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

 

• SB 445, which aims to codify the ECE Fund match and allocate additional funding, has been deferred in committee. The Senate Finance Committee has deferred several bills until it understands the budget implications. We anticipate more clarity mid-May, pending the outcome of the May 16th ballot amendments. The Senate Finance Committee was very receptive to the testimony and information provided. Thank you to all who supported LPIC with this. 

• HB 992, which creates a unique student identifier for children in publicly funded early childhood education programs. The House passed the bill and now sends it to the Senate to go through the process on that side.

• HB 1242 (a substitute for HB 628) supports child care microcenters at schools by allowing the Department of Education to issue more than one Type III child care license at the same school location. The House passed the bill and now sends it to the Senate to go through the process on that side. 

• SB 435, which would establish a statewide Fatherhood Commission, has passed the Senate and is now moving into the House to go through the process on that side. 

• HB 648, allows parents and legal guardians of a child under age 5, and providers of early childhood supports or services who sit on boards and commissions to participate virtually. It has passed the House and is now waiting to be given a hearing in the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee.

 

If you are interested in receiving weekly updates during the legislative session, please feel free to sign up for membership in the Ready Louisiana Coalition by registering here.

 

Days at the Capitol

Early Ed Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, May 19th

Early Ed Day at the Capitol is an advocacy day focused on educating policymakers about the importance of improving policies for and increasing investment in quality early childhood education for Louisiana children, birth through age 4. Register today!

 

News You Can Snack On​

1. How family-friendly are workplaces in Louisiana? (Audacy)

2. Fathers head to state Capitol to advocate for family policy changes (WAFB)

3. Louisiana Launches Employer Recognition Program for Family-Friendly Workplaces (Biz Magazine)