Tuesday the U.S. Senate once again passed a short term extension to the federal flood insurance program. The program will now be able to borrow money to operate until November 30. A long term solution to the program has once again escaped Trump and his party and as a result it has become one extension after another. Louisiana, a state that depends on the program because of its flood problems get no help from Louisiana's elected officials who serve in congress and can not agree on a long term plan or solution.
The trumpet man and the GOP can pass a tax cut that benefits the wealthy and corporate America and add $1.8 trillion to the national debt but lack the governing ability to move legislation that is worthy for the people in need of flood insurance. Its a pattern of non governing by a party whose ideology is unAmerican and incapable of good judgement. And to top it off, their leader in the White House lies about every thing and supports Russia and his own interest.
So like health care and immigration, the can continues to be kicked down the road on the flood insurance program. And the can was smashed by Trump himself of making Mexico pay for a wall and once again has threatened to shut down the federal government if congress does not agree to pay for his wall and bail the trumpet man out of another big lie. Trump thinks he can shut the federal government down and blame the democratic party. That is how his corrupted mind works and operates. When November 30 rolls around, the federal flood insurance program will tell a story. Will it be a long term story and solution or more of the same extensions and lack of governing.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Sunday, August 5, 2018
Friday, August 3, 2018
Some Journlists Continue To Push The GOP's False Claims and Fail To Fuly Inform The People On The Issues
Associated Press journalist Kevin Freking in a Times Picayune article dated 7/29 titled, "Trump turns GOP orthodoxy on its head" is a commentary out of touch with the facts. His opening statement that "Trump's trade policies on tariffs and the $12 billion in farm aid are turning long established republican orthodoxy on its head" should be taken with a grain of salt.
The GOP controls both houses of congress and could put a halt to President Trump's policies if they wanted to but they are Trump's ditto heads. Therefore it is the GOP's own lack of policy that has come into play and not orthodoxy. And as far as a give away to farmers, there is nothing new there. This writer had to laugh when the article quoted Louisiana's senator John Kennedy as saying, "I didn't come up here to start new government programs." But do not think for one moment Senator Kennedy will introduce any legislation to kill the farm aid bill. He already voted for Trump's tax scheme that will add $1.8 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. One could also say that tax scheme was aid for corporate America and the wealthy.
Another statement Freking made in the article reads, "republicans have altered the priority of tackling the national debt, an issue the GOP hammered President Obama on." The GOP actually altered the deficit spending and national debt problem in 1960. That was the last time a republican President balanced the federal budget. And if President's Reagan and Bush 43 would have balanced the federal budget as President Clinton did the national debt would not be a problem today. The national debt increased 178% in Reagan's 8 fiscal years and 105% in Bush 43 eight fiscal years. No democratic administration even comes close to that staggering figure. This writer wonders if Freking wrote commentary and pointed those numbers out when the GOP attacked President Obama over the national debt. The record shows the GOP did not just recently alter their priority on the national debt, they did that long ago. Its just that journalists just kept printing the GOP's rhetoric on the matter.
The bottom line is so called republican conservative orthodoxy has not existed for over 40 years The problem lands with journalists who fail to point out the facts and just run with the GOP rhetoric. And when they do, they themselves become GOP ditto heads. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The GOP controls both houses of congress and could put a halt to President Trump's policies if they wanted to but they are Trump's ditto heads. Therefore it is the GOP's own lack of policy that has come into play and not orthodoxy. And as far as a give away to farmers, there is nothing new there. This writer had to laugh when the article quoted Louisiana's senator John Kennedy as saying, "I didn't come up here to start new government programs." But do not think for one moment Senator Kennedy will introduce any legislation to kill the farm aid bill. He already voted for Trump's tax scheme that will add $1.8 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. One could also say that tax scheme was aid for corporate America and the wealthy.
