Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to take immediate action to share information, expertise, and resources in an effort to coordinate public, private, and charitable sectors to abate hunger in Louisiana.
Impact
The resolution mandates the Louisiana Department of Health to host a summit by October 1, 2021, bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, including food banks, community organizations, and policymakers. The primary objective of the summit is to gather insights and expertise to develop both short-term food relief strategies and long-term solutions that can be utilized as models for effectively combating hunger. Furthermore, a report outlining recommendations from the summit participants is expected to be submitted by December 31, 2021, detailing actionable steps to address the hunger crisis in Louisiana.
Summary
Senate Resolution 77 (SR77) addresses the pressing issue of hunger in Louisiana, urging the Louisiana Department of Health to coordinate efforts among public, private, and charitable sectors to alleviate food insecurity in the state. With statistics indicating that Louisiana ranks among the highest for hunger rates, especially for vulnerable populations like children and seniors, this resolution seeks immediate action to tackle the crisis. It emphasizes the need for collaboration to ensure that individuals and families have access to adequate nutrition, particularly in the wake of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sentiment
Generally, the sentiment surrounding SR77 is positive, as it reflects a collective awareness and proactive approach to a critical public health issue. Lawmakers and community advocates show a commitment to addressing the crisis of hunger, which resonates with public concerns regarding food insecurity. The resolution's focus on collaboration and comprehensive solutions has fostered a hopeful outlook for better food access among Louisiana residents, signaling an important step towards enhancing community well-being.
Contention
While the resolution is largely supported, there may be ongoing discussions about the effectiveness and implementation of the proposed measures. Stakeholders might raise questions regarding the actual ability of the Louisiana Department of Health to coordinate the necessary resources and the level of commitment from all sectors involved. Additionally, concerns may arise about the scalability of the proposed solutions and their applicability to different regions within Louisiana, particularly in rural areas where food access challenges are more pronounced.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to take immediate action to address racial disparity in maternal and child health outcomes and the alarming rate of mortality for African-American infants and mothers in Louisiana.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to take immediate action to address racial disparity in maternal and child health outcomes and the alarming rate of mortality for African American infants and mothers in Louisiana
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health and the Louisiana Department of Education to coordinate an awareness effort to have children screened for scoliosis.
Directs the Louisiana Department of Health to protect the people of Louisiana from the dangers of imported seafood by immediately taking any and all action necessary to enforce the many provisions of Louisiana law relative to seafood safety.
Requests state entities to work with the Louisiana Food Bank Association to ensure the acquisition and distribution of sufficient food to hungry Louisiana citizens
Requests the office of public health of the Louisiana Department of Health to study and report relative to health care infrastructure needs in Louisiana.
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.