(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

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

Don’t Believe the Hype: Resist the February Special Session

02/07/2018
As Louisiana lawmakers continue to debate how to solve the so-called “Fiscal Cliff” (to get up to speed on all the facts, be sure to check out our Citizen’s Guide to the Fiscal Cliff!), the threat of a February special legislative session looms large. Proponents of tax increases are pushing hard for this session, and taxpayers...

TAGS: Fiscal Cliff, Taxes

Small Businesses Rate Louisiana #7 for Best Training Programs, State Earns B+ Overall

By Margaret Viator
05/19/2013
Thumbtack.com, in partnership with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, has released the second-annual Thumbtack.com Small Business Friendliness Survey showing that small businesses rated Louisiana among the most business friendly states, particularly in terms of its training programs and labor regulations.

TAGS: Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Louisiana business environment, regulation, Small Business Friendliness Survey, Taxes, Thumbtack.com

Louisiana’s Business Climate Rated Highly in Recent Studies

By Matt Cole
11/12/2012
It is widely expected that tax reform will be the Jindal administration’s primary goal in the 2013 Louisiana legislative session. In a recent Advocate report, Tim Barfield from the Department of Revenue addressed the need for reform, pointing out that it is the “sticker price” and not the actual tax burden that is hampering “Louisiana's efforts to attract businesses.”

TAGS: Bobby Jindal, Tax Foundation, tax reform, Taxes, Tim Barfield

The Truth About Cash Balance Pension Plans

By Kevin Kane
04/26/2012
Critics of Governor Jindal’s proposed “cash balance” pension plan for state employees have made a number of inaccurate claims. The current retirement systems have amassed an astonishing $18.9 billion in unfunded liabilities, but reform opponents defend the status quo with scare tactics while relying on a flawed report from the Legislative Auditor.

TAGS: Bobby Jindal, cash balance, defined benefit, legislature, Pension Reform, pensions, Retirement, Taxes