According to the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index, Louisiana ranks 42nd on tax competitiveness. Senior Policy Analyst Jared Walczak says the state has one of the nation’s most complex tax structures, and would benefit greatly if it were simplified…:
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The index reports Louisiana ranks 50th for the state’s sales tax structure.

The first class of the Louisiana Veteran Entrepreneurship Program has started training military vets to run their own business. State Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says recent economic growth is making this a good time for veterans to venture into the small business world:
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He says the initial boot camp will be followed by long-term counseling from small business resource partners.

A lethal disease of palm trees has been positively verified in Louisiana. Lethal yellowing was detected in silver date palms and Chinese windmill palms in Baton Rouge. LSU AgCenter plant doctor Raj Singh says the pathogen is known to cause decline in more than 35 palm species..:
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Diseased trees usually die within five months.

The Iberville Parish Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance outlawing the desecration of any official flags. Penalties for violating the law could range from a $1,000 fine to a 6-month jail sentence. The ACLU opposes the ordinance saying it violates the Constitution.