Another statement Freking made in the article reads, "republicans have altered the priority of tackling the national debt, an issue the GOP hammered President Obama on." The GOP actually altered the deficit spending and national debt problem in 1960. That was the last time a republican President balanced the federal budget. And if President's Reagan and Bush 43 would have balanced the federal budget as President Clinton did the national debt would not be a problem today. The national debt increased 178% in Reagan's 8 fiscal years and 105% in Bush 43 eight fiscal years. No democratic administration even comes close to that staggering figure. This writer wonders if Freking wrote commentary and pointed those numbers out when the GOP attacked President Obama over the national debt. The record shows the GOP did not just recently alter their priority on the national debt, they did that long ago. Its just that journalists just kept printing the GOP's rhetoric on the matter.
The bottom line is so called republican conservative orthodoxy has not existed for over 40 years The problem lands with journalists who fail to point out the facts and just run with the GOP rhetoric. And when they do, they themselves become GOP ditto heads. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Another Tax Cut Scheme By The Trump Administration
The Trump-GOP tax scheme that was enacted in 2017 and favored Corporate America and the wealthy was not enough for the high rollers so we now learn that the Trump administration will propose a cut in the capital gains tax rate. And the same top 1% will be on the receiving end of this tax scheme. An analysis by the Wharton School reported the proposed cut would reduce federal revenue for the federal government more than $100 billion over the next decade.
Trump and supporters of the tax cut scheme say the move would boost the economy and allow for new investments, the same worn out failed excuses of the past. Trump and the GOP continue to support tax reductions that transfer wealth from the middle class to the wealthy. And the World Inequality Database shows that is what has been going on since 1980.
Trump and the GOP will likely move to pass their legislation before the November elections to shore up their base and win votes. They know it will never pass after the elections if the democratic party win control of at least one house of congress.
The democrats understand and know a tax scheme when they see one. They also know Trump and the GOP knew they would do this when they passed the 2017 tax scheme and like cowards would come out later concerning the capital gains tax.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Trump and supporters of the tax cut scheme say the move would boost the economy and allow for new investments, the same worn out failed excuses of the past. Trump and the GOP continue to support tax reductions that transfer wealth from the middle class to the wealthy. And the World Inequality Database shows that is what has been going on since 1980.
Trump and the GOP will likely move to pass their legislation before the November elections to shore up their base and win votes. They know it will never pass after the elections if the democratic party win control of at least one house of congress.
The democrats understand and know a tax scheme when they see one. They also know Trump and the GOP knew they would do this when they passed the 2017 tax scheme and like cowards would come out later concerning the capital gains tax.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Donald Trump Held His Hand On The Bible, Swore An Oath and Then Started His Administration Of Lies
The Presidential oat of office is a very short statement on inauguration day that the President swears to while placing his hand on the bible repeating the words of a Supreme Court Justice that performs the swearing in ceremony. The complete oath is as follows: I DO SOLEMNY SWEAR (or affirm) THAT I WILL FAITHFULLY EXECUTE THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, AND WILL, TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY PRESERVE, PROTECT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.
The President is also Chief of State, Chief of Government, Commander in Chief and the person above all with the responsibility to preserve, protect and defend the constitution. President Trump lied when he placed his hand on the bible and swore the Presidential oath. Instead of preserving, protecting and defending the constitution he has done the opposite at every turn. He has attacked our constitutional laws with his personal attacks against those carrying out their responsibility to enforce the laws, criticized our institutions so vital to constitutional government. He has degraded the U.S. Justice Department, the FBI, the intelligence community and violated all norms of democratic governing. His constant attacks against Robert Mueller's investigation and accusing him of a witch hunt solely to undermine a lawful investigation that becomes ever so close to the President's doorstep is done to discredit the nations constitutional process.
And just today Trump tweeted that Attorney General Jeff Sessions should end Mueller's investigation. That is not defending or protecting the constitution Trump swore to uphold and his total assault on the constitution constitutes high crimes and misdemeanors in this writers judgement and Trump should be impeached. The corruption persona of President Trump can no longer be tolerated nor his lack of respect for the United States, its people and the constitution.
