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Donelon backs ‘tort reform’ for homeowner’s insurance
After pushing so-called tort reform legislation in 2020 that failed to reduce auto insurance rates, Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is backing a similar proposal this year to benefit homeowner insurance companies. During a town hall meeting Monday, Donelon said he would “absolutely” support a proposal that would make it harder and more expensive for […]
Plans still shaky for BR-NOLA passenger rail
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has about two weeks left to draft its initial plans for a proposed passenger rail line between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Act 764, which lawmakers passed last year, calls for DOTD to prepare the scope, schedule and budget to secure all necessary approvals and permits to begin […]
Solar microgrids planned for Shreveport neighborhoods
Community leaders in Caddo Parish are proposing solar microgrids for neighborhoods around Shreveport to give residents places to shelter during disasters. North Louisiana Interfaith, a coalition of congregations and community groups in the northern part of the state, joined with local and state officials Monday to announce plans for four Community Lighthouses in the Shreveport […]
Judge rules against coffee giant in tax exemption lawsuit
An Orleans Parish judge lifted an injunction in the Folgers Coffee Co. tax exemption lawsuit, allowing local taxing authorities to bill the company for an estimated $5.1 million. Prompted by a decision Gov. John Bel Edwards made Monday to reject the coffee giant’s final appeals for six Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) applications, Orleans Civil […]
Louisiana utility regulators increase cybersecurity spending with questionable contractor
The Louisiana Public Service Commission has agreed to pay more money to a contractor with questionable ties to one of its members. The commission unanimously approved budget increases Wednesday of $73,450 and $68,750 on two cybersecurity contracts awarded to the McQ Group, a company owned by former attorney Scott McQuaig. McQuaig has personal and professional […]
Eye doctors’ group mooched off state optometry board for 7 years, audit finds
A state audit released Wednesday details how the Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners (LSBOE) allowed a private optometrist organization to use public resources for years in a potential violation of state law. Records from the board blame its former secretary for mingling state money with the private group’s funds and approving his own license […]
Legislators unwilling to change law that ignores court judgments
Louisiana lawmakers declined to recommend changes to a law that lets cities and parishes refuse to pay judgments against them in court. In a 7-3 decision Tuesday, the House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure recommended no changes be made to a provision in the Louisiana Constitution that says state agencies and any political subdivisions […]
Governor rejects Folgers Coffee Co.’s tax exemptions in state’s final decision
Gov. John Bel Edwards has rejected a state board’s decision to grant Folgers Coffee Co. millions in property tax exemptions, restoring the initial decisions local taxing authorities in New Orleans made. Edwards issued a statement Monday saying his denial of Folgers’ applications under the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) will be made official after […]
DCFS secretary notes progress in hiring child welfare workers
Louisiana’s child welfare agency has made significant gains in hiring new people to restaff its overburdened workforce after a difficult year of tragic missteps, according to its leader. Secretary Terri Ricks told state lawmakers Wednesday that the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has hired 326 full-time workers since July, increasing its total staff […]
Private school tax credit is a ‘charitable facade’ for the rich, study says
A new study found that Louisiana’s private school voucher tax credit is siphoning money from public education and serving as a tax shelter for the wealthy rather than encouraging charitable donations. In a report published Tuesday, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy analyzed various school voucher tax credits in multiple states and found them […]
House speaker blames health department for illegal hemp products
One of Louisiana’s top lawmakers is sparring with state health officials, blaming them for confusion that has led to the legalization of hemp products that can get people high. The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has offered a proposal to address the matter, but some question whether it is actually necessary. Republican House Speaker Clay […]
Louisiana’s Revenue Department acknowledges slight miscalculation
The Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) has confirmed an audit that shows it incorrectly reported the state’s 2022 tax receipts in its annual fiscal report, according to a recent audit. The errors amounted to a small percentage of the state’s total budget. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office released a report Monday that stated LDR understated […]