The state budget and tax structure are much more than numbers on a page. They are an expression of our collective values. Louisiana’s economy will never reach its full potential until we fully invest in great schools with high-performing teachers, accessible and affordable health care, safe streets and a clean environment. And these investments can only happen if we raise enough revenue to pay for them.

But the state’s upside-down tax structure means the wealthy pay a far lesser share of their income in state and local taxes than low- and middle-income families. Louisiana also has some of the most generous—and costly— corporate tax breaks in the nation.