(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

State-by-State Economic Report Shows a Lackluster Louisiana

By John Kay

05/30/2013

Louisiana’s economic prospects are mediocre, according to a new report released by the American Legislative Exchange Council, which ranked the 50 states according to their economic outlook in 2013.

TAGS: ALEC, American Legislative Exchange Council, Arthur Laffer, economic policy, Jonathan Williams, Louisiana, Poor States, Rich States, Right to Work, Stephen Moore, 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 Case for Pension Reform

By Kevin Kane

05/22/2012

The complex nature of the retirement system tends to obscure the importance of pension reform. This has contributed to an unfortunate lack of urgency over the years. But while the details can appear daunting, the crux of the matter is simple: Louisiana has promised its retirees more than it can deliver.

TAGS: Gov. Bobby Jindal, Louisiana, Pension Reform, pensions, Rep. Kevin Pearson, Retirement Benefits, Sen. Elbert Guillory, Taxes

Obama Health Care Exchange: Not the Answer for Louisiana

By Kevin Kane

05/15/2012

Last week the Louisiana Budget Project (LBP) published a response to our critique of the health insurance exchange proposed by Sen. Karen Carter Peterson in SB744. We have reviewed their arguments in favor of the exchange and find them unpersuasive.

TAGS: Free Market, Health Care, Health Care Reform, Heritage Foundation, Louisiana Legislature, ObamaCare, Taxes

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

Vote Yes on Saturday to Prevent New Taxes

By Kevin Kane

11/18/2011

We believe that voters should support this amendment and vote Yes on Saturday. While there is no doubt that policymakers have been challenged by recent budget shortfalls, most taxpayers face challenges of their own. These taxpayers must live within their means and we believe that policymakers should do the same.

TAGS: Budget, Education Reform, Free Market, Louisiana, Pension Reform, Taxes

Louisiana’s Comeback Agenda

Louisiana’s Comeback Agenda is a bold vision for policy change in Louisiana. Given our economic and cultural assets, Louisiana should be an economic powerhouse. This agenda is the roadmap for how we get there. It’s intended to serve as a guide for lawmakers, candidates, and community leaders to spark discussion and debate toward proven policies that will...

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