BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) – Louisiana lawmakers will meet in a special session starting Nov. 6 to consider Republican Gov. Jeff Landry’s attempt at an ambitious overhaul of the state’s tax structure, according to a formal proclamation Landry issued Monday.
Landry has been talking about his ideas for tax changes for months. His proposals include lowering income taxes and imposing sales taxes on more items and services. Teacher pay and a possible overhaul of the state’s legal system are also in the 23-point session proclamation, which outlines the topics lawmakers could discuss during the session, which could last until Nov. 25.
One call item ties a possible permanent pay increase for teachers and other school staff to addressing the state’s teacher pension system’s unfunded accrued liability — the difference between what the system is expected to have to pay out in the future and the resources available to pay for meet those needs. .
Another point addresses possible changes in the way the Supreme Court regulates judicial disciplinary and ethics proceedings and elections to fill judicial vacancies.
“During this special session, we have the opportunity to give teachers a (permanent) raise, put more money in the pockets of every worker, eliminate the prescription drug tax and provide seniors with a much-needed tax break,” Landry said in a news report. The release did not provide details on what Landry would like to accomplish regarding the court overhaul.
Many of the proposals would require a two-thirds majority of the House and Senate. Some. including the judicial review would require constitutional amendments, which require a two-thirds majority in each legislative chamber, plus approval by voters.
Landry’s party has just over a two-thirds majority in each chamber. That increases, but does not guarantee, his chances of success with the complex tax issues, which, depending on the details, could affect local government revenues and tax breaks for various business interests.
