We’re now three weeks into the legislative session! Here are some critical updates that you won’t want to miss:

 

• Last week, the House Ways and Means Committee was set to hear HB187 by Fontenot and HB235 by Echols, both of which would increase the excise tax for consumable hemp products (one of the dedicated funds going into the ECE Fund), but both authors deferred those bills. 

• Last week, the House Education Committee passed HB589 by Owens, which initially eliminated the ECCE Commission but was amended to keep it, reduce its meeting frequency, and eliminate the task force.  

• This week, the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee passed SB 233 by Edmonds, a bill to increase the tax credit for businesses that support funding for early childhood education seats. 

• This week, the House Ways and Means Committee will hear HB473 by Emerson, a constitutional amendment that rewrites Article VII of the Constitution, eliminating 8(g) and the Education Excellence Fund. Eliminating these funds would result in approximately 2,000 4-year-olds losing access to quality early childhood education seats. Before any constitutional amendments can become law, they must be passed by both houses of the legislature and then voted on by the people. 

• This week, the House Appropriations Committee will hear HB639 by Riser, increasing the sports betting tax (another dedicated fund going into the ECE Fund). A similar bill, HB650 by Jordan, also increases the tax but has not been scheduled for committee yet.

 

Thank you for advocating on behalf of young children and families in Louisiana!

 

You’re Invited | Early Ed Day at the Capitol

 

On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the Ready Louisiana Coalition will host its annual Early Ed Day at the Louisiana State Capitol. This annual event brings together more than 300 early childhood educators, advocates, parents, and business leaders from across Louisiana to participate in various activities and educate lawmakers about the importance of ECE. Register here. 

 

News You Can Snack On

1. Louisiana's business lobby had a banner year in 2024. This year's legislative fights look tougher.

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) is doubling down on early childhood education this legislative session. With child care access impacting Louisiana’s workforce and economy, LABI is urging lawmakers to increase funding for programs like the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Click here to read the full article.

 

2. La. lawmaker launches effort to address absentee parenting between fathers and their children

Louisiana ranks near the bottom nationwide when it comes to father engagement, and one state lawmaker says it’s time to address the crisis head-on. Sen. Royce Duplessis has filed a resolution to create a statewide task force aimed at studying why so many fathers are absent from their children’s lives — and identifying solutions to increase involvement. Click here to read the full article.

 

3. Nell Nolan: Junior Achievement City Stars, Ella Brennan Award, National Council Jewish Women, American Italian Sports Gala

The National Council of Jewish Women, Greater New Orleans Section, recognized Melanie Bronfin as the 2024-2025 recipient of the Hannah D. Solomon Award for her work of a quarter century “as one of Louisiana’s preeminent advocates for young children and their families and as a champion for the early learning workforce.” Click here to read the full article.

 

4. Early Ed & K-12 Committee Presentation with Dr. Libbie Sonnier and Dr. Paula Polito

In this episode of Ellevate Louisiana's Engage videocast, Dr. Libbie Sonnier, chief executive officer of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, and Dr. Paula Polito, owner and director of Beary Cherry Tree Child Development Center, discuss early childhood education funding in Louisiana leading up to the 2025 legislative session. Click here to read the full article.

 

5. Geaux Far LA: Giving Back 2025

Based on the foundational goals of providing a family- and provider-driven system, an inclusive network for all, family-friendly workspaces, and the ability to advocate for universal child care, Geaux Far Louisiana knows that actionable improvements to the lives of Louisiana children are achievable through collaborative public efforts. Click here to read the full article.