Bill would revamp property tax system

If a bill being drafted by State Rep. Kevin Pearson gets through, all Louisiana homeowners will be paying taxes—not just those with pricier real estate. The Slidell Republican’s plan calls for taxing all homeowners on the first $10,000 of their home’s assessed value, and exempting the next $75,000. Pearson says Louisiana relies on a small percentage of taxpayers to fund services like police protection and education, since 50% of the state’s property owners are completely exempt from property taxes. He blames the homestead exemption for leaving local governments strapped for cash. “I have no illusions that this will be an easy bill to sell,” Pearson says. “But those who are most likely to oppose it are those in communities with a high percentage of completely exempt landowners.” Because the measure would require a statewide vote to amend the state Constitution, a two-thirds majority of both chambers will be required to pass it. Pearson plans a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. on April 6 in the Slidell Municipal Auditorium to discuss the measure.—Penny Font