SUMMARY: The Louisiana House of Representatives approved a bill by Rep. Julie Emerson aimed at overhauling Article 7 of the state constitution, with a vote of 81-15. This significant reform, which targets taxation policy and exemptions, is set to go to the Senate and, if passed, will be on the March ballot pending Gov. Jeff Landry’s signature. The bill mandates a two-thirds legislative majority for new tax exemptions and plans to consolidate state funds to provide a permanent $2,000 pay raise for teachers. Despite the increase, Louisiana teachers will still earn $15,000 less than the national average.

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SUMMARY: The Louisiana House approved House Bill 1, proposing a flat income tax rate of 3% for all brackets and raising the standard deduction to $12,500, which would eliminate tax burdens for the lowest income group. The bill passed 87-12 and will now move to the Senate. It also seeks to repeal the corporate franchise tax. Concerns were raised by Democrats about replacing income tax with expanded sales taxes, potentially increasing costs for consumers. The bill draws inspiration from tax reforms in North Carolina, which officials believe contributed to economic growth in that state.

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SUMMARY: The Louisiana Department of Education’s Special Education Advisory Panel met to discuss improving special education, focusing on the state systemic improvement plan established by the U.S. Department of Education in 2015. They aim to expand the plan, particularly emphasizing increasing English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency for students with disabilities from grades 3-5 to kindergarten through 5th grade. Currently, evaluations target a limited group of schools in southern Louisiana, excluding northern areas. The panel also seeks to incorporate data from new literacy screeners and align with other state initiatives to enhance support for students requiring special education.

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