Back in 1999, Louisiana embarked on a process to create a vision for the state with a focus on economic development. It was called Vision 2020 and it laid out a master plan based on priorities that would move Louisiana forward.
It's notable that in analyzing the state's "weaknesses" at the time it highlighted "a marginal infrastructure of roads and highways...that requires substantive improvement in order to support sustained economic development throughout the state."
Almost two decades later, not much has changed.
42 states have better pavement conditions than Louisiana
47 states have better bridges
Baton Rouge and New Orleans make up two of the nation's five worst regions for truck commerce
Our road fatality rates are among the highest in the country
And all of our neighbors invest more in roads than we do
Louisiana hasn't adjusted its gasoline tax in 27 years. As a result we have a $13 billion backlog in road maintenance needs plus "megaprojects" in almost every region which, as they languish, are creating added congestion and hindering economic growth.
Today, there is currently comprehensive legislation based on a well-designed priority plan being considered to address these critical needs. It's time to act on it and move it forward.
Last week, on Tuesday, the full House debated several
tax measures, specifically HB 609by Rep. Jay Morris (R - Monroe) and HB 355, Rep. Barry Ivey's (R- Baton Rouge) omnibus tax bill.
* HB 609 would have permanently established a
2% state sales tax on business utilities.
Rep. Mike Danahay (D-Sulphur) amended the bill to continue the sales tax exemption on manufacturing utilities, which was adopted by a vote of 73-20.
SEE HOW THEY VOTED. The adoption of this amendment changed LABI's position to
neutral. The amended bill was then debated on the House floor where it failed to pass by a vote of 22-79.
* HB 355 would have overhauled income tax law, including making the
inventory tax credit non-refundable and capping deductions for Net Operating Losses. When presenting the bill, Rep. Ivey amended it to remove these provisions, which changed LABI's position to neutral. The author ultimately chose to return his bill to the calendar to be called next week.
After a compromise was reached by major parties to
criminal justice reform, a number of bills began moving through the legislative process. In the
House Criminal Justice Committee, three bills supported by LABI were passed. The first bill,
HB 249 by
Rep. Tanner Magee (R - Houma) permits courts to modify or waive the monetary obligations related to an offender's conviction based on their determination of the offender's ability to pay. It was reported favorably by a vote of 13-3. The second bill
HB 489 by
Rep. Walt Leger (D - New Orleans) provides for the reinvestment of savings realized as a result of criminal justice reforms and requires the collection of certain data and information in this regard. It was reported favorably as amended. Finally,
Rep. Julie Emerson's (R - Carencro)
HB 519 was reported favorably. This bill will enhance the ability of ex-offenders to obtain occupational licenses. To watch LABI's Brigitte Nieland's testimony in support click
HERE.
On Wednesday the
Senate Labor Committee took up
Sen. Troy Carter's (D - New Orleans)
SB 153. This bill would establish a
state minimum wage law and increase the rate to $8.50. LABI is opposed to this legislation because the cost of a higher minimum wage is borne by employers and consumers - and by those who may actually lose work because of it. The establishment of a state minimum wage and an increase in the rate will effectively make it more expensive for businesses to hire young and low-skilled workers at a time when Louisiana's economy is struggling. LABI's Jim Patterson testified in opposition to this bill. Click
HERE to watch. It was ultimately reported favorably as amended by a vote of 4-2. LABI remains in opposition to this bill.
This week the House floor is to take up the tax measures that stalled in the chamber last week. Those bills include a permanent sales tax at 2% on business utilities.
News
The AP reports on the advancement of the minimum wage bill, citing LABI's Jim Patterson. READ HERE.
Jim Patterson spoke with Talk 107.3 radio in Baton Rouge regarding the impact of a minimum wage hike on small business. LISTEN HERE.
ICYMI: LABI President and CEO Stephen Waguespack pens his latest column. READ HERE.
NOLA.com writes how Louisiana may be poised to pass 'historic' criminal justice reform, reduce prison population. READ HERE.
The Advocate reports on the Senate Finance Committee review of the budget.
READ HERE.
LABI's Bill Updates
Each week LABI sends out updates on
legislative bills being discussed in Baton Rouge. CLICK HERE for the latest updates on those bills.
Advocacy
Advocating for hurricane protection.
Click above for information on Restore & Retreat's Annual Membership Luncheon on Friday.
Advocating for coastal
protection and restoration.
Louisiana Legislative
Update & This Week Around Louisiana
The Chesapeake Group is hired by the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce to lobby in Baton Rouge on behalf of the business community in our region.
Our Lobbyist, Eric Sunstrom, has provided an update on the current Louisiana legislative session.
