The Louisiana chapter of Americans for Prosperity, a conservative-leaning and anti-tax organization, underwrote the costs for an airplane to fly around the Capitol building from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. pulling a banner spelling out its opposition to the proposed state gas tax hike that lawmakers may debate during this ongoing regular session.
“Be sure to pop your head outside,” tweeted state director John Kay Jr.
HB 542 by Rep. Steve Carter, R-Baton Rouge, has been assigned to the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, but has not yet been scheduled. With the session’s adjournment set for June 6, legislative action will come quickly—if at all.
Not to be outdone, supporters of the Louisiana Coalition to Fix Our Roads flooded the Capitol today, wearing neon yellow work vests to help drive their point home: Louisiana needs a higher rate for its gasoline tax. Tourism boosters showed up to support passage of a bill supported by New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell that would let the city collect a 1% sales tax on hotel room rentals.
In other news, the House Appropriations Committee has called certain agencies and departments back to the witness table. Public testimony has concluded on the budget that takes effect for the 2019-2020 fiscal year, but it apparently means representatives still have some work to do.
Meanwhile, others made their way to the Capitol today to debate bills about raising gaming-related fees for early childhood education, which passed a Senate committee, and creating a sports betting system in Louisiana, which seems more likely than ever.
SB 153 by Sen. Danny Martiny, R-Kenner, is the first sports betting bill that has cleared a notable legislative hurdle over the past couple of years. With Mississippi and other neighboring states endeavoring to get a leg up, Martiny said Louisiana’s entry into the field could generate as much as $60 million annually, although opponents question that number.
The real battle will be on the Senate floor, which is more or less waiting on the House at this hour for budget and tax-related bills.
Jeremy Alford will publish Capitol Views each afternoon on Daily Report PM through the end of the legislative session. The report is also available to subscribers at LaPolitics.com.
