Requests that teachers, members of law enforcement, and firefighters be given preference for COVID-19 testing.
Impact
SCR14 has the potential to influence state health policies related to COVID-19 testing by emphasizing the importance of prioritizing essential workers. As teachers, law enforcement, and firefighters often interact with large groups of people and maintain essential services during the pandemic, ensuring their health safety is crucial not only for their protection but also for the broader community's well-being. If passed, SCR14 could lead to more focused testing efforts and resource allocation, thereby impacting public health strategies and emergency response protocols in the state.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution 14 (SCR14) urges healthcare providers in Louisiana to prioritize COVID-19 testing for teachers, law enforcement officials, and firefighters. This resolution acknowledges that these professions are critical for the community and expose individuals to higher risks of COVID-19 due to their public-facing roles. By advocating for preferential testing, the resolution aims to ensure that these essential workers can continue to perform their duties safely while minimizing the spread of COVID-19 within their respective communities.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR14 appears to be largely supportive, as it seeks to protect those who are at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic response. Stakeholders in education, law enforcement, and public safety generally view the resolution as a necessary step towards safeguarding essential services. However, there could be discussions about resource availability and the practicality of implementing such preferential treatment amidst a pandemic where testing may still be limited in capacity.
Contention
Though SCR14 does not appear to have substantial opposition, potential contentions may arise regarding the fairness and logistics of prioritizing tests for specific groups. Questions may surface about how resources would be allocated and whether such prioritization may inadvertently deprioritize other vulnerable populations needing testing. Additionally, discussions might delve into the implications of the resolution in the context of resource constraints faced by healthcare providers.
Urges and requests that any proclamation convening an extraordinary session of the legislature in 2020 include changes to the carryback provisions of the corporate income tax deduction for net operating losses
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission to distribute information regarding the provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that provides paid sick time to employees who are unable to work due to the effects of COVID-19.
Requests an update from the Louisiana Department of Health and the division of administration on efforts to establish an application or system to track the incidence and spread of COVID-19
Urges and requests that any proclamation convening an extraordinary session of the legislature in 2020 include changes to eligibility requirements to participate in the Enterprise Zone incentive
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.