A special session on tax reform is set for November 6th but there is more on the agenda than just tax reform. Sean Richardson has more.
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A small business group says Governor Landry’s tax reform plan has pluses and minuses. Andrew Greenstein reports.
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Governor Jeff Landry has officially called for a special legislative session, set to start on November 6, the day after the presidential election. LaPolitics.com Editor Jeremy Alford says this session will focus on a proposed tax overhaul to reduce income tax rates while expanding the state’s sales tax structure.
Cut 3 (12) “…state sales tax structure.”
In addition to tax reforms, Landry’s agenda includes significant changes to the judicial system, juvenile court procedures, vocational education, and property insurance. Alford says by including these additional issues, Landry hopes to secure broader legislation.
Cut 4 (13) “…not related to taxes.”
These reforms, Landry argues, would make Louisiana more competitive with states like Florida and Texas, which do not impose income taxes. Alford says any proposed changes passed by the Republican-controlled legislature would require voter approval in March 2025 for a rewrite of Article 7 of the state constitution…
This session marks Louisiana’s third special legislative session of the year.
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Small business groups say there are pluses and minuses for small business owners to Governor Landry’s tax reform plan. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, says on the plus side, the proposed reduction in income taxes will ultimately mean more money that the small business owners will get to keep.
Cut 6 (10) “…these business owners.”
Long says the state needs to lower income tax rates to remain competitive with neighboring states.
On the flip side of the coin, Landry’s tax plan will mean additional services, including those performed by small business, would be subject to sales tax. Long says that will require a lot more administrative work by the business owners.
So all that said, Long says if those businesses do indeed become subject to sales tax, she hopes the state will do everything it can to educate those owners on how to do it.
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The former director of the Calcasieu Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has died. Dick Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) passed away over the weekend. Tom Hoefer (HAY-fur) with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury says Gremillion was with the parish for 31 years, the last 28 of which as OHSEP director.
Hoefer says when Gremillion said to evacuate, you did exactly what he said.
Cut 10 (10) “…rather than fear.”
Hoefer said while Gremillion had health issues, his passing on Saturday was unexpected.
Cut 11 (06) “…away so quickly.”
Hoefer says Calcasieu Parish officials are currently discussing how to honor Gremillion.
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A former state trooper reaches a plea deal in connection with the death of Ronald Greene. Kory York was originally charged with one count of negligent homicide and ten counts of malfeasance. His attorney is Mike Small.
Cut 12 (10) “…of simple battery.”
Small says York pleaded no contest so that it couldn’t be used against him in his civil case, which is still pending and which Small is not involved in. In his criminal case, York was handed his sentence following his no contest plea.
Cut 13 (09) “…one-thousand dollars.”
York will also serve one year probation, and he will have to perform 160 hours of community service. If he violates his probation, he will be required to serve his prison sentence. Small says while he was confident that he could have gotten an acquittal on all charges, his client did not want to take any chances.
Cut 14 (13) “…all eight counts.”
Prosecutors had previously dropped the most serious charge of negligent homicide.