Tomorrow, Saturday, March 29, is Election Day in Louisiana, and voters will head to the polls to decide the fate of four constitutional amendments as well as dozens of local races. Debate over Constitutional Amendment 2 has be heated across the state, and much has been written about its content and intent.

(NOTE: Pelican Institute recommends a YES vote on Amendments 1, 2, and 4. The Institute has not taken a position on Amendment 3).

So, as you get ready to head to the polls, here’s a roundup of the latest coverage of the Amendment 2 debate.

The Advocate covers Governor Landry’s campaign of support: Jeff Landry makes case for Amendment 2 in Baton Rouge: ‘Our moment in this state is now’

“That amendment will lock in the reforms that will provide the largest tax cut in the history of this state, and it will be accompanied by fiscal reforms that will benefit this state for a long, long time,” Landry said.

Landry has campaigned for the passage of the amendment around the state. He’s made the case on radio shows, in newspaper editorials and in speeches to local groups. Notable advocacy organizations, including the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, the Louisiana Association of Educators, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, have endorsed the amendment. 

Dr. Will Hall pushes back against misinformation in The Baptist Message: FIRST PERSON: The LBC does not oppose Amendment 2

Louisiana Baptists saw a 19 percent jump in baptisms in 2022 and a 31 percent surge on top of that in 2023. Last week, many Louisiana Baptists took part in the Livingston Parish GO TELL AMERICA Crusade and witnessed more than 1,300 spiritual decisions — with at least 602 new believers who are counted among that number. Moreover, there are similar evangelistic events planned around the state in 2025 as Louisiana Baptists commit to establish a culture of soul winning in our state.

However, this week, all of that has been overshadowed in some circles because of the poor decision by a few individuals to wrongly characterize, or otherwise allow the wrong perception, that “Louisiana Baptists” oppose Amendment 2, a tax reform measure which is on the statewide March 29 ballot.

Unfortunately, their misdirection on this issue involves a video clip of my testimony before the Senate Committee on Revenue & Fiscal Affairs regarding HB 7 (which removes language from the Constitution pertaining to property tax exemptions for ministries and nonprofits) and HB 11 (which transfers the exact same language to the statutes which articulate the state tax code).

Ballotpedia provides a national perspective: Louisiana voters to decide on four constitutional amendments addressing taxes, courts, and criminal justice on March 29

Supporters of Amendment 2 include Americans for Prosperity of Louisiana, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, and the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, as well as Gov. Jeff Landry (R). Landry said, “We, in this state, have been on the losing end of an economic game that other states are playing and beating us at today. We offer an opportunity to change that playbook so Louisiana can start winning. … So your taxation will be driven by more about what you choose to buy, rather than by your labor … This holistic plan is designed not only to address budget shortfalls, but to catapult Louisiana into the future with increased jobs and economic growth for years to come.”

Amendment 2 was passed with 100% Republican support. In the Senate, the amendment received 100% Democratic support. In the House, 17 Democrats were in favor and 11 were opposed.

The Center Square Louisiana covers all four amendments: Four constitutional amendments up for vote this weekend

Louisiana voters will weigh in on four constitutional amendments this Saturday, each with significant implications for how the state handles justice, juvenile crime, taxes and judicial elections. 

Fulton Robicheaux writes in The Hayride: The Left is Doing Everything it Can to Defeat Amendment 2

Funding is hard to trace but there are clear signs that national liberal groups from outside Louisiana are funding these big money efforts, including contributions in the tens of thousands of dollars to at least one group from California. It mirrors efforts seen the past from Soros connected organizations. In fact, the Louisiana Budget Project – now known as “Invest in Louisiana” – has touted their direct support from Soros groups. 

Worse, some of these leftist messages are specifically targeting conservatives with false information that Amendment 2 will harm churches or even the Boy Scouts or Veterans services. As Rep. Julie Emerson, who helped to author the bill creating the amendment, noted, this is not what’s happening at all…

Pelican Institute’s Daniel Erspamer joined WWL’s Newell Normand: Unfurling the 115 pg. bill otherwise known as Amendment 2

If you haven’t already, make a plan to hit the polls. But before you do, you might as well get to know who and what you’re voting for.

 There are four amendments to the Louisiana Constitution up for a vote. But one generating the most buzz is Amendment 2, as it has to do with the tax code.

Northshore business leader Scott Ballard takes to the editorial pages of The Times Picayune to support Amendment 2: Voting for Amendment 2 will make Louisiana more competitive

I believe in Louisiana and making it a better state. I am positive that voting yes on Amendment 2 will truly move Louisiana forward. As a business owner, I want more investment and more companies moving into the state, and Amendment 2 will make us more competitive for economic development.

 This amendment represents a major improvement to a key part of our constitution that is more sweeping than any constitutional changes we have seen in decades.

 Admittedly, it may be hard for the voters to understand just what it does and why it is so important. Our organization, Leaders for a Better Louisiana, has analyzed it thoroughly and — while it is not perfect — it accomplishes many things groups like ours have advocated for years.