State of Louisiana Archives: on Tax Reform
Antoine Pierce:
Tax cuts for poor & middle class
Top Policy Priorities: - Support tax cuts for the poor and middle class
-
Repeal Right to Work
- Preserve Unions
- Raise the minimum wage
Source: 2020 Louisiana Senate campaign website AntoinePierce.com
Feb 4, 2020
Bill Cassidy:
Co-sponsored tax simplification for Gold Star families
Simplification of a special tax intended to stop wealthy parents from sheltering income by shifting it to their children inadvertently caused higher taxes on military survivor benefits. This removes the unintended tax treatment of survivor
benefits. "This bipartisan legislation helps those who lost a husband or wife, a father or mother, serving in the military to protect us. This legislation fixes an unintended problem and lessens the taxes of the surviving spouse," said Dr. Cassidy.
Source: 2020 Louisiana Senate campaign website cassidy.senate.gov
May 8, 2019
Bobby Jindal:
Approved educational tax credit to offset tax increases
SB93: Prohibits the $25 credit for educational expenses for each child attending nonpublic elementary and secondary school if the tax deduction for payment of tuition is taken and establishes the Student Assessment for a Valuable Education (SAVE) Credit
Program. Analysis by The Baton Rouge Advocate: Passage of the SAVE fund was crucial because Jindal was virtually certain to veto the budget if the Legislature hadn't approved the measure. The SAVE plan will impose a fee of almost $1,600
per student that the students won't actually pay because the plan will create tax credits--phantom tax credits in the eyes of critics--that offset the fee. The tax credits allow Jindal to offset all of the tax measures approved by legislators.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 59-44-2, Vote #1102 on Jun/11/15; Passed Senate 30-9-0, Vote #1107 on Jun/11/15; Signed by Governor Bobby Jindal on Jun/19/15
Source: Baton Rouge Advocate on Louisiana voting records SB93
Jun 19, 2015
Charles Melancon:
Tax increase on wealthiest taxpayers but not middle-class
Vitter stressed his differences with Melancon on tax policy. On taxes, Vitter favor a permanent extension of all the income-tax cuts approved in the early years of President George W. Bush's administration.Melancon said he supports extending the tax
cuts for middle-income earners but allowing rates to increase on the wealthiest taxpayers. "Every one of us wants to extend the present tax rates... except one candidate, Charlie Melancon," Vitter said.
The candidates were less sure of themselves when
asked for specifics on what federal spending they would seek to offset the tax cuts with corresponding cuts to spending. Vitter did not offer any suggestions for what he would cut, while Melancon suggested that
Congress should take its cue from a government report that details which federal programs and agencies are "not giving bang for the buck."
Source: NOLA.com coverage of 2010 Louisiana Senate debate
Oct 28, 2010
Clay Higgins:
Eliminate the IRS; introduce 15% federal sales tax
I support the elimination of the IRS completely and the introduction of a 15% federal sales tax. Each individual state is perfectly capable of collecting and forwarding collected federal sales tax revenue quite efficiently. A federal sales tax (AKA
the "FairTax") would immediately give every single person in America "skin in the game". Everyone would be invested in America. Everyone would participate in the funding of our Federal government. Every citizen would find themselves controlling their
own money and taking advantage of market competition to shop wisely with more money in their pockets to spend.What about exemptions? Yes, I would support exempting food and medicine from federal sales taxation. I would also support exempting a
citizen who has been honorably discharged from the military [after 6 or more] years. I would also support an exemption for ALL of our once revered elderly. At some point in life --maybe 67 or 68--the nation could say "enjoy your golden years tax free."
Source: 2016 Louisiana House campaign website CaptainHiggins.com
Dec 10, 2016
David Vitter:
Permanent extension of all Bush tax cuts
Vitter stressed his differences with Melancon on tax policy. On taxes, Vitter favor a permanent extension of all the income-tax cuts approved in the early years of President George W. Bush's administration.Melancon said he supports extending the tax
cuts for middle-income earners but allowing rates to increase on the wealthiest taxpayers. "Every one of us wants to extend the present tax rates... except one candidate, Charlie Melancon," Vitter said.
