Blueprint officials address Streamlining Commission

Members of Blueprint Louisiana have given their recommendations on health care and transportation to the governor’s Commission on Streamlining Government. Blueprint, a governmental reform group made up of some of the state’s business leaders, says the public and private sectors should be responsible for providing health care to the uninsured, freeing LSU to focus on medical education and research. “We have consistently advocated for a common-sense, affordable expansion of coverage for Louisiana’s uninsured as well as strengthening medical education in the state, says Bill Fenstermaker, Blueprint chairman. “The proposed Our Lady of the Lake-LSU partnership for indigent care in Baton Rouge holds great potential and could possibly serve as a public/private partnership model for other markets.” The health care reform plan being debated by Congress has essentially delayed any state-level reforms, but Fenstermaker says Louisiana still has issues with its uninsured population and the charity health care system. Blueprint says the state needs to consider alternative funding for transportation projects, such as public-private partnerships, debt financing strategies and tolls or other user fees. “One of the best ways to spur job creation and economic activity is through infrastructure investment. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that every $1 billion spent on transportation and matched by states supports approximately 35,000 jobs,” Fenstermaker says. “We also know improved transportation infrastructure and mobility is an important contributor to our overall quality of life, and the ability to retain and attract businesses to our state.”