Louisiana voters approved seven of 10 proposed constitutional amendments Tuesday, with several decisions carrying implications for local government finances, property taxes, infrastructure investment and economic development, Louisiana Illuminator reports.
Among those passing was Amendment 9, which raises the income eligibility threshold for property tax freezes from $100,000 to $150,000 for seniors, disabled residents and certain veterans, with future adjustments tied to inflation. Voters also approved Amendment 6, allowing local governments to increase homestead exemptions for residents 65 and older, subject to separate voter approval within each tax jurisdiction.Â
However, voters rejected Amendment 2, which would have given local governments more flexibility in managing property tax assessment deadlines, and Amendment 10, which would have allowed tax incentives for property owners rehabilitating blighted properties. The rejection of Amendment 10 means local governments cannot use the proposed exemptions to encourage private investment in deteriorating properties.Â
In the wake of Tuesday’s election, which federal policy issue do you think will have the biggest impact on Louisiana businesses over the next two years?
Voters also approved Amendment 7, allowing New Orleans to use $152 million in federal funding to replace lead pipes in its drinking water system, part of a project expected to cost more than $1 billion and required to be completed by 2037. Amendment 8 also passed, adding a constitutional prohibition against foreign adversaries, including China, Russia and Iran, acquiring or expropriating Louisiana property.Â
Meanwhile, voters rejected Amendment 5, leaving existing requirements in place for applying state budget surpluses to retirement system debt, with the oldest obligations paid first.
