Commends the Ready Louisiana Coalition and designates Monday, May 1, 2023, as Early Education Day at the state capitol.
Impact
The resolution highlights the significant role that quality early care and education plays in preparing students for success and enabling families to participate more fully in the workforce. It points out that the average family in Louisiana spends around $8,500 annually on childcare, which can strain household budgets. The lack of accessible, quality early education resources particularly impacts children of color and low-income families, perpetuating cycles of educational disadvantage. The resolution asserts that investing in early education can yield a considerable return on public investment, thereby stimulating the economy.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 52 commends the Ready Louisiana Coalition and designates May 1, 2023, as Early Education Day at the state capitol. This coalition comprises over 120 businesses, chambers of commerce, advocacy organizations, and early care and education professionals advocating for sufficient investment in quality, affordable early care and education in Louisiana. The resolution emphasizes the importance of early childhood education in building a strong foundation for children's future learning and development, arguing that quality early education can lead to long-term benefits not only for children but also for families and the wider economy.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SR52 appears to be supportive and positive, particularly from stakeholders involved in early childhood education and workforce development. Supporters argue that recognizing Early Education Day will bring attention to critical issues facing families and the workforce in Louisiana. They underline the coalition's efforts to improve access to affordable early education as vital for enhancing community engagement and economic productivity.
Contention
While specific points of contention regarding SR52 are not detailed in the provided text, it can be inferred that the overall discussions around early education investments often touch on issues of funding, accessibility, and quality of care. Advocates for the Ready Louisiana Coalition might face challenges regarding state funding allocations for early education initiatives or policy changes that could affect the delivery and standards of these services.
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.