Suspends provision of law capping amount of revenue which can be spent on in-state advertising (EN NO IMPACT See Note)
The suspension of the ten percent cap on in-state advertising funds allows the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism to proactively promote domestic travel within Louisiana. This is anticipated to provide a much-needed stimulus to local businesses and the tourism sector, which have been severely affected by the pandemic. The resolution reflects a broader strategy to facilitate economic recovery by encouraging more in-state tourism during a period when international travel remains uncertain and restricted.
House Concurrent Resolution 31 (HCR31) aims to suspend the provision of Louisiana state law that restricts the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism from using more than ten percent of its advertising budget for in-state media advertisements. The resolution comes as a response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced the department to cut down on international and national advertising efforts. Given the significant role that the travel and tourism industry plays in Louisiana's economy, generating over a billion dollars in taxes and supporting over 230,000 jobs, lawmakers saw an urgent need to boost local tourism through increased advertising efforts.
The sentiment surrounding HCR31 appears to be predominantly supportive, as evidenced by the unanimous vote in favor of the resolution in the Senate, with 34 yeas and no nays. Lawmakers recognized the necessity of promoting local tourism in an effort to revitalize the economy and support businesses that rely on visitors, which places the bill in a favorable light amidst the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic.
While there doesn't appear to be significant public contention surrounding HCR31, discussions may arise around the long-term implications of increased advertising funding and the balances between in-state versus out-of-state promotional activities post-pandemic. The focus on local tourism might also lead to scrutiny regarding how the funds are allocated and the effectiveness of the advertising strategies implemented as the state looks to recover economically.