Local Government

The constant fiscal crises in Baton Rouge have affected governments throughout the state—64 parishes and sheriffs, 300 municipalities, 70 school boards, and other special districts. Our Constitution centralizes too much control with the state legislature in ways that preclude parishes from managing their own affairs. As part of constitutional reforms, state government should remove the strings from local authorities, giving them more flexibility to provide services at the local level and enhancing accountability at all levels of government.

New Orleans Cracks Down on Small Businesses

New Orleans Cracks Down on Small Businesses

Fresh off a decisive re-election victory, New Orleans Mayor, LaToya Cantrell has decided to begin “coordinated sweeps” to crack down on unregistered food vendors operating pop-up venues across the city. The city is attempting to generate tax revenue by cracking down on these entrepreneurs. New Orleans has misdiagnosed the problem and failed to realize that...

By Raheem Williams, Ryan Roberts

City of New Orleans Collects over $460,000 in Expired Taxes

City of New Orleans Collects over $460,000 in Expired Taxes

This week, reports surfaced showing the city of New Orleans erroneously collected more than $460,000 from an expired French Quarter sales tax. Now that this money has been taken unnecessarily from consumers, the city of New Orleans is stuck with it and can’t even spend it. Will they give the money back to taxpayers instead? Unlikely....

By Ryan Roberts

WATCH: Q&A with NOLA District Attorney Candidates

WATCH: Q&A with NOLA District Attorney Candidates

Voters in New Orleans will elect a new District Attorney this fall, and the person elected has the potential to transform the city’s criminal justice system for a generation. To get to know the candidates and where they stand on the issues, the Pelican Institute invited each qualified candidate to participate in a live PeliCast...

By Daniel J. Erspamer

While Louisiana is Sinking, Many Are Concerned with Re-arranging the Deck Chairs

While Louisiana is Sinking, Many Are Concerned with Re-arranging the Deck Chairs

It’s no secret to the people of Louisiana that things aren’t going well. The state has a shrinking labor force, an antiquated budget system, a struggling education system and a backlog of infrastructure projects that are in need of addressing. Given these issues, it’s no surprise that there is a sizable population that is leaving...

Solutions To Local Government Problems In Louisiana Spotlighted In New Pelican Institute Paper

Solutions To Local Government Problems In Louisiana Spotlighted In New Pelican Institute Paper

It shouldn’t surprise you to hear that Louisiana’s so-called “revenue problem” isn’t really a problem at all. Indeed, Louisiana’s real “problem” lies in our state government’s overspending, and that issue is exacerbated by its convoluted local government system. So, how do we solve the core problems with Louisiana’s local government system and ensure it encourages...

By Editor

Guest Commentary: Let the Sunshine In!

Guest Commentary: Let the Sunshine In!

Now is the time for real openness and transparency when private lawyers are hired by the Attorney General to work for Louisiana taxpayers. This practice should not be done behind closed doors, as it is now.

By Robert Ross

Feinberg Encounters Packed Town Halls with Frustration to Spare

Feinberg Encounters Packed Town Halls with Frustration to Spare

On July 15th, Kenneth Feinberg used three Louisiana town hall gatherings – in Houma, Port Sulphur, and Lafitte – to explain how the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) will work. Animated and lively, with a little Bostonian humor, Feinberg held the attention of each overflowing crowd for approximately 30 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of questions from the audience.

By Fergus Hodgson

Exclusive: Kindra Arnesen’s Perspective on the Oil Spill

Exclusive: Kindra Arnesen’s Perspective on the Oil Spill

Even as an acute victim of the spill, she and her husband spoke of how this area, and perhaps the entire nation, depends the Gulf oil industry. “If [the rigs] leave, they may not be back for years,” given the long-term nature of the contracts.

By Fergus Hodgson