Debate is underway at the State Capitol on Governor Jeff Landry’s tax plan. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
______________________________________
Louisiana has never had a hurricane make landfall in the month of November – and it looks like at least for the time being, that record will remain intact. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
______________________________________
The U.S. political landscape remains in flux as the House of Representatives awaits resolution, but President-Elect Donald Trump holds a strong mandate and influence over the Republican-controlled Senate. With the GOP’s majority in the Senate, Republican U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is positioned to chair the Health, Education, Labor, and Pension (HELP) committee. Cassidy says even with control of the Senate, they will still need to reach across the aisle…
Cut 3 (11) “…than the minority.”
Additionally, Cassidy will play a significant role in tax policy and trade, potentially impacting both domestic economic policies and international trade relations.
Cut 4 (09) “…achieve their goals.”
As a senior Republican, Cassidy is also part of a bipartisan committee focused on developing family leave policies, reflecting the growing demand for more comprehensive family support systems. Cassidy says this committee aims to bridge the gap between parties on key issues affecting American families, balancing economic growth and workers’ rights.
Cut 5 (12) “…see it get done.”
With these leadership roles, Cassidy says he’s ready to influence multiple areas that affect everyday Americans.
______________________________________
Lawmakers have until November 25th to consider Governor Landry’s tax overhaul proposal in this special legislative session. Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham says given the complexity of the proposal and all of its components, that likely will not be enough time to consider everything.
Even though the Republican Landry is making his pitch to a Republican supermajority in both houses of the legislature, it’s not a slam-dunk that he will get everything he’s asking for. Bayham notes that some aspects will require a rewrite of the state constitution; and as such, the voters will have the final say.
One component of Landry’s proposal is to make optional the inventory tax – taxes imposed on companies on their inventory stockpiles. Bayham notes that many parishes rely on that inventory tax to provide essential services, such as schools and police.
Cut 8 (17) “…middle class people.”
_______________________________________________________
Debate is underway at the State Capitol on Governor Jeff Landry’s tax plan that seeks to lower income taxes for all workers but sales taxes would be added to 41 activities currently not taxed. Landry went before the House Ways and Means Committee today, urging them to pass his plan…
But during discussion on a bill to create a flat three-percent income tax, State Representative Matthew Williard, a Democrat from New Orleans, says Landry’s plan does not provide substantial tax savings for low-income workers…
Louisiana Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson countered Williard’s argument by saying the proposed tax changes would improve the state’s economy if enacted as it will attract more jobs to Louisiana…
Williard is also concerned Landry’s tax plan will result in less available tax dollars for the state to spend. He’s concerned about future tax cuts…
The House Ways and Means Committee approved the bill to reduce the personal income taxes on a 15 to 3 vote. The measure could go before House Appropriations, before a vote on the House floor.
__________________________________________________________
It looks like Louisiana’s record of never having a hurricane making landfall in the state in the month of November will remain intact, at least for the time being. Earlier this week, the National Hurricane Center had Hurricane Rafael turning north in the Gulf of Mexico and straight towards Louisiana, albeit weakening to below hurricane strength. But LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the forecast track has done a complete 180, now headed towards the Bay of Campeche in Mexico.
Cut 13 (11) “…steering currents whatsoever (2x).”
Keim says while forecast tracks are always subject to change, it’s highly unusual for a track to change as drastically as that of Rafael.
Cut 14 (19) “…southwesterly, we think.”
Keim says there’s still great uncertainty where the storm will ultimately go, if anywhere at all.