2023 Regular Session ENROLLED SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 88 BY SENATOR HEWITT A RESOLUTION To declare Monday, May 15, 2023, as "Ellevate Louisiana Day" at the Louisiana State Capitol and recognize the mission of Ellevate Louisiana, which aims to empower women leaders across Louisiana. WHEREAS, Ellevate Louisiana, established in 2020 by Julie Stokes has emerged as a statewide policy organization dedicated to empowering women leaders throughout Louisiana; and WHEREAS, in support of their mission, Ellevate Louisiana is dedicated to educating its members and the communities they represent, offering data-driven, nonpartisan solutions to address the challenges faced by Louisiana, while also providing a wealth of resources; and WHEREAS, Ellevate Louisiana produces video casts that reach every corner of the community, engaging with policymakers at the local, state, and federal government levels; and WHEREAS, the video casts by Ellevate Louisiana offer its membership and interested citizens a platform to establish new goals and formulate effectual plans, covering diverse topics such as healthcare, environment, infrastructure, workforce, education, taxation, and economic development; and WHEREAS, Ellevate Louisiana annually directs its attention to Louisiana state legislative sessions from February through June, organizing leadership conferences prior to the session, participating in legislative days during the session, and conducting session wrap-ups upon the legislature's sine die; and WHEREAS, policy symposiums are organized from July through December, facilitating direct engagement with state and federal decision-makers; and WHEREAS, answers to questions regarding topics such as local impact of the United States census data, remaining in Louisiana for work, healthcare debates, child care, jobs, sports, and more are shared through letters posted on www.ellevateLA.org; and Page 1 of 3 SR NO. 88 ENROLLED WHEREAS, Ellevate Louisiana shares informative and beneficial editorials aimed at addressing problematic living issues facing Louisiana families including childhood development, while striving to eliminate daily divisiveness that can erode unity for all of Louisiana and our nation, particularly in the face of one-sided solutions to multi-sided problems; and WHEREAS, Ellevate Louisiana actively participates in national initiatives such as Common Sense American, Braver Angels, Makeshift Coffee House, and The Flip Side to contribute to Louisiana's pursuit of a brighter future, fostering awareness of critical issues, promoting collaboration, depolarizing discussions, bridging political divides through coffee, music, and conversation, and presenting popular news events objectively by exploring multiple perspectives; and WHEREAS, Ellevate Louisiana has collaborated with Connect, NOW in New Orleans, Louisiana, to gain a deeper understanding of their shared values and priorities, fostering strong working relationships aimed at making the greatest possible impact; and WHEREAS, Ellevate Louisiana offers membership categories that are tailored to diverse interest levels, accommodating young professionals and corporate partners engaged in various fields such as law, real estate, public accounting, construction, issues-management firms, healthcare and insurance, government relations, politics, taxes, and wealth advising; and WHEREAS, Ellevate Louisiana actively addresses the current needs of Louisiana's citizenry through focused policy positions on various crucial areas such as early childhood care, education, statewide broadband, long-term care, behavioral health, telehealth, women's health, domestic violence, healthcare workforce shortages, data-sharing for career readiness, occupational licensing reform, centralized sales tax collection, and economic development, all aimed at fostering a better future for the state and promoting collective learning and brighter prospects for the future. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby declare Monday, May 15, 2023, as Ellevate Louisiana Day at the Louisiana State Capitol and recognize the mission of Ellevate Louisiana, which aims to empower women leaders across Louisiana. Page 2 of 3 SR NO. 88 ENROLLED BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Julie Stokes, founder of Ellevate Louisiana. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE Page 3 of 3