ENROLLED
Page 1 of 4
Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 146
BY REPRESENTATIVE BARROW
A RESOLUTION
To create a study committee to examine and report on advancing the well-being of the
African American family by strengthening all areas of family relationships.
WHEREAS, the purpose of this study is to examine methods of strengthening all
areas of African American family relationships, including marital, parental, and spousal
involvement; and
WHEREAS, while African American families share many features with other United
States families, the African American family has some distinctive features and set of
experiences which help shape their behaviors and attitudes toward family; and
WHEREAS, family values are the cornerstone of a person's personal and professional
life; and
WHEREAS, there is a need for the involvement of faithbased organizations for the
moral and spiritual growth of the African American family; and
WHEREAS, faith-based organizations are integral part of the development of the
family and the community; and
WHEREAS, the creation of a strong, cohesive family unit can improve African
American performance in the areas of social, educational, and economic well-being; and
WHEREAS, to ensure proud, capable African American children requires enhanced
parenting skills; and
WHEREAS, improved family functioning, specifically, in the area of parenting can
discourage and reduce behavior problems in children; and
WHEREAS, the African American father has a pivotal role as a provider, protector,
and disciplinarian, but he also is an equally important factor in the socialization of his
children; and ENROLLEDHR NO. 146
Page 2 of 4
WHEREAS, the communication skills gained at an early age become an integral part
of navigating social situations and ultimately in educational and professional advancement;
and
WHEREAS, education is widely recognized as the gateway to economic security;
and
WHEREAS, a parent's background and education are some of the primary factors
impacting a child's performance in school; and
WHEREAS, the lack of an education and resulting poverty are strongly related to
many of the family and social issues which plague the African American community; and
WHEREAS, understanding the structure of the African American family can play
an important role in improving social skills, increasing educational attainment, creating
economic opportunity, and providing a platform for greater civic, social, and political
discourse; and
WHEREAS, this Study shall provide an initial exploration of how family
intervention programs can serve to strengthen the African American family unit.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
create a study committee, composed of members as hereinafter provided, to study and make
recommendations with respect to the structure of the African American family as it relates
to education outcomes, socioeconomic factors, and health disparities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study committee created herein shall be
composed of twelve members as follows:
(1) The secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals or his designee.
(2) The secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services or his
designee.
(3) The superintendent of the Department of Education or his designee.
(4) The executive director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission or his designee.
(5) The president of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc.-Central Louisiana or
his designee.
(6) The president of NAACP Shreveport Chapter or his designee.
(7) The president of the 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge or his designee.
(8) The president of the Urban League of Greater New Orleans or his designee. ENROLLEDHR NO. 146
Page 3 of 4
(9) The executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention or his designee.
(10) The bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette or his designee.
(11) The pastor of the River of Life Nondenominational Church in Winnsboro,
Louisiana, or his designee.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study committee shall appoint a chairman
who shall facilitate the organization of the committee in the adoption of rules of procedure,
adoption of a work schedule, and adoption of any additional measures that it deems
necessary for the timely performance of its duties.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that members of the study committee shall serve
without compensation but may be reimbursed for incurred expenses as provided by their
respective organizations; and that other members shall be paid in accordance with state
travel regulations by the respective departments, agencies, or associations of which they are
officers or employees.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study committee may request and utilize
such counsel, assistance, personnel, facilities, and advice as may be obtained from any and
all sources, public and private, including but not limited to state agencies, business, labor,
private research agencies, individuals, and organizations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study committee, at a minimum, shall review
and consider the following: (1) improving parenting skills and techniques; (2) decreasing
behavior problems in children; (3) discouraging and eliminating the desire to commit crimes;
(4) connecting families with a higher power; (5) improving educational skills in parents and
children; (6) encouraging improvement of property standards; (7) introducing structured
guidance in early education; (8) encouraging fatherhood training; (9) increasing access to
pastoral training; and (10) offering single mother counseling services.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the study committee shall offer solutions to the
issues in the African American community relative to marital, parental, and spousal
involvement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study committee shall have the authority to
consider, investigate, and evaluate any and all other matters or issues relevant to
strengthening the African American family. ENROLLEDHR NO. 146
Page 4 of 4
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study committee shall meet as necessary and
shall report its findings to the House Committee on Health and Welfare not later than March
1, 2013.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution shall be
transmitted to the secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals; the secretary of the
Department of Children and Family Services; the superintendent of the Department of
Education; executive director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission; the president of the
Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc.-Central Louisiana; the president of NAACP
Shreveport Chapter; the president of the 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge; the
executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention; the bishop of the Diocese of
Lafayette; and the pastor of the River of Life Nondenominational Church.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES