention

Notably, the resolution arose after frustrations were expressed regarding the lack of access to the financial analysis report from Chaffe and Associates. Commissioner of Administration Paul Rainwater's previous assertions to provide the report were not fulfilled, sparking concerns among legislators. While the resolution aims to facilitate transparency, it also poses questions about the potential fallout from privatizing state benefits and the management of public services. Ensuring that state employees have reliable and accessible benefits will likely remain a significant topic of discourse among lawmakers.