Urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to study and make recommendations on ways to increase urban forestry in the state.
Impact
The resolution is positioned within the context of urban development in Louisiana, acknowledging both the growing population in urban areas and the pressures these cities face regarding environmental management. It references the USDA's Urban and Community Forestry Program, which aims to provide federal funding for urban forestry. However, with limited grants awarded in recent years, the resolution suggests a need for the state to explore alternative funding mechanisms to sustain urban forestry initiatives. The anticipated report will likely inform future policy decisions and funding allocations regarding urban forestry efforts.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 45 (SCR45) urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to study and recommend ways to enhance urban forestry in the state. This resolution highlights the importance of trees as a vital resource in urban settings, elaborating on their psychological, sociological, and economic benefits. The resolution emphasizes that adequate funding has been a significant barrier to maintaining a healthy urban forestry system in Louisiana, which has implications for urban development and environmental sustainability.
Sentiment
General sentiment surrounding SCR45 is supportive, as it seeks to foster urban greenery, which is perceived as a contributor to higher quality of life and environmental wellness. Advocates for urban forestry see the resolution as an opportunity to revitalize urban areas and enhance community resources. However, there may also be underlying tensions regarding the management of state resources and the balance between funding for urban forestry versus other critical needs within the state.
Contention
One notable point of contention is the adequacy of funding for urban forestry programs. The resolution acknowledges that past funding has not been sufficient to maintain tree populations in Louisiana's urban centers, which raises concerns about how effectively the Department of Agriculture and Forestry can address these needs. There may also be discussions around the effectiveness of state versus federal funding initiatives and the potential for the state's urban forestry efforts to be undermined by insufficient appropriations.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to convene a task force to make recommendations regarding nursing involvement to improve maternal outcomes.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to create a task force to study, identify, and make recommendations to address the specialist physician shortage in the state
Urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Health to assist in the development of a public service campaign to foster awareness and education on perinatal mental health care.
Urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, in consultation with the Louisiana Workforce Commission, to evaluate the state's readiness for attracting offshore wind energy supply chain industries to the state
Removes a specific function of the office of forestry and certain authority of the Louisiana Forestry Commission related to production and prices of forest tree seedlings grown by the department
Authorizes and requests the chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture and Rural Development to appoint a subcommittee to study and address the devastation of the forest industry due to the infestation of beetles
Urges and requests state entities that have a role in the implementation of Act No. 96 of the 2016 Regular Session relative to patient access to therapeutic marijuana to prioritize fully implementing the law as soon as possible