Gov. Landry’s tax reform bills clouded in uncertainty

BATON ROUGE, La. (KPLC) - Some state lawmakers are worried about a lack of detail with tax reform proposals moving through the Louisiana State Capitol right now.

One state representative called it, "putting several carts before one horse." At least one Southwest Louisiana lawmaker expects to campaign against whatever is put on the ballot next March.

Questions that have come up include whether lawmakers should eliminate $1.3 billion that goes to the state's general fund without knowing exactly how they'll make it up.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Julie Emerson said other taxes will cover what goes away.

"I know that we're going to have some other bills that do have a positive net impact that are coming later in this package. Of course, the package all works together to try to get as close to revenue neutral as possible," Emerson told members of the Louisiana House of Representatives.

A proposal to charge sales tax on things not currently taxed is one way to help make up the difference.

"We are allowing our citizens a choice as to how they pay their taxes by choosing the services and the goods that they purchase," Emerson said.

"How would I have a choice (paying those taxes) if my refrigerator broke? That's not necessarily something that I want to spend it on, that's something that I must spend it on and I think that's the disconnect," Rep. C. Denise Marcelle responded.

Some point out that if a reduction in income tax is offset by other taxes, it's not really a reduction.

Earlier this week in committee, Rep. Wilford Carter opposed the proposed language for the March ballot.

"I think it ought to be something that the voter can wrap their head around and understand exactly what it's going to do and what it's not going to do," Carter said. "This does so much it's almost impossible to write a ballot language that would be fair for the public to really understand what they're doing."

Carter says he will vote no on the tax plan because it incorporates too much at one time. He says no reasonable person could be expected to understand it. Carter expects to campaign against the proposition on the March ballot if there is one.

Some key bills in the tax package were approved by the State House Tuesday afternoon. They now go to the State Senate.

To listen to the house debate, click HERE . To listen to the committee debate, click HERE .