Louisiana House Bill HR171

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/16/19
• Passed: 5/20/19

Caption

Recognizes May 21, 2019, as Early Ed Day at the state capitol and commends Ready Louisiana

Impact

Further, the resolution points out the substantial decline in state support for early care and education programs over the years, including cuts to the Child Care Assistance Program, which drastically reduced the number of children served. Currently, only 15% of potentially eligible young children under age four can access any publicly funded program, and there are long waiting lists for families seeking assistance. This lack of funding not only hinders children's early learning opportunities but also places additional strain on working families who rely on accessible childcare.

Summary

House Resolution 171 recognizes May 21, 2019, as Early Ed Day at the Louisiana State Capitol while commending the efforts of Ready Louisiana, a coalition focused on promoting quality and affordable early childhood education. The resolution highlights the critical role that early education plays in children's development and its implications on the larger workforce, noting that significant childcare costs can often lead parents to leave jobs or miss promotions, which negatively impacts the state's economy. It emphasizes that over $1.1 billion in economic losses in Louisiana can be attributed to childcare issues.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR171 is largely positive, reinforced by the collective advocacy efforts of over sixty organizations that make up Ready Louisiana. These organizations are committed to addressing the need for quality early education resources to ensure children can thrive and succeed in school. While the resolution itself does not present political contention, the broader context of funding for early education indicates underlying issues regarding state budget priorities and available resources, which may spark debates in future legislative discussions.

Contention

Despite the support for recognizing Early Ed Day, the resolution implicitly raises points of contention regarding the adequacy of state funding and the urgent need for more robust investiture in early childhood education programs. The resolution serves as a call to action for further analysis and commitment from lawmakers to improve accessibility and quality in early education, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to receive essential early learning experiences necessary for lifelong success.