Request the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, the Division of Administration and the governor's office to work with the Louisiana Food Bank Association to ensure the acquisition and distribution of sufficient food to hungry Louisiana citizens, particularly children and the elderly.
Impact
The resolution is intended to strengthen the cooperative efforts among state agencies and non-profit organizations to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of food distribution strategies in the state. By formalizing the commitment of state resources and support for the Louisiana Food Bank Association, it is expected that more comprehensive measures can be implemented to address food insecurity. This collaboration aims to improve the availability of nutritious food supplies, especially for those most at risk, thereby addressing the alarming statistic that over one in seven residents in Louisiana has accessed food banks at some point.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 196 urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, the Division of Administration, and the Governor's office to collaborate with the Louisiana Food Bank Association. The primary aim of this resolution is to ensure that sufficient food is acquired and distributed to combat hunger among Louisiana citizens, with a special focus on vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. This resolution highlights the importance of food banks in providing assistance during times of need and emphasizes the growing reliance on these resources due to economic struggles and decreasing federal food assistance programs.
Sentiment
General sentiment surrounding SR196 is positive, as it reflects a proactive approach to addressing hunger issues within the state. Legislators and community advocates recognize the dire need for coordinated action to support food banks, especially considering that a significant portion of those served are children and elderly citizens. The resolution resonates with stakeholders who advocate for social welfare and safety nets, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared responsibility in combating hunger in Louisiana.
Contention
While the resolution is broadly supported, there may be underlying concerns regarding the adequacy of state resources and the effectiveness of the proposed collaborative efforts. Some critics may question whether merely urging cooperation is sufficient to tackle the systemic issues that lead to food insecurity. Legislative debates could revolve around the capacity of existing food banks to meet growing demands and whether state agencies are equipped to provide the necessary support in a timely and effective manner.
Requests state entities to work with the Louisiana Food Bank Association to ensure the acquisition and distribution of sufficient food to hungry Louisiana citizens
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health, the Department of Children and Family Services, and the office of the governor to study voluntary universal home visiting for all families with young children in the state of Louisiana.
Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to promote the department's EarlySteps system with the Louisiana Hospital Association, the Louisiana State Medical Society, and the Optometry Association of Louisiana.
Transfers certain family and support programs from the Department of Children and Family Services to the Louisiana Workforce Commission and renames Louisiana Workforce Commission to Louisiana Works (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Urges and requests the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to investigate the partnership between the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services and the Louisiana Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to take immediate action to share information, expertise, and resources in an effort to coordinate public, private, and charitable sectors to abate hunger in Louisiana.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health and the Louisiana Department of Education to coordinate an awareness effort to have children screened for scoliosis.
Designates May 20, 2015, as LouisianaChildren.org Day at the Louisiana State Capitol and recognizes the efforts of LouisianaChildren.org in striving to give every child in Louisiana the opportunity to thrive.
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.