Tax Break or Tax Broken: Louisiana’s Tax Exemptions

Each year, Louisiana grants more than $4 billion in tax refunds, credits, incentives, exclusions, and deductions to corporations and individuals. Some entities receive tax rebates even if they don’t have a tax liability. So, what is the return on investment of Louisiana’s tax breaks? How can they be better tracked? And should they be restricted to free up funding for state services such as healthcare and higher education? As the 14-member Revenue Study Commission begins its review of the state’s 468 tax exemptions, Louisiana Public Square explores the issue on “Tax Break or Tax Broken: Louisiana’s Tax Exemptions” tonight at 7 p.m. on LPB HD.

Panelists are:

–     Jason Decuir, Assistant Secretary, Louisiana Department of Revenue

–     Jan Moller, Director, Louisiana Budget Project

–     Stephen Moret, Secretary, Louisiana Economic Development

–     Rep. Joel Robideaux, R- Lafayette; Chairman, Revenue Study Commission

Robert Travis Scott, president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, will guest moderate.

To comment on the show, take a survey on tax exemptions and view extended interview clips, visit www.lpb.org/publicsquare.

The governor's plan will mainly benefit corporations and the wealthy, while working and middle-class families will pay more for services and products we use every day such as diapers, garbage collection, haircuts and home repairs. Louisiana’s tax system certainly needs to be improved, but this is the wrong way to do it.
Gov. Jeff Landry has called the Legislature into a special session to overhaul Louisiana’s tax structure.