Pelican Policy

Louisiana’s Legislature Should Focus on Tax Relief, Not Overblown “Fiscal Cliff”

You may have heard that the state of Louisiana is facing a “fiscal cliff” and this is why the Legislature shouldn’t reduce the taxes Louisianans pay to fund the government. This claim is based on assumptions that the state’s tax collections will decline dramatically from the expiration of the “temporary” sales tax rate hike of...

By Vance Ginn, Ph.D.

Louisiana’s Budget: Big Spenders vs. Smart Savers

The Louisiana legislature is debating our state’s budget — how much to spend, how much to save, and whether to return money to hardworking taxpayers. On one side of the debate are the Big Spenders, who want to blow through $2.7 billion in even more spending. On the other side are the Smart Savers, who...

By Pelican Institute for Public Policy

Don’t look now! “Fiscal cliff” scare tactics are back.

It’s like clockwork. Every time lawmakers in Baton Rouge start down the path of providing tax relief to help Louisiana families make ends meet and grow the state’s economy, you can count on the status quo crowd to scream “Fiscal cliff!” But is it real? The short answer: No! (But it’s complicated.) It’s easy to...

By Jamie Tairov

So Much Money!

Over the last few years, there has been a much larger influx of taxpayer revenues than usual. Since fiscal year 21, lawmakers have had access to $5.5 billion in excess and surplus funds (money over and above the amount needed to run government operations). $1 billion was in FY 21, $2.4 billion in FY 22,...

By Jamie Tairov

Star Trek tech: if government stays out of the way

In Star Trek, Captain Kirk communicates to his allies and enemies via a giant video wall on his space ship’s holodeck. Decades ago, those science fiction fantasy technologies seemed far fetched, but apps like Zoom and Apple’s Facetime have made real-time video chat a reality. The next wave of technology is approaching at warp speed–some...

By Bartlett D. Cleland

Paycheck Piracy? Louisiana’s Public Employees Deserve Protection

Auto-pay is one of modern life’s great conveniences. It’s hard to put a price on the peace of mind that comes with having your credit card or cell phone bill paid on time each month. But can you imagine asking your employer to make sure your Netflix subscription or gym membership is renewed? That’s exactly...

By Sarah Harbison

Alternatives to Crime: Advancing Local Solutions that Work

Recently the Baton Rouge Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Foundation announced the building of a new “Inspiration Center,” modeled after successful similar initiatives in places like Atlanta, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, to curb crime among juveniles. Clay Young, the group’s chairman, said its goal is “turning the city’s youth away from crime before it’s too late.”...

By Erin Bendily, Ph.D.

LOUISIANA HOUSE VOTES ON SCHOOL CHOICE RELATED BILL

Baton Rouge — The Louisiana House of Representatives vote on House Bill 98 sends a strong message that Louisiana is ready to advance education freedom for families, just like several other states have done. Every child deserves a school that fits this or her individual needs. Parents know their child best and should choose their education....

By Erin Bendily, Ph.D.

Louisiana: At the bottom of yet another economic list

Recently, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) released its 16th edition of the annual report titled “Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index.” The report ranks the economic competitiveness of each state, and once again, Louisiana is found to be last. Louisiana ranks dead last in economic performance, which measures the state’s performance...

By Jamie Tairov

Coalition Calls for Responsible Budget, Tax Relief

The Pelican Institute is proud to partner with a coalition of groups that are joining together to call for a responsible budget and tax relief. This year, lawmakers have a unique and significant opportunity to make a real difference for the future of Louisiana by adopting responsible budgets for the remainder of the current year...

A School that Fits Every Kid

Louisiana’s Comeback Agenda starts with ensuring that every family has the opportunity to choose the school that best fits their child’s individual needs. Kids have unique strengths, interests, and learning needs; what works for one may not work for another. Parents also have differing priorities and values when it comes to their child’s education, including programs...

Collective Bargaining a Bad Deal for New Orleans Taxpayers

The New Orleans City Council may soon consider an ordinance intended to recognize city workers’ right to collectively bargain. The proposed ordinance would establish city workers’ organizing rights, set up a process for collective bargaining, and require the council to hire a labor relations administrator as a go-between for workers and the city. Proponents of...

By Sarah Harbison

Lawmakers advance school choice bills: What does this mean for Louisiana families?

Over the past week, Louisiana lawmakers in the House have advanced two bills to expand educational freedom, making it easier for families to enroll their children in the school that best fits their individual needs. House Bill 9 by Representative Rhonda Butler expands school choice for children with disabilities, allowing state dollars to follow kids...

By Erin Bendily, Ph.D.

Louisiana Jobs Report: April 2023

Our new jobs report highlights Louisiana’s economic situation based on the most recent data. The report is based on several key factors that indicate how the economy, labor market, and public policy influence the lives of everyday Louisianans. While some of these data indicate a relatively strong labor market–such as the historically low unemployment rate–there...

By Vance Ginn, Ph.D.

We believe every Louisianan should
have the opportunity to flourish.

Louisiana’s Legislature Should Focus on Tax Relief, Not Overblown “Fiscal Cliff”

Louisiana’s Legislature Should Focus on Tax Relief, Not Overblown “Fiscal Cliff”

Louisiana’s Budget: Big Spenders vs. Smart Savers

Louisiana’s Budget: Big Spenders vs. Smart Savers

Don’t look now! “Fiscal cliff” scare tactics are back.

Don’t look now! “Fiscal cliff” scare tactics are back.

So Much Money!

So Much Money!

Star Trek tech: if government stays out of the way

Star Trek tech: if government stays out of the way

Paycheck Piracy? Louisiana’s Public Employees Deserve Protection

Paycheck Piracy? Louisiana’s Public Employees Deserve Protection

Alternatives to Crime: Advancing Local Solutions that Work

Alternatives to Crime: Advancing Local Solutions that Work

LOUISIANA HOUSE VOTES ON SCHOOL CHOICE RELATED BILL

LOUISIANA HOUSE VOTES ON SCHOOL CHOICE RELATED BILL

Louisiana: At the bottom of yet another economic list

Louisiana: At the bottom of yet another economic list

Coalition Calls for Responsible Budget, Tax Relief

Coalition Calls for Responsible Budget, Tax Relief

A School that Fits Every Kid

A School that Fits Every Kid

Collective Bargaining a Bad Deal for New Orleans Taxpayers

Collective Bargaining a Bad Deal for New Orleans Taxpayers

Lawmakers advance school choice bills: What does this mean for Louisiana families?

Lawmakers advance school choice bills: What does this mean for Louisiana families?

Louisiana Jobs Report: April 2023

Louisiana Jobs Report: April 2023

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