(BIG) Solutions (mini) Summit(s) Tax Reform Recap

By Daniel J. Erspamer
04/03/2021
Louisiana’s tax code is a serious hindrance to job growth in our state. During the Pelican Institute’s recent “(BIG) Solutions (mini) Summit(s),” our expert keynote speakers and panelists offered  several proven solutions to simplify Louisiana’s burdensome tax code. If you missed the Summit(s), take a look at the videos below to learn how we can...

TAGS: Budget, jobs and opportunity, Louisiana, Louisiana Legislature, tax reform, Taxes

Principles for Broadband Expansion with the American Rescue Plan of 2021

04/02/2021
Louisiana’s state and local governments will be receiving approximately $5.18 billion from the federal government because of the American Rescue Plan of 2021. Part of that $5.18 billion is earmarked for water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure projects. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that many rural areas still struggle with broadband internet access.  Louisiana policymakers should invest...

TAGS: broadband internet, COVID-19, innovation, Louisiana, Louisiana Legislature, technology

Missed Opportunities During Legislative Session Increases Importance of Fall 2019 Elections

06/07/2019
With the 2019 regular legislative session coming to a close this week, the Pelican Institute wants to take some time to reflect on the victories achieved and opportunities missed by lawmakers. This was an abbreviated legislative session and that, combined with rapidly approaching fall elections, made chances for the possibility of enacting transformational policy reforms...

TAGS: Budget, Education Reform, Free Market, Louisiana, Louisiana Legislature, Medicaid, Taxes, Transparency

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

05/29/2019
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...

TAGS: Budget, Education Reform, Louisiana, Louisiana Legislature, Medicaid, Transparency

Louisiana Smart On Crime’s Justice Reinvestment Factsheet

By Ellen Carmichael
01/23/2017
This year we have a critical opportunity to advance criminal justice reform in Louisiana. In that effort, Smart on Crime Louisiana has combined efforts with Right on Crime Louisiana to advance a conservative, business-led approach to be both tough and smart on crime. Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate in the nation, costing taxpayers nearly $700 million per year with poor outcomes. Now is the time to act to reform our state's criminal justice system and invest in evidence-backed alternatives to incarceration for low risk offenders. Reinvestment reform packages have already passed in other states including Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, and Mississippi where they have effectively reduced imprisonment, saved billions, and increased public safety.

TAGS: Criminal Justice Reform, Louisiana, Right On Crime, Smart on Crime