Louisiana House Bill HCR170

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/29/13
• Engrossed: 5/30/13
• Passed: 6/2/13

Caption

Requests the Bd. of Regents and the Bd. of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges jointly to study offering community college services to the Greater St. Mary Parish Area

Impact

If enacted, the resolution would trigger a formal study process outlined in Louisiana's constitution, specifically focusing on the establishment of a community college institution. The Board of Regents is tasked with reporting its findings back to the legislature, laying the groundwork for potential future actions regarding educational offerings in the community. The push for greater access to public postsecondary education aligns with Louisiana's efforts to enhance education as a means of fostering economic development and enabling workforce improvements, particularly in regions that are currently lacking sufficient academic options.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 170 (HCR170) requests a study by the Board of Regents and the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges to evaluate the feasibility of providing community college services in the Greater St. Mary Parish Area. The resolution seeks to understand how the state can best satisfy the educational requirements of students and the economic and workforce development needs in this underserved region. Community colleges have historically played a crucial role in addressing local educational and workforce training needs throughout Louisiana, and this initiative reflects a commitment to expand those opportunities in the specified area.

Sentiment

The general sentiment regarding HCR170 appears to be supportive, with an understanding among legislators of the critical need for enhanced educational services in the Greater St. Mary Parish Area. Advocates of the resolution emphasize the importance of community colleges in facilitating workforce readiness and filling educational gaps. However, there may also be caution among some stakeholders regarding the perceived priorities of state funding and educational resource allocation that needs to be addressed throughout the discussion.

Contention

One notable point of contention is ensuring that the proposed study reflects comprehensive input from local community members and stakeholders so that the resulting recommendations accurately encapsulate the area's specific needs. Some might argue about the necessity of additional institutions when existing colleges are underutilized, leading to a broader debate about the efficiency and effectiveness of higher education expansion versus maximizing current resources.