New Taxes, New Troubles
Download PDF Version Here. The first six months of 2016 at the state Capitol brought major tax increases, modest budget cuts and further uncertainty about Louisiana’s financial future and business climate. Although the new governor did not achieve all his goals, he took significant steps in the direction of his preferred policies by raising state […]
Out of Chaos Comes Change
With the special session over, state leaders now will take a deep breath and turn their attention to the regular session and a projected $800 million budget imbalance for next fiscal year. The special session bought time but not long-term solutions. Looming on the 2018 horizon is an immense revenue cliff that could pressure leaders […]
Legislators’ Election & Compensation
Legislators’ Election & Compensation The Legislature consists of two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives. The state constitution establishes the maximum number of senators and representatives, which is the present membership: Senate, 39; House, 105; total, 144. ElectionsThe constitution specifies that each member of the Senate and the House be elected from a […]
A Plan to Control State Spending
The state’s budget malady is the worst Louisiana has seen since the 1980s oil bust. The Legislature and new Gov. John Bel Edwards face an immediate, stupendous shortfall for the current year and even bigger ticket problems next year and in the long term.
2015 Legislative Session Wrap-Up
The Governor and Legislature Raised Taxes and Reduced Credits and Exemptions to Fill the State Budget. (PDF Version) Now that the governor has signed bills for state appropriations and tax increases and has vetoed a few key bills, the final picture of the 2015 legislative session can be seen in focus. The Legislature and the […]
The Budget is a Real Piece of Work
As the Legislature attempts to piece together something resembling a balanced state budget, the puzzle that is taking shape is likely to create new problems for state government and require further adjustments during the next year.
Louisiana’s State Budget Vertigo
Louisiana’s Legislature is performing a high-wire act without a net as it attempts to balance the government budget. Anticipated state expenses for the next fiscal year are towering above a nearly flat state revenue forecast. As the financially vulnerable higher-education leaders figure, it’s a long way down.
