Louisiana House Bill HCR193

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/31/12
• Engrossed: 6/1/12
• Passed: 6/4/12

Caption

Requests that the Child Poverty Prevention Council for La. study recent increases in the state's child poverty rate

Impact

The impact of this resolution is significant as it directs the Child Poverty Prevention Council, which was established to target child poverty reduction, to provide a comprehensive report detailing the causes of rising poverty rates and recommend policies aimed at mitigating these issues. The findings from this study are expected to inform legislative committees on health and welfare, thus generating a more focused approach in combating child poverty through potential new programs and policies. This is vital considering Louisiana's poor ranking in health and increasing socioeconomic challenges.

Summary

HCR193 is a House Concurrent Resolution that requests the Child Poverty Prevention Council for Louisiana to study the recent increases in the state's child poverty rate, which escalated from 19.5% to 30.5% over the past year. This alarming rise is highlighted in the annual report 'America's Health Rankings,' which ranks Louisiana at 49th among states in overall health. The resolution emphasizes that poverty, especially child poverty, plays a significant role in determining health outcomes within the state and the nation as a whole. By urging the council to undertake this analysis, lawmakers aim to better understand the underlying causes and develop actionable solutions to address this critical issue.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HCR193 is one of proactive concern and urgency among legislators. Supporters of the resolution recognize the critical state of child poverty in Louisiana and the need to take immediate action to address it through informed policy. By engaging the expertise of the Child Poverty Prevention Council, the hope is to mobilize effective strategies that can positively impact impoverished children and families. However, the resolution also signals the growing awareness of the link between poverty and health, creating a context for broader discussions on health disparities in the state.

Contention

While HCR193 is largely viewed as a constructive initiative, there may be contention regarding the sufficiency of current measures to address child poverty effectively. Some critics argue that merely studying the problem will not suffice unless accompanied by a commitment to implement the recommendations and provide necessary funding for effective policies. Additionally, there may be discussions about the council's effectiveness and its ability to adequately address the complex, systemic issues underlying poverty, which necessitates a more holistic approach involving multiple stakeholders beyond just the council.