Resource Category: Legislature

Overhauling Louisiana’s Tax Structure

Louisiana lawmakers embraced much of the tax rewrite package sought by Gov. Jeff Landry in the just-ended special session, agreeing to lower and flatten income tax rates in exchange for new sales tax charges.

Louisiana’s State Surpluses

Louisiana has enjoyed repeated state surpluses for the last seven years, and the latest calculations estimate lawmakers will see that trend continue another year. A surplus occurs when a state’s revenue collections exceed its spending within a budget year.

Savings Account Shuffle

The governor’s ambitious tax reform package includes a merger of two Louisiana trust funds that help promote financial stability for the state, a change that lawmakers should weigh carefully. The proposal that lawmakers will consider in the upcoming special session on taxes involves the Budget Stabilization Fund (commonly known as the state’s “rainy day” fund) […]

2024 Session: Chipping Away at Sunshine

A year after lawmakers passed the state budget in a frenzied final few minutes before theirdeadline, the Louisiana Legislature adopted a $49 billion compromise package of spending plansthis year with time to spare and no last-minute chaos in their three-month regular session.

Governor’s Records Should Remain Open

Just as it appeared one awful public records exemption bill may be defeated for the current legislative session, another damaging exemption idea could take its place.

PAR Statement on a Proposed Constitutional Convention

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana believes the state needs constitutional reform after years of cluttering Louisiana’s primary governing document with hundreds of amendments and provisions best left to statute.

RESET Louisiana Calls for Thoughtful Decisions in Crime Special Session

As lawmakers start work in a special session called by Gov. Jeff Landry to address crime, RESET Louisiana urges the House and Senate to make decisions based on data and best practices known to reduce violent crime rather than backpedaling on reform.