The candidates were less sure of themselves when
asked for specifics on what federal spending they would seek to offset the tax cuts with corresponding cuts to spending. Vitter did not offer any suggestions for what he would cut, while Melancon suggested that
Congress should take its cue from a government report that details which federal programs and agencies are "not giving bang for the buck."
Source: NOLA.com coverage of 2010 Louisiana Senate debate
Oct 28, 2010
Eddie Rispone:
Yes on historic federal tax cuts; no on raising state taxes
Taxes: Support President Trump's tax cuts?Abraham: Yes. Voted for Trump tax cuts. "Will lead to a more prosperous America for all."
Bel Edwards: Mixed. Supports Opportunity Zones Program. Amend penalties on privately held agriculture companies and
taxes on families of fallen U.S. service members.
Eddie Rispone: Yes. "In 2017, Donald J. Trump implemented historic tax cuts that produced real results for the people of Louisiana."
Taxes: Support increased/decreased taxes on specific
constituencies, like on the wealthy?
Abraham: No to "raising any taxes." Eliminate federal estate tax. Across-the-board state corporate tax decrease.
Bel Edwards: Unclear. Negotiated with legislature for sales tax increase to address
state deficits. Limits on Louisiana's industrial tax break program.
Rispone: No on increasing. "We're not going to raise taxes." Change state constitution so tax hikes are voted on by the general public.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Guide to 2019 Louisiana Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
Foster Campbell:
Make sure the super-rich pay their fair share
Q: In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?A: No
Q: In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
A: No. I want a balanced plan that makes sure the super-rich pay their fair share, and that means we have to examine waste and fraud in both corporate give-aways and all spending programs.
Q: Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
A: Yes
Q: Do you support lowering taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
A: Yes
Q: Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation?
A: Yes. But these need more accountability and adequate oversight.
Source: VoteSmart 2016 Louisiana Senate Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2016
John Bel Edwards:
Reform tax structure or face $1.3B fiscal cliff in 2018
Louisiana faces a more than $1.3 billion fiscal cliff on July 1, 2018--a point when a significant amount of revenue disappears and expensive credits and rebates return to their full amounts. This is the big moment. The structural deficits have gone on
for far too long. The resistance to doing what is right and necessary to fix this problem once and for all is no longer acceptable.Last year, you created a task force that spent months studying the most responsible way to reform our tax and budget
structure. What we found from this review is that the options are no easier, or even substantially different, than the ones we have considered in the past. I fully support the task force's recommendations for structural tax reform. Many of the
recommendations of the task force were the very same solutions I proposed last year. So now we have a choice. We can simply go down the same road we have travelled time and again--hoping for different results. Or we can chart a new path.
Source: 2017 Louisiana State of the State address
Apr 10, 2017
John Bel Edwards:
Reduce sales tax; eliminate federal income tax deductibility
As a guiding principle, I have proposed that we move forward with the elimination of the fifth penny of sales tax as scheduled July 1, 2018, clean the remaining pennies, and model our sales tax structure utilizing best practices from other states.
In addition, I am asking you all to give 90 percent of the citizens of Louisiana an income tax cut, and simplify the corporate tax structure by reducing the current five corporate income tax rates to three lower rates.
Both of these shifts would be in exchange for eliminating the deductibility of federal income taxes--a practice that is only used in three other states, and is most beneficial to higher income earners.
