Provides for appropriations for parish councils on aging (OR +$6,091,858 GF EX See Note)
Impact
This bill represents a significant shift in appropriations for elderly services at the local level, potentially allowing parish councils to enhance their programs and services for aging populations. By providing these councils with greater financial resources, the bill is expected to bolster their capability to deliver essential support and services tailored to the needs of elderly residents, which is increasingly important given the growing population of senior citizens in the state. The change in funding structure may allow for improved outreach, assistance, and care for Louisiana's elderly citizens, indicating a legislative focus on addressing their unique challenges.
Summary
House Bill 866 aims to enhance the financial support provided to parish councils on aging in Louisiana by significantly increasing the appropriations allocated to the office of elderly affairs. Under current law, the state provides $2.50 for each resident aged 60 and older, with a minimum allocation of $37,500 to each parish council, capped at $100,000 per council. The proposed changes would raise this allocation to $10 per elderly resident or a minimum of $100,000, with an upper limit of $350,000 for any single parish council, effectively expanding the annual appropriation from a minimum of $2,726,800 to $8,868,058. Additionally, the bill mandates that fund allocations be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index, ensuring that funding keeps pace with inflation.
Sentiment
The sentiment regarding HB 866 appears to be largely positive among supporters who advocate for increased funding for senior services, recognizing the essential role that these councils play in supporting the elderly community. Advocates argue that the bill will allow for better resource allocation to address the complexities of aging, ultimately leading to improved quality of life for seniors. However, any notable opposition or contention doesn’t seem to be apparent in the discussion surrounding the bill, likely indicating broad consensus on the necessity of increased funding for elderly affairs.
Contention
While the bill seems to have gained support, it’s important to consider potential fiscal concerns related to increased appropriations. Critics may raise questions about the sustainability of such funding increases in the context of broader state budget pressures and other competing fiscal priorities. However, specific notable points of contention were not highlighted in the discussions accessed, suggesting that the primary focus is on the urgent need for enhanced support for parish councils on aging.
Provides for the allocation of appropriations to the office of elderly affairs for the voluntary parish councils on aging (OR +$5,151,118 GF EX See Note)
Modifies the funding formula used to determine minimum state funding allocations to parish councils on aging and increases the minimum aggregate total that is to be appropriated annually to the office of elderly affairs for such allocations (EN +$3,524,736 GF EX See Note)
Provides relative to elderly affairs; creates the Department of Elderly Affairs, places the Louisiana Executive Board on Aging in the department, and provides for allocation of funds for programs for the elderly (RE SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Provides funding to the Executive Department, office of elderly affairs for the parish councils on aging and provides funding to the Department of Veterans Affairs for operating expenses
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.