Louisiana House Bill HB513

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/2/18
• Refer: 3/2/18
• Refer: 3/12/18
• Refer: 3/22/18
• Refer: 3/26/18
• Report Pass: 4/23/18
• Engrossed: 5/1/18
• Refer: 5/2/18

Caption

Requires a portion of the monies in the Unclaimed Property Leverage Fund to be dedicated to the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund (RR -$10,000,000 GF RV See Note)

Impact

The bill modifies existing laws regarding the allocation of funds from unclaimed property, with a clear focus on enhancing early childhood education resources in the state. By providing dedicated funding, HB 513 aims to eliminate barriers for parents awaiting assistance and improve the quality and availability of childhood education services. The requirement for local entities to contribute matching funds enhances community involvement and sustainability of early education projects, but may also present challenges for those without sufficient resources.

Summary

House Bill 513 aims to support early childhood education in Louisiana by allocating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of unclaimed property to the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund. Specifically, the bill mandates that $10 million per year from these proceeds be directed into the fund from Fiscal Year 2019 through Fiscal Year 2022. This funding is intended to assist in funding early childhood care and education slots and serve families on the waiting list for the Child Care Assistance Program, ensuring those in need receive priority access to resources.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 513 appears generally positive among supporters who view the bill as a necessary step towards strengthening early education. Advocates argue that investing in early childhood education can yield significant long-term benefits for children and families, leading to better educational outcomes. However, some concerns were raised about the sustainability of funding and the reliance on unclaimed property proceeds, as this may create uncertainties in long-term financial planning.

Contention

A key point of contention related to HB 513 involves the limited duration of the funding commitment, which may raise questions about the long-term viability of the assistance provided. While supporters express optimism about the initial infusion of funds, critics worry that once the four-year period concludes, if no further funding is established, the benefits of the program may be short-lived. Additionally, discussions included whether the matching funds requirement could disproportionately affect certain communities, potentially leaving behind those who are most in need.