Trump and his GOP ditto heads have to be defeated in the November election and the sad Trump chapter can not come to an end soon enough.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The President is also Chief of State, Chief of Government, Commander in Chief and the person above all with the responsibility to preserve, protect and defend the constitution. President Trump lied when he placed his hand on the bible and swore the Presidential oath. Instead of preserving, protecting and defending the constitution he has done the opposite at every turn. He has attacked our constitutional laws with his personal attacks against those carrying out their responsibility to enforce the laws, criticized our institutions so vital to constitutional government. He has degraded the U.S. Justice Department, the FBI, the intelligence community and violated all norms of democratic governing. His constant attacks against Robert Mueller's investigation and accusing him of a witch hunt solely to undermine a lawful investigation that becomes ever so close to the President's doorstep is done to discredit the nations constitutional process.
And just today Trump tweeted that Attorney General Jeff Sessions should end Mueller's investigation. That is not defending or protecting the constitution Trump swore to uphold and his total assault on the constitution constitutes high crimes and misdemeanors in this writers judgement and Trump should be impeached. The corruption persona of President Trump can no longer be tolerated nor his lack of respect for the United States, its people and the constitution.
Trump and his GOP ditto heads have to be defeated in the November election and the sad Trump chapter can not come to an end soon enough.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Monday, July 30, 2018
Nancy Pelosi: The Pundits Are At It Again
Nancy Pelosi, the democratic minority leader in the U.S.House is an effective public servant who understands it is plans and policy that accomplish much and move the country forward. She and Hillary Clinton share the same work habits and get things done. That is why both are the favorite target of Trump and the GOP to demonize.
With the congressional elections only a few months away, the news media pundits continue to try and create a story questioning if Pelosi is in trouble of losing her leadership of her party if the democrats take control of the U.S. House in the November elections. It is really a non issue because the democratic party represents more than one person and the party will adjust no matter who becomes their leader since the democratic party stands for progress and make decisions based on needs and not ideology That is the reason democrats govern much better than the GOP. Trump and the GOP understand Pelosi and Clinton accomplishments and are well aware of their own failure to govern.
Because Pelosi is an effective public servant, she will continue to serve her country and her state well regardless if she retains her leadership role or becomes one of the rank and file democrats. Her knowledge is valuable to the party and can make a difference that benefits the country and its people.
The news media will continue to bring up a hundred questions that matter not and the democratic party will still be the party that is best for the people. And if the voters elect a democratic controlled U.S. House in November, who ever is elected democratic speaker of the House, will do a much better job than the republicans who have been in the majority control of the House for the past seven and a half years. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
With the congressional elections only a few months away, the news media pundits continue to try and create a story questioning if Pelosi is in trouble of losing her leadership of her party if the democrats take control of the U.S. House in the November elections. It is really a non issue because the democratic party represents more than one person and the party will adjust no matter who becomes their leader since the democratic party stands for progress and make decisions based on needs and not ideology That is the reason democrats govern much better than the GOP. Trump and the GOP understand Pelosi and Clinton accomplishments and are well aware of their own failure to govern.
Because Pelosi is an effective public servant, she will continue to serve her country and her state well regardless if she retains her leadership role or becomes one of the rank and file democrats. Her knowledge is valuable to the party and can make a difference that benefits the country and its people.
The news media will continue to bring up a hundred questions that matter not and the democratic party will still be the party that is best for the people. And if the voters elect a democratic controlled U.S. House in November, who ever is elected democratic speaker of the House, will do a much better job than the republicans who have been in the majority control of the House for the past seven and a half years. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Friday, July 27, 2018
President Trump and Russia's Putin Team Up Again To Meddle In America's Election Process
The trumpet man postponed his invitation to Putin to visit Washington in the fall and now says it will be early next year after the November congressional elections. Putin said he would be glad to come to Washington and said he just might invite Trump to visit Russia. But in between those events we have learned a few things.
