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SCR 83

CONDOLENCES: Expresses sincere condolences upon the passing of Josephine Ruth Kennedy, former Medicaid Director of the Louisiana Department of Health.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rick Edmonds

Expresses ceremonial honor and recognition for Ruth Kennedy’s four decades of public health leadership, highlighting expanded Medicaid coverage and program improvements she led.

Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate on 6/2/2026.
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Bill Summary · SCR 83

Summary of SCR 83 (Louisiana, 2026)

Purpose and intent

  • SCR 83 is a concurrent resolution expressing condolences from the Louisiana Legislature upon the passing of Josephine Ruth Kennedy, known as Ruth Kennedy, who served as the Medicaid Director of the Louisiana Department of Health.

Key provisions and changes

  • The resolution literary acknowledges Kennedy’s life, career, and impact, highlighting:
    • Four decades of public service with the Louisiana Department of Health.
    • Leadership in major initiatives to expand coverage and improve care delivery (including LaCHIP, Bayou Health, and Express Lane Eligibility).
    • Enrollment achievements (e.g., enabling more than ten thousand Louisiana children to gain coverage rapidly).
    • Implementation of Louisiana’s Medicaid expansion program, which enrolled more than 400,000 working adults.
    • Roles in improving eligibility verification, hospital systems, and cross-state health system enhancements.
    • Establishment of professional training programs (accredited continuing education for pharmacists/pharmacy technicians and a state-wide training program to grow certified pharmacy technicians).
    • Recognition and awards, including the Dunbar Award (2015) and other acknowledgments.
  • The resolution provides formal expressions of honor, commemoration, and appreciation for Kennedy’s faith, service, leadership, and impact on public health in Louisiana.

Who or what would be affected

  • Legislative and state recognition: The resolution affects the Legislative body and recognizes Kennedy posthumously.
  • Kennedy’s family and community: Acknowledges and conveys condolences to her family and the broader community impacted by her work.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill is a Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 83) introduced during the 2026 Regular Session by Senator Edmonds, with co-sponsorship noted.
  • Status shown: The legislature suspended rules, introduction occurred, and it proceeded to the Calendar for a second reading as of the latest action.
  • As a ceremonial resolution, it does not impose new law or allocate funds; it serves as an official expression of respect and tribute.
  • A copy of the resolution is to be transmitted to the Kennedy family.

Practical impact

  • Primarily symbolic and ceremonial, recognizing the contributions of a former state official.
  • May serve to publicly reinforce legacy statements about expanding health coverage and modernizing Medicaid programs in Louisiana.
  • Provides a formal historical record documenting Kennedy’s role and achievements within the Louisiana Department of Health.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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