Directs the development of a plan to support state employees who are terminated due to implementation of budget-reduction measures in preparation for reentry to the private sector workforce. (EG NO IMPACT GF EX See Note)
Impact
The resolution calls for a comprehensive approach to support those terminated, including potential provisions for lump sum payments, health insurance, and training opportunities for reemployment. The plan is expected to not only provide immediate assistance to affected employees but also help sustain the state’s economy by ensuring that these individuals can contribute effectively as they reenter the job market. The report on this plan is due to be submitted to the legislature by June 21, 2010, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Summary
SCR53 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution proposed to direct multiple state agencies in Louisiana to collaboratively develop a plan aimed at supporting state employees who face termination due to budget-reduction measures. This initiative comes as the state grapples with significant revenue shortfalls, demanding substantial cuts to the budget over the current and subsequent fiscal years. With mandates requiring balanced budgets, the motivation behind SCR53 is to mitigate the impact of these layoffs on employees, enabling them to transition more seamlessly into the private workforce.
Sentiment
Discussions surrounding SCR53 reflect a supportive sentiment towards state employees facing job loss, combined with a recognition of the state's financial challenges. Proponents argue that the resolution represents a compassionate and necessary step to uphold the dignity of employees during a difficult period. However, the focus on budgetary constraints has led to concerns about the comprehensiveness and adequacy of the proposed support measures.
Contention
While the resolution has generally been received positively in light of the increasing layoffs expected from state budget cuts, there are underlying tensions regarding the extent and effectiveness of the proposed assistance. Some stakeholders express skepticism about the ability of state agencies to implement a robust plan that meets the diverse needs of all affected employees. This contention underscores the broader challenges within the state regarding prioritizing employee welfare against the backdrop of strict budgetary restrictions.
Provides for the state to contract with a private entity to develop and implement a safety plan to reduce the reportable incident rate of state employees, including accountability for accomplishing such goals. (8/15/10) (OR NO IMPACT GF EX See Note)
Relating to measures to support the alignment of education and workforce development in the state with state workforce needs, including the establishment of the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative.
Relating to measures to support the alignment of education and workforce development in the state with state workforce needs, including the establishment of the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative.
Creates a state commission (SCORE) to submit a written plan by January 6, 2012, to reduce and eliminate state income taxes, recommend budget reduction actions, and reduce or eliminate tax benefits; provides that if a concurrent resolution containing the plan is adopted, then the phase-out of income tax over 10 calendar years begins and the governor and the commissioner of administration are directed to take certain budget reduction actions and submit budget reduction legislation. (See Act) (RR1 +$120,000,000 GF RV See Note)
Directs the division of administration to publicly disclose the savings to be achieved by outsourcing services currently performed by state employees and the benefits that the contractor will be providing its employees prior to entering any contract outsourcing such services. (OR NO IMPACT See Note)
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.