A bill that would have dramatically increased the tax rate for online sports betting to offset the loss of revenue from lower income tax rates is on hold. Supporters, like Louisiana Progress Executive Director Peter Robins-Brown, say there is clear evidence of an increase of domestic violence as a result of an increase in online sports betting…
Cut 7 (12) “…making it easier.”
Louisiana Casino Association director Wade Duty warns the higher tax could discourage online betting platforms, potentially impacting brick-and-mortar casinos, which often partner with online sportsbooks.
Cut 8 (12) “…business as usual.”
Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves is hailing the overwhelming House passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. The bill that passed 327 to 75 eliminates the Windfall Elimination Penalty and the Government Pension Offset. Graves says Louisiana has been among the most impacted by these two provisions.
The two provisions had the effect of reducing Social Security benefits for people who worked in the public sector, such as teachers, police officers and firefighters.
Optimism among small businesses in Louisiana is up – but so is uncertainty. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, says while the optimism index remains below the 50-year average, there are encouraging signs.
As for the increase in the uncertainty index, Long says you can blame the debate in Baton Rouge over tax reform.