Letters: Rushed tax session ripe for bad policymaking

Gov. Jeff Landry reveals details about his plan to overhaul the state tax code. The proposal would entail the most sweeping set of changes to Louisiana's tax structure in 50 years.

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Gov. Jeff Landry’s plan is to create chaos. He is pushing half-baked ideas without regard to the public or the Legislature’s need for deliberate action.



First, it was the rush to do a constitutional convention this summer. Now the rush is to do a complete rewrite of the finance section of the Louisiana Constitution in the two weeks before Thanksgiving. Today’s rush is to push through a complete overhaul of the Louisiana tax system as a Christmas present for out-of-state corporations and the top 1% of taxpayers.

We have a regular session of the Legislature focused on fiscal affairs and taxes already scheduled for early next year. What’s the rush? Apparently, Landry wants to jam a constitutional amendment through in March in an election that no one votes in. Do you know who needs tax relief? The working families of Louisiana.

We are being nickel-and-dimed by sales taxes every day. Landry’s answer is to tax our families more by raising sales taxes on everything from getting your yard mowed to a haircut. He wants to raise $1 billion in sales taxes on us — taxing everyday services and hurting small businesses.

Don’t believe the snake oil that Jeff Landry is selling, that he would cut income taxes. This is a bait-and-switch that will actually hurt working families paying more every week in sales taxes. Landry’s plan will make it harder on small business and entrepreneurs and individuals working on everything from making quilts to barbers, all of whom will have to deal with more government bureaucracy and collect sales taxes.

Now is the time to call your legislators and tell them to protect us, the people who live and work in Louisiana. The impact of sales taxes on working families is felt every time we check out at the store. MELISSA FLOURNOY former state legislator and board chair of 10,000 Women.