The House votes 73-21 to phase out the .45 percent sales tax levied in last year’s session to plug a 300 million dollar-budget deficit as some lawmakers cry foul over Louisiana’s budget surplus this year. House Republican Chairman Lance Harris says there was a lot of fear-mongering about fiscal cliffs, only for the state to end up running a 316-million-dollar surplus…
But opponents are sounding the alarm, saying the call to cut taxes during a surplus is reminiscent of the Governor Jindal years where a two-billion-dollar surplus prompted the state to slash tax rates, leading to fiscal chaos and budget cuts.
Legislation that would abolish the death penalty was shelved after it was taken up on the House floor amid little enthusiasm for the change from a clear majority of the lower chamber.
Legislation that would have increased the legal age to purchase cigarettes, dip, and vape products to 21 dies on the House floor amid concerns the bill infringes on individual liberties of adults. Bill author, West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman, argued the bill could save lives…
The proposal was met with stiff opposition from Alexandria Representative, Lance Harris, who grilled Hoffman on why 18-year-olds can buy a house, get a tattoo, or make any number of other crucial life decisions, but not be allowed to smoke.
A bill requiring restaurants to inform customers the country of origin of their shrimp and crawfish is advancing at the state capitol. Louisiana Restaurant Association lobbyist Eldon Rogillo says they had some concerns, but he’s worked with the bill’s author, LaRose Representative Truck Gisclair
Cut 10 (12) “…some compromise.”