The Louisiana House of Representatives voted 76-27 today to pass the linchpin of Gov. John Bel Edwards’ special session plan, a one-cent increase to the state’s four-cent sales tax.
House Bill 122 by Rep. Katrina Jackson, D-Monroe—which was expected to raise $220 million for the current fiscal year before a manufacturing exclusion was added—is needed to help address a $940 million budget shortfall. The bill also was originally forecast to raise $910 million next fiscal year, when the shortfall is estimated to be more than $2 billion.
The Edwards administration did not fight Republicans on an 18-month expiration date nor on excluding manufacturing machinery and equipment from the tax increase. Both amendments were added during the House floor debate today. The measure now moves to the Senate.
As the House began hearing its agenda of tax proposals and spending reductions earlier in the day, it became clear to political watchers that this is not the same chamber from recent terms.
Today’s floor hearing on a supplemental appropriations bill, which originally sought to reduce spending by $117 million, was the first time the new, independent Republican leadership was seen in action on a key vote.
In a rare move, Speaker Taylor Barras recessed the House in the middle of a floor debate, on the supplemental appropriations bill. It coincided with lunch being delivered, but lawmakers usually take lunch in pairs, eventually making their way back to the floor.
Several sources say Republicans were trying to figure out a way to stop Democrats from decreasing the cuts in the bill, with Democrats asking Republicans in exchange to support the increase in the sales tax.
This is the first time most Capitol veterans can remember a supplemental appropriations bill not being linked to an administration and governor. HB 122 is authored by House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry. It passed with no opposing votes.
The special session must adjourn by March 9.
Jeremy Alford will publish a daily update throughout the legislative special session on Daily Report PM. Alford reports on Louisiana politics at LaPolitics.com. Follow him on Twitter or on Facebook. He can be reached at JJA@LaPolitics.com.
