Gov. John Bel Edwards struck a conciliatory tone with business leaders who backed his opponent in last year’s governor’s race, describing himself as a “willing partner” with them during his keynote address at the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry’s annual meeting today in Baton Rouge.
Still in his first week in office, the new Democratic governor delivered his address today as he continues to work on a package of tax proposals that could hit companies with cuts to their favored tax break programs.
The Associated Press reports Edwards told the LABI crowd today that he is committed to having a strong business climate in Louisiana—but he also warned that those assembled may not like some of the ideas he proposes to stabilize the state budget.
LABI has been skeptical of Edwards’ financial plans and endorsed his Republican rival, U.S. Sen. David Vitter, in the governor’s race last year. While many lawmakers and observers have said tax increases and cuts to incentive programs likely will be necessary to fill looming budget gaps in the current and next fiscal year that together total nearly $2 billion, Edwards has yet to specify his plan. A special session is expected to start in mid-February to address the budget gaps.
