Requests the lieutenant governor to disperse, from monies available to him, $500,000 to the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.
Impact
The passing of SCR151 would provide critical financial support to the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, allowing it to resume its grant cycles and continue funding various projects. This measure highlights the importance of state support for cultural institutions, particularly in a time of fiscal restraint. With the proposed funding, the Endowment would be able to sustain its programs, which have included documentary films, educational grants for teachers, and family reading initiatives that serve economically and educationally vulnerable communities.
Summary
SCR151 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that urges and requests the lieutenant governor of Louisiana to disperse $500,000 to the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. The resolution comes in response to severe cuts in state funding faced by the Endowment, which has resulted in significant reductions in its operations, including the suspension of grant cycles vital for local projects. For over forty years, the Endowment has been a central provider of grant support in the state, funding numerous projects that foster cultural and educational initiatives.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SCR151 is predominantly positive, reflecting a commitment to preserving the humanities and supporting educational initiatives in Louisiana. Legislators and stakeholders expressed a unified concern for the impact of funding cuts on the Endowment's ability to function effectively. The resolution received unanimous approval in the Senate, indicating widespread recognition of the Endowment's role in enhancing cultural literacy and addressing local educational needs.
Contention
While there appears to be general support for SCR151, potential points of contention could arise around the broader implications of state funding priorities. Some legislators may argue about the allocation of limited state resources and whether funding the Endowment is the best use of taxpayer money, particularly in light of ongoing budget constraints. Nevertheless, the resolution aims to address immediate funding needs for the humanities sector, which is often at risk during budget shortfalls.
Requests the U. S. President to issue an emergency declaration to use any and all U.S. resources, including military forces and martial law, to stop the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and to ban the use of certain chemical dispersants in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response operation.
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.
Requests the president of the United States to utilize all the resources of the federal government to stop the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico and to minimize its impacts on the state of Louisiana, its citizens, businesses, and wildlife and fisheries, and to expedite any necessary permits and to waive or suspend any federal requirements as necessary in order to protect Louisiana's coast, marshes, estuaries, citizens, businesses, and wildlife and fisheries.
Expresses support of the U.S. Armed Services Active Duty, Reserve Component and National Guard; recognizes the impact of the military on Louisiana's economy; requests the governor of Louisiana to resource adequately those efforts designed to protect and promote the missions, quality of life and economic viability of Louisiana's military installations and defense communities.
Requests the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to place on its official website a link to information regarding end of life care in the state of Louisiana.
Requests the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to immediately reject any requests for a rehearing regarding Cheniere Energy's Sabine Pass Liquefaction Project and memorializes Congress to express their support for LNG exports and to streamline and expedite the approval process.
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.