Urge and request the Louisiana School Board Association, the Louisiana Department of Insurance, and the Louisiana Department of Education to study the portability of health insurance benefits for employees and retirees of local public school systems.
Impact
If the study requested by this resolution leads to legislative action, it has the potential to significantly improve the health insurance landscape for public school employees in Louisiana. By addressing the portability issue, educators and support staff would gain better access to health insurance benefits that continue post-retirement, thereby enhancing their financial security and quality of life. This could also affirm the state's commitment to supporting its educators comprehensively, recognizing their contributions to society.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 185 urges the Louisiana School Board Association, the Louisiana Department of Insurance, and the Louisiana Department of Education to study the portability of health insurance benefits for employees and retirees within local public school systems. The resolution recognizes the vital role of public school employees and the importance of offering health insurance coverage that continues into retirement. Currently, the lack of consistent portability among different school systems complicates retirees’ access to affordable health insurance, which is critical for their well-being as they age.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment surrounding SR185 is supportive, viewing it as a necessary step to ensure fair treatment and adequate benefits for educators and school system staff. Many stakeholders in education appear to endorse the idea of studying the portability of health benefits, reflecting a recognition of the importance of healthcare access for public servants. There may be latent concerns, however, about the feasibility and funding of any potential reforms that arise from the study, given the budgetary constraints typically faced by educational institutions.
Contention
While there is strong support for the resolution, some contention may arise regarding the specific proposals that result from the study. Stakeholders may have differing opinions on the best way to implement portability of benefits, including considerations regarding the financial implications for school boards and the state. Additionally, any proposed changes that involve administrative overhauls or shifts in funding mechanisms may face scrutiny, as the balance between improving employee benefits and maintaining budgetary health is a persistent concern.
To urge and request the Department of Education and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to expand and enhance oral health care education in Louisiana public schools.
Urges and requests the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to work with the Department of Education and the Louisiana School Boards Association to provide hunter education as a voluntary physical education elective in public high schools
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 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.
Requests the Louisiana School Boards Association, the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, and the Louisiana Association of School Business Officials to jointly survey local school boards to determine the additional costs associated with certain audit requirements.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health and Louisiana commercial health insurance payors to increase reimbursement rates for autism therapy services.
Requests the Louisiana School Boards Association and the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools to study and report relative to the local cost of standardized testing associated with state assessments
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.