Requests La. Economic Development to provide certain information relative to loans and grants distributed utilizing federal and state funding in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Impact
HCR97's focus on data collection is significant for state law, as it encourages transparency and accountability in how relief funds are distributed to small businesses. By urging the Louisiana Economic Development to analyze disparities in lending standards, the resolution aims to shed light on potential inequalities in access to these funds. This could lead to future legislative action based on the findings, potentially refining state policies to create a more equitable lending environment for all business owners. Additionally, the resolution highlights the importance of supporting small businesses, which are critical to the state's economy.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 97 (HCR97) addresses the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses in Louisiana. Specifically, the resolution urges the Louisiana Economic Development department to provide detailed information regarding loans and grants received by small businesses through federal and state programs related to the pandemic. This includes data on the number and amounts of loans disbursed, broken down by various demographic factors and business types. The resolution aims to ensure transparency in the distribution of financial aid to support economic recovery in the state following the pandemic's significant disruptions.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR97 is largely supportive, as it aims to understand and improve the lending practices affecting small businesses during a time of economic hardship. Legislators and stakeholders who advocate for small business support view the resolution as a necessary step towards ensuring that relief funds are accessible and equitably distributed. However, there may be some contention regarding the methodologies used to gather data and whether they fully capture the experiences of all small business owners, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
Contention
While HCR97 is generally received positively, notable points of contention may arise regarding the effectiveness of the data collection processes and the eventual utilization of the gathered information. Critics might voice concerns about bureaucratic delays in reporting and whether the findings will lead to actionable change in lending practices. Additionally, the resolution calls for a comprehensive study of disparities, which could reveal inequalities that provoke further debate among lawmakers and stakeholders on how best to address these issues in future legislation.
Requests Louisiana Economic Development to study the impact COVID-19 has had on the Small Business Administration and the Louisiana Guaranty Program's loans and grants
Urges and requests the Division of Administration, office of community development, to disburse federal funds for project applications in round one of the Watershed Projects Grant Program to aid economic recovery from COVID-19 pandemic
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.