And for C corps, those businesses that are taxed at the entity level, 80,000 out of 101,000 did not pay any income taxes. My proposal will ensure that those 80,000 C corps that pay no income taxes do their part
Source: 2017 Louisiana State of the State address
Apr 10, 2017
John Bel Edwards:
Opposed empty tax credit to offset tax increases
SB93: Prohibits the $25 credit for educational expenses for each child attending nonpublic elementary and secondary school if the tax deduction for payment of tuition is taken and establishes the Student Assessment for a Valuable Education (SAVE) Credit
Program. Analysis by The Baton Rouge Advocate: Passage of the SAVE fund was crucial because Jindal was virtually certain to veto the budget if the Legislature hadn't approved the measure. The SAVE plan will impose a fee of almost $1,600
per student that the students won't actually pay because the plan will create tax credits--phantom tax credits in the eyes of critics--that offset the fee. The tax credits allow Jindal to offset all of the tax measures approved by legislators.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 59-44-2, Vote #1102 on Jun/11/15; State Rep. John Bel Edwards voted NO; Passed Senate 30-9-0, Vote #1107 on Jun/11/15; Signed by Governor Bobby Jindal on Jun/19/15
Source: Baton Rouge Advocate on Louisiana voting records SB93
Jun 11, 2015
John Bel Edwards:
We can make tax reforms but they must be revenue neutral
Since 2016, we have made great strides in stabilizing Louisiana's budget, and our efforts are paying off. But remember, in four years--two more fiscal sessions from now--the .45 percent of sales tax rolls off. We already have one of the lowest
combined tax burdens in the country. So while we can and should make reforms, they must be revenue neutral. No one wants to go back to the fiscal mess that I inherited. And I won't let that happen.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Louisiana legislature
Apr 12, 2021
John Neely Kennedy:
Cut taxes & stop deficit-spending, to fight economic crisis
Kennedy focused on the country's economic crisis rather than presidential politics as he faced off with Landrieu. He said Congress should cut taxes so people have more money to spend and pay bills, should stop deficit-spending and should put limits on
the nation's banks and lending firms.The state treasurer didn't mention Landrieu's endorsement for Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama, an endorsement Kennedy has used to describe Landrieu as a "tax-and-spend liberal."
Source: Associated Press on NOLA.com on 2008 Louisiana Senate Debate
Oct 16, 2008
Lance Harris:
Approved educational tax credit to offset tax increases
SB93: Prohibits the $25 credit for educational expenses for each child attending nonpublic elementary and secondary school if the tax deduction for payment of tuition is taken and establishes the Student Assessment for a Valuable Education (SAVE) Credit
Program. Analysis by The Baton Rouge Advocate: Passage of the SAVE fund was crucial because Jindal was virtually certain to veto the budget if the Legislature hadn't approved the measure. The SAVE plan will impose a fee of almost $1,600
per student that the students won't actually pay because the plan will create tax credits--phantom tax credits in the eyes of critics--that offset the fee. The tax credits allow Jindal to offset all of the tax measures approved by legislators.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 59-44-2, Vote #1102 on Jun/11/15; State Rep. Lance Harris voted YES; Passed Senate 30-9-0, Vote #1107 on Jun/11/15; Signed by Governor Bobby Jindal on Jun/19/15
Source: Baton Rouge Advocate on Louisiana voting records SB93
Jun 11, 2015
Mike Johnson:
Simpler, flatter and fairer tax code will spark new growth
Fight Tax Increases and Champion Tax Reform. Our country desperately needs real, substantive reform to our tax code to make it simpler, flatter and fairer for everyone.
The best way to spark new growth in our economy is to reduce taxes and the oppression of our existing marginal tax rates.
Higher taxes place a growing burden on families, small businesses, job creators and investors, which weakens the economy by discouraging entrepreneurial risk, new ventures, savings and investment.
For the free market to flourish again, government needs to reduce its interference and enhance the incentives that encourage growth.
Source: 2016 House campaign website MikeJohnsonForLouisiana.com
Dec 10, 2016
Ralph Abraham:
America has been taxed to the point of bankruptcy
No new taxes for businesses and individuals. America has been taxed to the point of Bankruptcy. If our government spent his/her tax money wisely and frugally, there would be far less national debt and the average American household income would be
higher. How novel an idea that the government should budget our tax money just as the average American MUST budget our family incomes to survive. YOU already pay more than your "fair share".
