Leading officials weigh in on tax reform proposal

Heading into the legislative session that begins April 8, there’s no issue that is poised to draw as much conversation and controversy than Gov. Bobby Jindal’s push for tax reform. And though the broad vision for reform has been laid out, the details remain to be seen. Nonetheless, leading officials including LABI President Dan Juneau, LED Secretary Stephen Moret and Louisiana Legislative Fiscal Office Chief Economist Greg Albrecht are among those who are already weighing in on the issue. Juneau acknowledges there are still many questions about the reform plans, but says one thing is certain: “The legislation to increase taxes will take a two-thirds vote and will be the hardest part of the package to achieve.” Read Juneau’s complete guest column here. Moret says Jindal’s broad plan for tax reform—that is, eliminating income taxes in a revenue-neutral manner and improving sales tax administration—”would dramatically simplify our tax system, reducing administrative headaches for families and small businesses.” Read his full column here. Meanwhile, Albright observes of Jindal’s broad proposal: “In general, the ability to offset the necessary sales tax rate and base expansions by raising other existing revenue sources seems limited.” Read his full analysis here.