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2011 Louisiana Legislative SessionDuring this 2011 Legislative Session, LAUW prepared and participated in many important legislative activities including making legislative visits, providing public testimony, and attending important committee meetings at the State Capitol. It is very important to attend committee meetings when important decisions are being made or public testimony is being heard. LAUW advocated successfully to maintain funding for Louisiana 2-1-1, Nurse Family Partnership (NFP), and the Cecil J. Picard LA 4 Early Childhood Program, Kindergarten Readiness Assessment. LAUW advocated for the favorably passage of HR 86 by Rep. Leger that requests the House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs to study the impact of the homestead exemption, nonprofit exemption, and other property tax exemptions on local government revenue. HR 86 provides that the committee shall solicit the input, recommendations, and advice of those who can provide relevant information and suggestions to the committee based upon their expertise and experience, including but not limited to the Louisiana Association of United Ways, Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations, United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Tulane University, Xavier University, Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of New Orleans, Loyola University, Louisiana Hospital Association, City of New Orleans, and the New Orleans Lighthouse for the Blind. On June 7, 2011, Two Resolutions were passed in the House and Senate proclaiming it Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) Day at the Capitol! LAUW, in partnership with the Louisiana Home Visiting Campaign, NFP, the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) and Success By 6 hosted NFP Day at the Capitol to educate our Legislators about the importance of NFP and the supportive services that help families have healthier pregnancy outcomes, child health and development, and economic self-sufficiency. Secretary Bruce Greenstein of DHH addressed our group at the opening of “NFP Day at the Capitol”. He did an outstanding job briefing the group on the importance of NFP and how the budget restraints could affect this program. Also in attendance was Senator Mike Walsworth from the Senate Finance Committee and one of our NFP Graduate’s family: Tara and Jesse Sanders, Jesse Jr., and Jessica who also spoke about the importance of this program. Our Message throughout the day was - “Invest in What Works and Reverse cuts to NFP” During NFP Day at the Capitol, LAUW hosted a very successful “Lunch with Legislators” event. The luncheon was held in the Senate Family Dining Room with over 40 supporters in attendance including the active participation of key legislative champions: Sen. Mike Walsworth, Sen. Ben Nevers, Sen. Dan Claitor, Sen. Jack Donahue, Sen. Rob Marionneaux, Sen. Willie Mount, Rep. Rick Nowlin, Rep. Thomas Carmody, Rep. Richard Burford, and Rep. Kay Katz. LAUW also advocated for Senate Bill 269 which has successfully been enacted. This new law abolishes the board of commissioners of the LHFA at midnight on Dec. 31, 2011. The powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities of the board shall be assumed by the governing board of the Louisiana Housing Corporation ("LHC") created pursuant to Chapter 3-G of Title 40 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950. Further provides that effective January 1, 2012, the LHFA shall be a subsidiary of the LHC pursuant to R.S. 40:600.91(A)(25)(e), and will terminate at midnight on June 30, 2012. For more detailed information view the 2011 Legislative Session Wrap Up prepared for distribution by the House Legislative Services staff. |
