Constitutional amendment to overhaul Louisiana tax code

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Election day in Louisiana quickly approaches. Voters are tasked with deciding whether to overhaul the state’s tax system.

Constitutional amendment two is considered the most controversial of the four amendments facing voters on the ballot.

It reads:

“Do you support an amendment to revise article VII of the Constitution of Louisiana including revisions to lower the maximum rate of income tax, increase income tax deductions for citizens over sixty-five, provide for a government growth limit, modify operation of certain constitutional funds, provide for property tax exemptions retaining the homestead exemption and exemption for religious organizations, provide a permanent teacher salary increase by requiring a surplus payment to teacher retirement debt, and make other modifications?”

This amendment would significantly change the current tax structure. It is the result of the special session on tax reform.

Democratic lawmakers say the bill was initially 117 pages long and not every detail is included in the ballot description for voters.

Free time? Read the full text of Constitutional Amendment Two here.

Governor Jeff Landry is asking residents to pass the amendment.

“Amendment two is a game changer, and it will build upon the successes that we have had in lowering crime and fixing education. Amendment two will also streamline government by merging duplicate savings accounts, and it creates a permanent government growth limit, which helps us build on our efforts to eliminate government waste and inefficiencies,” Landry (R) said.

Amendment two would give teachers pay raises through their retirement, with cuts to several early childhood education funds.

State Representative Tammy Phelps said she’s not in favor of the amendment because of this and the way it is written.

“Those funds would be repealed in the same amendment. So, as we’re saying yes, teachers, you will get this $2,000 increase. But we will be repealing three of these educational funds.” It’s very misleading. I think it’s outright a false narrative,” Phelps (D) District 3 said.

Election day is March 29. Early voting is March 15 through the 22.