Louisiana House Bill HCR142

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/1/11
• Engrossed: 6/2/11
• Passed: 6/7/11

Caption

Memorializes congress to dedicate a portion of marine and fishery product import tariffs to a national seafood marketing fund for the promotion of La. seafood

Impact

The resolution acknowledges that Louisiana's seafood industry is already funding its own marketing efforts through self-assessed fees on production and commercial fishing licenses. However, it argues that the funding currently available is insufficient to effectively counter the aggressive promotional efforts from competing nations. By advocating for the reallocation of collected tariffs—approximately $280 million annually—HCR142 seeks to bolster the marketing resources available to promote sustainable seafood products while supporting local fisheries and processing jobs.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 142 (HCR142) aims to memorialize the United States Congress to allocate a portion of marine and fishery product import tariffs to support a national seafood marketing fund specifically for the promotion of Louisiana seafood. This resolution addresses the increasing competition Louisiana seafood products face from imported seafood, as more than 80% of the fish and seafood consumed in the U.S. currently comes from foreign sources. HCR142 emphasizes the need for innovative and consistent marketing strategies to promote Louisiana's seafood on both domestic and international stages.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR142 appears to be strongly positive among local legislators and seafood industry advocates who view it as a necessary step to enhance the visibility and marketability of Louisiana seafood. Supporters are likely to see this resolution as vital for sustaining and growing the state's seafood industry, particularly amid the competitive pressures from imported products. The focus on enhancing domestic promotion is viewed as a way to secure jobs and ensure the nutritional value of seafood in American diets.

Contention

While HCR142 has garnered widespread support, it does raise questions about the allocation of federal tax revenues and how effectively such funds can be applied to marketing initiatives. Notably, the resolution proposes a structural change to how import tariffs are used, which could lead to discussions and debates in Congress regarding the best use of these funds beyond just seafood marketing. The resolution also underscores a sentiment among local stakeholders that the competitiveness of the domestic seafood market requires targeted action, thus presenting a clearer case for federal engagement.