There’s much discussion in Baton Rouge about how to best allocate scarce taxpayer money that’s overflowing the state’s coffers. A problem with $3 billion in the state’s savings accounts is that everyone has their hands out to receive some of it. But the ones who should be remembered first are the taxpayers. In this discussion,...
Key Point: Louisianans aren’t reaching their full potential primarily because of bad public policies but that can change with the Pelican Institute’s “Comeback Agenda.” Louisiana’s Labor Market: Table 1 shows Louisiana’s labor market over time until the latest data for April 2023 from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Table 1: Labor Market Indicators in...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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.”...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...