Source: 2014 Louisiana House campaign website, RalphAbraham.com
Dec 5, 2014
Ralph Abraham:
Tax code is outdated and it's leaking billions
On an upcoming renewal of tax exemptions, Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo took the opportunity to go after Abraham. "I don't have any issues with extending tax exemptions after I've been able to look at what they're for," he said. "As long as we're
not extending tax exemptions for multi-millionaires like my opponent, then I'm okay with that."Abraham said the tax code is a problem. "We've got to get rid of this tax code," he said. "It's overrated and it's outdated and it's leaking billions."
Source: The News-Star on 2019 Louisiana gubernatorial race
Nov 20, 2014
Ralph Abraham:
Taxes kill jobs and sales tax killed Louisiana's economy
Q: Over the last four years, the state has gone from a multi billion dollar budget deficit to a multi million dollar surplus. Part of the reason was an increase in sales tax. Is it time to cut the burden on Louisiana taxpayers?Rep. ABRAHAM:
This governor helped create the deficit. He voted for the majority of Governor Jindal's budgets. And we have the highest sales tax in the nation. We have lost jobs more than any other state in the nation. And it's due to taxes, taxes, taxes.
I happen to have an op ed in my pocket. That was written by Gov. Edwards. And Governor, you said that raising the sales tax will kill the Louisiana economy. Congratulations, Governor, you killed it. It is because our taxes are too high.
Gov. EDWARDS:
That's an absurd statement. The economy is the biggest it's ever been in our state. Personal income is the highest it's ever been. And unemployment is the lowest in 11 years. That's why we're running a surplus, because the economy is performing better.
Source: Bayou Buzz Transcript of 2019 Louisiana Gubernatorial debate
Sep 23, 2019
Thomas Clements:
Flat rate tax with across-the-board reduction
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Higher taxes on the wealthy"?
A: Suggest a flat rate tax reduction across the board for individuals and businesses. Reduce regulations.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Louisiana Senate race by OnTheIssues
Jul 31, 2016
Bill Cassidy:
Inflation Reduction Act raises taxes on middle class
SEN. JOE MANCHIN (D-WV): This is an inflation reduction act, we're investing, we're not spending money, we're investing. We've taken a $3.5 trillion aspirational bill that I never could come to an agreement on any way shape or form, but I tried,
couldn't get there. And we've taken $3.5 trillion of spending down to $400 billion of investing without raising any taxes whatsoever. We've closed some loopholes, didn't raise any taxes.
SEN. BILL CASSIDY (R-LA): Yeah, much of what he says is just not true. For example, they are raising taxes. According to the Joint Committee of Taxation, taxes will be raised almost $17 billion in the first year on those who are making less than
$200,000, and the percent of taxes raised for individuals increases over time for the middle class and the lower income. They're raising taxes on people who make less than $10,000, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation.
Source: ABC This Week on 2022 Louisiana Senate race
Jul 31, 2022
Bill Cassidy:
Inflation Reduction Act raises taxes on middle class
SEN. JOE MANCHIN (D-WV): This is an inflation reduction act, we're investing, we're not spending money, we're investing. We've taken a $3.5 trillion aspirational bill that I never could come to an agreement on any way shape or form, but I tried,
couldn't get there. And we've taken $3.5 trillion of spending down to $400 billion of investing without raising any taxes whatsoever. We've closed some loopholes, didn't raise any taxes.SEN. BILL CASSIDY (R-LA): Yeah, much of what he says is just
not true. For example, they are raising taxes. According to the Joint Committee of Taxation, taxes will be raised almost $17 billion in the first year on those who are making less than $200,000, and the percent of taxes raised for individuals increases
over time for the middle class and the lower income. They're raising taxes on people who make less than $10,000, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation.
