Requests the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs and the Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs to meet and function as a joint committee to study the organization of state government with a focus on abolishing or merging one or more departments in order to provide for creation of the Department of Elderly Affairs as provided in House Bill No. 352 of the 2013 R.S.
Impact
The resolution acknowledges that the current executive branch comprises twenty existing departments. It recognizes the constitutional parameters under which the functions and responsibilities of these departments must be organized. HCR164 implies that the establishment of the Department of Elderly Affairs could lead to potential efficiencies and cost savings within state government by consolidating services that cater to senior citizens. This department would be responsible for planning and coordinating services directed at individuals aged sixty or older.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 164 (HCR164) requests the establishment of a joint committee by the House and Senate Committees on Governmental Affairs to study the restructuring of the executive branch of Louisiana's state government. The main focus of this resolution is to examine the feasibility of merging or abolishing existing departments to facilitate the creation of a new Department of Elderly Affairs. This proposed department aims to better address the needs of Louisiana's growing elderly population and streamline services provided to them.
Sentiment
Overall, sentiment surrounding HCR164 appears moderately favorable, as it addresses a pressing need for focused attention on the aging population in Louisiana. Supporters suggest that creating a dedicated department could enhance the management and delivery of services to the elderly, which is a growing segment of the state's demographics. However, there may be concerns related to the implications of merging departments on existing services and employees involved in those functions.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise around the ramifications of merging or abolishing existing departments. By establishing the Department of Elderly Affairs, there may be fears of service disruption or job losses among current employees in affected departments. Moreover, discussions may also touch on the adequacy of resources and support for such a large demographic, as stakeholders might debate the best approaches for effectively serving the elderly without sacrificing the quality of existing services.
Requests the Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs to study the issues relative to the merger of one or more state departments.
Requests the House and Governmental Affairs and Senate and Governmental Affairs committees to meet and function as a joint committee to study the use of technology in Louisiana's elections
Requests the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs and the Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs to meet and function as a joint committee to study and make recommendations regarding ethics and campaign finance disclosure laws
Requests the House and Governmental Affairs and Senate and Governmental Affairs committees to meet and function as a joint committee to study the advisability of reducing the number of signatures required to have a recall election
Requests the House and Governmental Affairs and Senate and Governmental Affairs committees to meet and function as a joint committee to study moving all school board elections to the gubernatorial or presidential election
Requests the Committee on House and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs to meet and function as a joint committee to study the laws and issues related to the state capitol complex and the state capitol and report findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than September 1, 2013
Request the committees on Senate and governmental affairs and House and governmental affairs study the practice of requiring state agencies to lease office space from the state.
Requests the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs and the Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs to meet and function as a joint committee to study the advisability of requiring the Orleans Parish registrar of voters to serve for a term of office concurrent with the term of office of the members of the city council
Request the Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs study the feasibility of establishing a more expedient transition for local elected officials to take office.
Requests the secretaries of the Department of Health and Hospitals and the Department of Children and Family Services to study the consolidation of the two departments into one department and to present a plan for such consolidation and related information to the legislature