[StBernard] BLANCO TRACK: Session Update for May 21, 2007

[Westley Annis]

BLANCO TRACK: Session Update for Monday, May 21, 2007; Today's progress on Governor Blanco's agenda to Strengthen Louisiana's Future



BATON ROUGE - The following bills in Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco's legislative package advanced in the legislature today:

Senate Bill 1 - Health Care Reform Act of 2007

*	Sponsored by Senator Joe McPherson, Chairman, Senate Health and Welfare Committee. 
*	This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Hospitals to develop and implement a redesigned health care delivery system for Medicaid recipients and low-income uninsured citizens. 
*	Approved by the Senate Finance Committee, heads next to the full Senate for consideration. 
	

Senate Bill 153 - Depopulation of Citizens Insurance by competitive bid

*	Sponsored by Senator Reggie Dupre. 
*	This bill requires Citizens Insurance Corporation to bundle their policies for removal to the private market and reduces the state's risk exposure. 
*	Approved by the Senate, heads next to the House of Representatives for committee referral. 
	

Senate Bill 189 - School Readiness Child Care Credit

*	Sponsored by Senator Ann Duplessis. 
*	Creates School Readiness Tax Credits to serve as an incentive for increasing the number of quality child care centers serving our infants and children. The credits benefit providers, parents, child care professionals and companies that provide child care for their employees. 
*	Approved by the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee, heads next to the full Senate for consideration. 
	

House Bill 633 - General Motors Plant Sales Tax Exemption

*	Sponsored by Rep. Taylor Townsend, Chairman, House Ways and Means Committee. 
*	Gov. Blanco continues the most aggressive economic development agenda in Louisiana's recent history with a $540,000 proposal in sales tax exclusions to help General Motors expand its facility in Shreveport. This proposal accelerates the manufacturing machinery and equipment exclusion for motor vehicle manufacturers. 
*	Approved by the Senate, heads next to the Governor for signature. 

Click here for more on the Legislative Session. <http://www.gov.state.la.us/index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=home&navID=50&cpID=169&cfmID=0&catID=0> 


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