Source: ABC This Week on 2022 Louisiana Senate race
Jul 31, 2022
Gary Chambers:
Make corporations and the ultrawealthy pay their fair share
Gary's conviction that a strong economy is built from a strong working class is the basis for making corporations and the ultra wealthy pay their fair share through the Real Corporate Profits Tax Act of 2021. It
makes no sense that working families are paying more in taxes than some of the wealthiest individuals and companies in the country. This is a major opportunity to reinvest in our communities to give them the social and economic services they deserve.
Source: 2022 Senate campaign website ChambersForLouisiana.com
Oct 12, 2022
Jeff Landry:
Your family should keep more of your hard-earned money
Jeff earned a 100% rating in Congress from America's largest small business organization, the National Federation of Independent Business. As Louisiana Attorney General, Jeff Landry has a proven record of standing up for Louisiana business owners to
help them succeed in the face of big government. As Governor, Jeff will work to lower taxes for working families and cut job-killing red tape because he believes your family should keep more of your hard-earned money, not the government.
Source: 2023 Louisiana Gubernatorial campaign website JeffLandry.com
Mar 21, 2023
John Schroder:
Reduce high state tax rates, return more cash to Louisianans
Tax reform doesn't happen instantaneously. Over the next 10 years, tax reform for companies and the elimination of personal income tax can occur gradually to prevent a major deficit in the budget.
By reducing the high state tax rates and returning more cash to Louisianans' pockets, more businesses will begin to call Louisiana home.
Source: 2023 Louisiana Governor campaign website JohnSchroder.com
Oct 4, 2023
Sharon Hewitt:
Simplify tax system on the way to zero state income tax
The tax reform work the legislature started in 2021 has put Louisiana on a smart path of lower personal income tax rates and lower corporate tax rates that will continue to be reduced as the economy continues to improve. They work hand in hand.
As Governor, I will continue to simplify our tax system, while providing long-term predictability to our businesses who are choosing to stay in Louisiana or considering a relocation to Louisiana, as we work our way to zero state income tax.
Source: 2023 Louisiana Governor campaign website SharonHewitt.com
Oct 3, 2023
Shawn Wilson:
Expand refundable child and early childhood tax credits
- Raise wages so that working people across our great state who provide essential services every day to keep our economy moving can afford the basics at home
- Ensure the tax code works for working families,
including expansion of the refundable child tax credit and early childhood tax credit
- Fight to end pay secrecy, promote transparency in the workplace, and eliminate the gender wage gap
Source: 2023 Louisiana Governor campaign website WilsonForLA.com
Oct 5, 2023
Jeff Landry:
Government taxes the hard work and sweat of the people
We need to be honest with where we are and what we have been through financially. Remember government taxes the hard work and sweat of the people. Let's be mindful of the sacrifices they make to fund government. We believe the proposed budget is
a blueprint for restoring common sense and necessary conservative money management. Recognizing this, we are cautiously proceeding as we move into the coming fiscal year without a reliance upon further pandemic funds from the federal treasury.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Louisiana legislature
Mar 11, 2024
Jeff Landry:
Our quest is the total elimination of the state income tax
We will not let George Soros' money and the socialist minded who do his handiwork, confuse, manipulate, and bully a competent Legislature. We are building Louisiana for Louisianians...NOT for the global elites that look down on us.
We shall maintain our commitment to further tax reform in our quest for total elimination of the state income tax and the standard of living for all.
Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Louisiana legislature
Apr 14, 2025
John Fleming:
Wants state to get rid of state personal income tax entirely
The man in charge of Louisiana's finances wants residents to pay less in taxes. Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming is pushing for the state to get rid of state personal income tax entirely. He said ditching the state's personal income tax will make
Louisiana more competitive. States around the Pelican state have already done it.
Source: KLFY on 2026 Louisiana Senate race
Sep 5, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026