The 2024 legislative session is almost done and things are moving rapidly! Here are some highlights:

 

Ready Louisiana Coalition’s annual Early Ed Day at the Capitol was a success as Memorial Hall was filled with numerous partners and organizations committed to increased investment in early care and education for Louisiana’s children. Here are a few pictures and the press conference recording from Early Ed Day at the Capitol.

 

As for updates on bills we’re tracking, HB190 by Rep. Freiberg has passed both chambers and currently awaits gubernatorial approval. That bill made changes to the quorum requirements for the Early Childhood Care and Education Commission as well as adding permanent seats for crucial partners to be a part of the process for more meaningful engagement.

 

SB 433 by Sen. Edmonds did not quite make it to the finish line in time. That bill would have required the Louisiana Department of Education to establish an online Early Childhood Education Data Dashboard to promote transparency. Though the bill did not make it through this time, we plan to bring it back next session.   

 

Although the Senate Finance Committee restored the $24M cut from the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) in HB1 last week, the House is considering removing the restoration in the state budget. Please contact your representative today and let them know it’s crucial to save the seats.