Provides relative to the Louisiana Cancer Research Center. (gov sig)
Impact
The bill addresses the urgent need for improved cancer research infrastructure in Louisiana, as the state has one of the highest cancer mortality rates in the nation. Statistics indicate that Louisiana's cancer mortality rate is approximately 30% higher than the national average, resulting in severe public health implications and an estimated economic loss of $400 million annually due to premature cancer-related deaths. By centralizing and enhancing cancer research efforts, SB189 aims to improve the state's capacity to treat and prevent cancer effectively.
Summary
Senate Bill 189 aims to establish the Louisiana Comprehensive Cancer Center by amending existing laws governing the Louisiana Cancer Research Center of L.S.U. Health Sciences Center in New Orleans and Tulane Health Sciences Center. The bill proposes a rebranding of the center and outlines its primary objectives, which include conducting cancer research, promoting education on cancer diagnosis and treatment, and pursuing National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation. This designation is critical for enhancing the quality and prestige of cancer care and research in Louisiana, a state that currently faces significant challenges with cancer mortality rates.
Sentiment
General sentiment surrounding SB189 appears to be supportive among healthcare professionals and advocates for cancer research. Many stakeholders believe that a dedicated comprehensive cancer center will foster innovation, attract funding, and improve patient outcomes in Louisiana. However, there may be concerns about ensuring effective governance and sufficient funding necessary for achieving the NCI designation, which requires meeting high standards for cancer research and treatment.
Contention
While there is widespread appreciation for the establishment of the Louisiana Comprehensive Cancer Center, one point of contention centers on the composition and operation of the governance board. The bill proposes significant changes to the membership and functions of the board, which could spark debate over how representative the governance structure will be of the diverse healthcare needs in the state. Furthermore, while the focus on NCI designation is commendable, ensuring that the center adequately addresses existing healthcare disparities and serves all populations effectively will be crucial for its long-term success.
Changes the research and development tax credit program to a "rebate"; decreases the program from December 31, 2013 to June 30, 2013; reduces the amount of the rebate by requiring all employees to be counted in the size of the business, rather than only resident employees; and changes it calculation. (gov sig) (EN INCREASE GF RV See Note)
Requests the Senate and House committees on agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and rural development to meet and function as a joint committee to study and make recommendations regarding the appropriate level of support to further the missions, goals, and priorities of the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center and the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.
Urges and requests the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, in collaboration with the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center and Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, to study the feasibility of promoting the growth, production, and use of organic produce in this state
Creates the Medical Education & Research Finance Work Group to provide findings and recommendations to the legislature relative to a formula-based financing model for the funding of Louisiana's public institutions for graduate and professional medical education and biomedical and health-related research