In Part I it was reported the most important task for the state concerns the special legislative session now going on to address the current fiscal year deficit and then the regular session to handle next fiscal years deficit. That both sessions should come up with real solutions that will put the state's financial house in order with no gimmicks.
When those two sessions are complete the state needs to turn its attention to tax reform where everyone pays his or her fair share in taxes, even the poor and especially the business community. That is not happening now and recently the state reported it gives more money out to corporations in tax credits than it takes in from corporate income taxes. That is an obscene imbalance the state can not afford.
The state's tax revenue has eroded because of all the tax breaks to business and that needs to change. A fair tax base is the only way to go where there are no special favors. If that is done tax rates could possibly be lowered for all. All forms of taxes should be looked at and be fair.
The poor should pay their fair share also because they use public facilities, roads, bridges, libraries and etc. like every one else and all citizens should be proud to say, "I have contributed." No one likes to pay taxes but they are necessary for the government to take care of the people's business and the public good. Louisiana has fallen short on its responsibility to take care of the public good with a tax structure that favors special interest and budgets that are put together with gimmicks.
Now is the right time for Louisiana to take on this issue with the budget problem and revenue shortage while it is on everyone's mind. To continue to cut higher education and other vital needs should be unacceptable to all. The Louisiana legislature needs to stand up and be counted on the issue of a fair tax system.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
