Legislators to vote on revised Landry tax plan: See how it will affect your taxes
Plus — Haughton growth accelerates with new subdivision. Another new candidate for Bossier City Council.
Bossier City weekend weather — Today: Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. Tonight: Clear, cold with lows in the mid 30s. Saturday: Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s. Saturday night: Clear. Not as cool with lows in the mid 40s. Sunday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. Sunday night: Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the lower 60s.
Beyond Bossier
Legislators to vote today on revised Landry tax overhaul: See how it will affect your taxes
State lawmakers are close to making a decision on a last-minute, pared-down version of Gov. Jeff Landry’s tax overhaul package — but one that would still affect most people and businesses in Louisiana.
The deal, hashed out in back-room negotiations Thursday, is expected to be voted on today.
“A lot can change … but as of right now, we’re comfortable with the number of votes we have … in the Senate,” said Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie.
“I believe we have the votes [in the Louisiana House],” Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Johnson, R-Pineville said.
Sales taxes higher, income taxes lower
The revised package calls for raising the current sales tax rate of 4.45% to 5% for five years, starting July 1, 2025, when the state’s next fiscal year starts. The rate would drop to 4.75% in 2030 but still remain higher than the current 4.45%.
In exchange for these higher, permanent sales taxes, most Louisiana residents would receive an income tax cut. The state would move from a three-tiered income tax system with a high rate of 4.25% to a flat rate of 3%, accompanied by a significantly higher standard deduction threshold.
On the business side, the corporate franchise tax will be eliminated altogether, and the corporate income tax will move to a flat rate of 5.5% — right between the current lowest rate of 3.5% and the highest rate of 7.5%.
Some business tax credits ending
The Legislature has also agreed to dissolve some government funds dedicated to special purposes and end some business and industry tax breaks to shore up state revenue. This includes ending the state’s many incentive programs, such as the Quality Jobs and Enterprise Zone tax credits, among others.
A portion of the state inventory tax credit, which helps businesses cover their local parish tax bills, will be phased out for some employers in 2026. Money from the vehicle sales tax that was going to large transportation projects — such as the new Baton Rouge Interstate 10 bypass bridge and Interstate 49 expansions — will now be diverted for general government expenses.
In an interview Thursday night, Henry said he did not expect the current deal to leave Louisiana with a significant budget shortfall, as some had feared. Still, lawmakers held off on taking votes on the tax package until Friday because they are waiting for staff to finish the final revenue estimates.
“Staff needs the time … . And we want time to read and digest the bills before we vote,” House Republican Caucus Chairman Mark Wright, R-Covington, said.
Landry was also throwing a political fundraiser Thursday night in Baton Rouge, and any tax votes taken before Friday would likely have coincided with the event.
Locking in votes
Legislative leaders are also combining the bill that cuts income taxes with the legislation to increase sales taxes in order to pin down conservative Republican votes. Once the proposals merge, lawmakers will no longer be able to vote for the tax break without the corresponding tax hike.
“It’s to lock people in. You can’t vote for the tax cuts without voting for the revenue, too,” said Sen. Gerald Boudreaux of Lafayette, chairman of his chamber’s Democratic Caucus.
Republicans have supermajorities in the Senate and House, but Democrats will be needed to reach the 70 votes required to pass the sales tax hike legislation. Certain conservative Republicans have refused to vote for any bill that included a tax hike, which means bipartisan support becomes even more important to get the package across the finish line.
Louisiana already has the highest average sales tax in the nation
Much of the negotiations over the past two days has taken place between Landry and Senate Democrats, who had reservations about raising Louisiana’s sales tax rate to pay for an income tax reduction.
Louisiana already has the highest average sales tax rate in the nation when local parish rates are included. High sales taxes are more of a burden for poor people, who end up spending more of their paycheck to cover their cost.
Boudreaux said Democrats were given some concessions for agreeing to support Landry’s tax package. They were assured certain health care services wouldn’t be cut, and funding for early childhood education and juvenile vocation programs would be prioritized, he said.
The state funding formula for higher education might also be reworked to direct more support to Louisiana historically Black colleges and universities, according to Boudreaux.
Lawmakers don't intend to delay holiday travel
However, the votes appear to be on tight margins.
