SUMMARY: In Louisiana’s recent congressional elections, five incumbents faced poorly-funded opponents, leading to a decline in average campaign expenditures. The Federal Election Commission tracks financial activity from January 1 until mid-October. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise received $13.5 million and spent $14.3 million, lower than previous cycles. Rep. Troy Carter raised $1.8 million and spent $1.4 million, also down from 2022. U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins maintained stable spending patterns, while House Speaker Mike Johnson’s financial activity saw a significant boost, raising $17.4 million. Voter turnout was notably down in 2024, reflecting a broader trend alongside decreased campaign spending.

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SUMMARY: A federal judge blocked Louisiana’s law requiring Ten Commandments displays in classrooms, citing constitutional concerns. Judge John deGravelles issued a preliminary injunction, halting Gov. Jeff Landry’s House Bill 71, which mandates the displays pending a final court ruling. The judge ruled the law unconstitutional, noting its “overtly religious” purpose and similarity to a 1980 Supreme Court case that struck down a similar Kentucky law. The state plans to appeal the decision. Critics argued it infringed on students’ First Amendment rights, while the state contended the law could be implemented constitutionally as a historical reference. The case will be reviewed by the 5th Circuit Court.

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SUMMARY: Louisiana lawmakers are considering expanding sales taxes to 41 additional services, including accommodations rentals and capital improvements like construction or major installations. This could increase insurance premiums, as certain repairs outside of “capital improvements” might be taxed, burdening insurance companies with higher costs. The proposed tax changes aim to offset revenue lost from income tax cuts. While House Bill 9 seeks to broaden the state’s tax base, critics, such as Rep. Mandie Landry, argue that the changes could unfairly target individuals over big companies, creating confusion and potentially worsening the state’s already high insurance costs.

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