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Alford: Veto session kicks off with uncertainty
Lawmakers will return to Baton Rouge today for another veto override session—the third in as many years. At one time considered rare, this political exercise has become almost commonplace during this current term of state government.
Alford: A transitional time at the state Capitol
Between the threat of additional sessions this summer and reelection campaigns in the fall, there will be no shortage of political action in Louisiana’s Capitol as the Legislature and Gov. John Bel Edwards’ administration move through the final year of this term of state government.
Opinion| The joy of passion and great expectations
Baton Rouge has the potential to be as successful as LSU sports if we're willing to invest the same passion and expectations.
Opinion| Why can’t Baton Rouge get synchronized traffic signals?
If you think 23 years is enough time to get traffic lights synchronized in Baton Rouge ... you would be sadly wrong.
Alford: Legislative players remain on veto watch
Gov. John Bel Edwards issued a set of vetoes last week, his first since the regular session was adjourned earlier this month. The executive actions grabbed a few headlines here and there, but they failed to answer the larger questions looming over the state Capitol.
Alford: Legislature faced with uncertainty following the session
The fussing and shouting that marked the conclusion of the regular session last week could be heard from Baton Rouge to Bunkie.
Opinion| A portrait of insanity
Louisiana legislators know the tax code is a mess but rather than solve the problem they make it worse to aid their reelection hopes.
Opinion| Disband the ‘used-to committee’
Louisiana and its leaders better abandon the status quo mentality and embrace change if we want to be competitive.
Alford: Crime trending as early campaign issue in governor’s race
Crime tops the list of public concerns in the Bayou State right now, according to a new survey underwritten by the Reilly Center for...
Alford: Opposing sides dig in as session winds down
A conservative-leaning coalition has doubled down on its request to lawmakers that they stay under the state spending cap while advancing a plan to...
Alford: State budget negotiation becomes a timing issue
There’s the math inside the state budget, and then there’s the math to pass the state budget.
Alford: Spending priorities continue to divide Capitol
The members of the coalition, some of whom met last week, are opposed to busting the state’s constitutionally created spending cap for the current fiscal year and the next. They view this tax relief plan as a responsible alternative.
Alford: The clock is ticking on a budget deal
The House of Representatives sent a proposed budget package across Memorial Hall to the Senate last week.
Opinion| Personal income is a taxing issue
Getting rid of the Louisiana personal income tax will require a complete overhaul of how we've done business for nearly a century.
Opinion| Remember, ‘It’s the economy, stupid’
There will be many issues debated during the governor's race, but which candidate will do the best job of growing the Louisiana economy?
Alford: State spending cap debate evolving
Should the state of Louisiana spend more money than what’s allowed under its constitution for the current fiscal year and the next?
Jim Patterson: Building pathways to success in Louisiana
Louisiana’s job market is strong. Job openings number in the tens of thousands. Employers across our state are doing everything they can to invest...
Alford: Governor’s race is being televised earlier than usual
A handful of candidate campaigns and outside spending groups involved in this year’s race for governor have either already advertised on broadcast television and cable or they’re planning to jump onto traditional airwaves very soon.
Alford: Expectations remain low for tax legislation
The Louisiana Legislature is in the second week of its fiscal session. This kind of session occurs every other year and allows lawmakers to introduce and debate tax-related topics.
Opinion| Flooded with questions
Louisiana is facing another insurance crisis but state officials—as usual—have no interest in addressing the root problem.
