Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SR39

Introduced
4/16/19  
Introduced
4/16/19  
Passed
4/17/19  

Caption

Commends the Nurse-Family Partnership in Louisiana upon the twentieth anniversary of the program's establishment.

Impact

The impacts of the NFP program as noted in SR39 extend beyond just health outcomes for mothers and infants; it showcases substantial long-term societal savings. Economic research indicates a nearly sixfold return on investment for every dollar invested in the program, affirming its efficiency in reducing the need for government services aimed at supporting families in poverty. This resolution also reports various positive outcomes, such as a notable decrease in child abuse and neglect cases, lower arrest rates among children, and considerably reduced convictions among the mothers involved in the program, suggesting that NFP has a lasting detrimental effect on intergenerational poverty.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 39 commends the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) for its successful impact since its inception in 1999, particularly highlighting its effectiveness in assisting first-time, low-income mothers and their children. The resolution acknowledges that Louisiana was one of the first states to implement this outreach program, which operates through local partners in 41 states, greatly improving pregnancy and birth outcomes, as well as child development and welfare. It emphasizes the program's role in economic self-sufficiency, which is achieved by helping parents develop a vision for their future and providing essential guidance during critical phases of a child's early development.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding SR39 appears to be very positive, with strong acknowledgment of the NFP's contributions over the past twenty years. There is recognition of the program's success as well as its comprehensive research-based approach to improving the lives of vulnerable families, which aligns with the broader goals of social welfare and economic development. By praising the NFP, the resolution reflects a bipartisan consensus on the importance of supporting frameworks that help elevate families out of poverty and promote healthy development in children.

Contention

While SR39 focuses on commending the positive outcomes of the NFP program, it could face challenges concerning funding and operational support in the future. As policymakers debate budgetary allocations, the sustainability of such programs may become contentious, especially in sessions focused on fiscal conservatism. Critics of similar family support initiatives may argue against extensive public investments, although this resolution highlights the cost-effectiveness and societal benefits of investing in early intervention programs like NFP.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.