Provides for the allocation of appropriations to the office of elderly affairs for the voluntary parish councils on aging (OR +$5,151,118 GF EX See Note)
Impact
The implications of HB360 are significant for the elderly population across Louisiana, as it aims to enhance the financial capabilities of parish councils to better serve seniors. By increasing both the formulaic per-resident allocations and the overall appropriation, the bill intends to bolster programs that provide essential support and services to aging individuals in various parishes. The enhanced funding is designed to facilitate improvements in social services, healthcare access, and overall quality of life for elderly residents.
Summary
House Bill 360, introduced by Representative Harrison, focuses on the funding and allocation of resources to the office of elderly affairs in Louisiana. The bill seeks to amend existing laws to increase the funding appropriated for voluntary parish councils on aging. Specifically, it proposes to raise the per capita allocation from $2.50 to $6.00 for each resident aged sixty and older and increases the maximum funding limit for any single parish from $100,000 to $325,000. Additionally, the legislative measure would enhance the minimum annual appropriation for these services from approximately $2.78 million to $7.9 million.
Sentiment
Discussions surrounding HB360 appear to reflect a positive sentiment overall, particularly among proponents who view the increased funding as a necessary advancement in addressing the needs of the aging population in Louisiana. Supporters argue that the current funding levels are inadequate, and the proposed increases would enable better services and support for senior citizens. However, there may also be some contention regarding budget allocations and the prioritization of funding, especially in the broader context of state financial resources.
Contention
While there is broad support for enhancing elderly services through increased funding, there are underlying concerns regarding budget constraints and the sustainability of such financial commitments. Critics may raise questions about whether the state can maintain the proposed funding levels over time without negatively impacting other essential services. Additionally, the redistribution of funds among various parishes could lead to disparities in service availability, raising the potential for debate among council leaders regarding equitable access to increased funding.
Modifies the funding formula used to determine minimum state funding allocations to parish councils on aging and increases the minimum aggregate total that is to be appropriated annually to the office of elderly affairs for such allocations (EN +$3,524,736 GF EX See Note)
Provides relative to elderly affairs; creates the Department of Elderly Affairs, places the Louisiana Executive Board on Aging in the department, and provides for allocation of funds for programs for the elderly (RE SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Provides funding to the Executive Department, office of elderly affairs for the parish councils on aging and provides funding to the Department of Veterans Affairs for operating expenses
Provides relative to the Department of Elderly Affairs, including provisions for officers and employees, rulemaking, and funding (EGF NO IMPACT See Note)
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.