Wright, as the head of the House Republican Caucus, expressed concern that the Legislature would start “losing people” who would vote for the tax bills the longer they waited to vote on Friday. Some lawmakers have made it clear they don’t intend to push their holiday travel plans to support the tax overhaul.
The special session must end by 6 p.m. Monday.
“It’ll be interesting because I heard they may have more Republicans missing as the day goes on, especially around five o’clock,” said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Matthew Willard of New Orleans, who has opposed Landry’s proposal.
– By Wesley Muller/Louisiana Illuminator
Haughton growth accelerates with new subdivision
The Bossier Parish Police Jury held a public hearing Wednesday regarding the proposed development of Eastwood Heights subdivision in Haughton. The project is located on over 17.5 acres adjacent to the Hills of Eastwood off Highway 80 and will comprise 349 lots.
Ryan Estes with Raley and Associates said a traffic impact study required adding a U-turn lane on the opposite side of Highway 80 at Garrison Road.
"Haughton is growing," Estes said.
In other business at the police jury meeting:
The Road and Subdivision regulations committee reported a discussion of short-term house rentals in Bossier Parish. The committee is considering some of the VRBOs and Airbnbs that people are establishing in Bossier Parish following "some complaints."
Parish Engineer Eric Hudson said there had been some issues with speed limits on Duckwater Landing, and he would like to have a public hearing scheduled in two weeks to change the speed limit from 35 to 25 miles an hour.
Approved a "comprehensive update" to the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement ordinance.
Approved a $20 million tax incentive to Live! Casino and Hotel.
Old Plain Dealing Road closure
The Bossier Parish Police Jury will shut down the Old Plain Dealing Road just south of La 160 beginning Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 7:00 a.m. and ending at noon on November 26, 2024.
Crews will be replacing the bridge structure. Motorists are advised that warning signs and barricades will be in place in advance.
Cliff Smith announces his candidacy for Bossier City Council
A term limits supporter has announced his candidacy for the Bossier City Council. Cliff Smith is running for the District 3 seat currently held by Don Williams.
Williams has publicly announced that he will not run for reelection.
Smith's campaign site says he is a Christian, conservative, Republican, husband, father, and grandfather.
"Bossier City is a great city, and it is the place that I chose to call home," Smith wrote on his Facebook page. "I believe that the time is now to step up to make this city an even better place for our children, grandchildren, and generations to come. I will be open and accessible and will listen to your concerns and feedback. We are a representative form of government, and my job will be to represent you to the best of my abilities."
Smith says his priorities are to address our aging infrastructure, be fiscally responsible, strengthen public safety, create more economic development, be a voice for the people of our community, advocate for transparency, and get term limits enacted.
All seven City Council members and the Mayor will be on the ballot on March 29, 2025. Qualifying will be held January 29-31.
Bossier City free time calendar
Live music in Bossier City and other notable events in the area for your free time consideration. If you would like to add an event to the Bossier City free time calendar, send the details to email@bossiernow.com.
Tonight, Friday, November 22: John Michael Montgomery at the Riverdome in the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel.
November 23: William Clark Green brings his "Whole Lotta Lubbock" tour to his debut appearance at the Louisiana Grandstand. Green is tearing up Texas dance halls and filling venues nationwide with his hits like "She Likes The Beatles" and "West Texas in My Eye."
November 29: Neal McCoy in the Paradise Theater at the Margaritaville Casino.
December 5: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra performs The Lost Christmas Eve at the BGA.
December 6: Neo-traditional country artist Braxton Keith at the Louisiana Grandstand.
December 7: Williamson Branch, one of Nashville's fastest-growing family bands, is touring the country with their traditional country sound and will perform at the Louisiana Grandstand.
December 6, 7, and 8: Bossier Parish Community College, in partnership with the City of Bossier City, presents the 32nd Annual Christmas Show at the Stephen W. Slaughter Theatre, located inside Building C on the BPCC Campus at 6220 E. Texas Street. While admission is free, tickets are required and can be reserved online at www.bpcc.edu/theatre.
December 13: Creed Fisher at the Louisiana Grandstand.
December 14: A Candlelit Evening with Marc and Ted Broussard.
December 19: Marcus King, the southern blues & rock guitar phenom, is coming to the Louisiana Grandstand. Marcus will be playing an intimate acoustic evening featuring Drew Smithers.
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