Louisiana Senate Bill SCR151

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/1/12
• Passed: 6/3/12
• Engrossed: 6/3/12

Caption

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.