Louisiana House Passes Tax Overhaul Bill

The Louisiana House of Representatives has passed a significant bill that could revise Article 7 of the state constitution, which governs taxation policies. This bill, spearheaded by Rep. Julie Emerson, aims to eliminate various tax exemptions and require a two-thirds legislative vote for any new exemptions, while also consolidating state funds to provide teachers with a permanent $2,000 pay raise. Despite this proposed increase, Louisiana teachers would still earn $15,000 less than the national average. Concurrently, House Bill 14, proposed by Rep. Brett Geymann, seeks to establish a 'government growth limit' that would restrict annual spending increases on recurring expenses, a move seen as a counterbalance to the proposed tax reforms. This legislation is part of a broader tax overhaul agenda linked to Gov. Jeff Landry and is set for further consideration in the Senate. If passed, the reforms could be voted on by the public in March.