LEGISLATIVE ALERT
Session begins today
The 2021 Louisiana Legislative Session has begun, and tourism is positioned to be an important part of the conversation in both chambers. As the state looks to help the economy and employment rebound, the safe return of visitors to Louisiana’s hotels, attractions and restaurants is of vital importance.

In support of the Louisiana Office of Tourism’s statewide tourism marketing efforts, your help is needed to encourage legislators to pass SCR 4. This bill will suspend the cap limiting the Lt. Governor to only spend 10 percent of LOT’s budget on in-state marketing. Lifting this limitation will encourage more in-state and regional travel. 
State budget
At the center of the budget discussion will be how to best spend the federal, one-time stimulus dollars that continue to come to the state. HB 1 includes the budgets for the Louisiana Office of Tourism, which is currently fully funded.

The budget bill also includes a breakdown of local Visitor Enterprise Funds, starting on page 150. The following funds have been changed: 

  • Calcasieu – City of Lake Charles (p. 150, line 28)
  • Red River Parish (p. 151, line 45)
  • St. Mary Parish (p. 151, line 59)
  • Vernon Parish (p. 152, line 15)
  • West Carrol Parish (p. 152, line 25)     
         
If your Visitor Enterprise Fund has changed, or if you have any questions about these funds, please contact Jill Kidder. 
Dedications
Two bills have been filed to reduce or eliminate many of the state’s tax credits, exemptions, exclusions and dedications, HB 444 and HB 454. Both are expected to draw opposition from a wide range of industries as they head to the House Ways & Means Committee on Tuesday. Although neither bill seems to specifically mention Visitor Enterprise Funds or other tourism-related statutory dedications at this time, LTA will continue to monitor both bills for any industry implications.