Trump postponed Putin's visit because he was so ill prepared for his one on one visit in Helsinki and could not possibly be ready for another Summit in the fall and show his ignorance once again before the November elections. Trump also knew the democratic party in congress would have some tough questions for Putin about Russia's interference and would want to know what decisions were made by he and Trump in Helsinki. Putin stuck his nose in the November elections by saying Trump keeps his word to the American people, like as if he really knows. And it was also announced that Russia was trying to hack into the office network of U.S. Senator Clair McCaskill who is running for reelection in Missouri, a state that Trump carried in 2016. The republicans would like to win that seat. The hack was similar to the one tied to Hillary's campaign.
And just yesterday we learned that Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney, said Trump knew of the 2016 meeting with the Russians in Trump tower before the meeting took place. Trump's son attended that meeting which was supposed to produce dirt on Hillary Clinton. Trump denied he knew of the meeting in advance both as a candidate and as President. The collusion with Russia by Trump and members of his campaign allows evidence of both party's desire to help Trump win the election and interfere with America's democratic process. That meeting was truly a traitorous act.
Russia's attempt to hack into Senator McCaskill's office network confirms American intelligence reports that the Russians are still trying to undermine the election process, this time in the November congressional elections. It is a sharp reminder how far Putin is willing to go with a patsy President named Donald Trump. Putin sees no reason to back down. The American people can look for more disclosures to come that will show just how cooperative Trump and his campaign has been with America's greatest adversary.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Trump postponed Putin's visit because he was so ill prepared for his one on one visit in Helsinki and could not possibly be ready for another Summit in the fall and show his ignorance once again before the November elections. Trump also knew the democratic party in congress would have some tough questions for Putin about Russia's interference and would want to know what decisions were made by he and Trump in Helsinki. Putin stuck his nose in the November elections by saying Trump keeps his word to the American people, like as if he really knows. And it was also announced that Russia was trying to hack into the office network of U.S. Senator Clair McCaskill who is running for reelection in Missouri, a state that Trump carried in 2016. The republicans would like to win that seat. The hack was similar to the one tied to Hillary's campaign.
And just yesterday we learned that Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney, said Trump knew of the 2016 meeting with the Russians in Trump tower before the meeting took place. Trump's son attended that meeting which was supposed to produce dirt on Hillary Clinton. Trump denied he knew of the meeting in advance both as a candidate and as President. The collusion with Russia by Trump and members of his campaign allows evidence of both party's desire to help Trump win the election and interfere with America's democratic process. That meeting was truly a traitorous act.
Russia's attempt to hack into Senator McCaskill's office network confirms American intelligence reports that the Russians are still trying to undermine the election process, this time in the November congressional elections. It is a sharp reminder how far Putin is willing to go with a patsy President named Donald Trump. Putin sees no reason to back down. The American people can look for more disclosures to come that will show just how cooperative Trump and his campaign has been with America's greatest adversary.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Thursday, July 26, 2018
The November Congressional Elections Are A New Opportunity For America
The American voters have an opportunity in November to reverse the regression of the Trump administration and change the direction to a new beginning. The voters need to elect enough democrats to give the party control of both houses of congress so real change and governing can take place. The madness of Trump and the GOP, their lack of governing and the ongoing lies and scandals must come to an end.
The democratic party understands the issues and what has to be done to move the country and its people forward They are the lone steady voice for the people the last 18 months with a President and republican controlled congress out of touch on the issues and no plans or policy to act on. Trump's tariffs we are told are causing harm to America's farmers so now Trump and the GOP are considering billions of dollars in farm aid to those farmers who the tariffs have harmed. Does that really make sense to anyone? The extreme ideology continues to harm our country and its people.
A democratic controlled congress will not only keep Trump in check, it will bring clarity to the issues with sound planning and fiscal responsibility. The country and its people should not be exposed to a Trump-GOP controlled government the balance of Trump's term in office.( If he last that long) The disfunction and corruption that has taken place for the past 18 months continues to take a toll on the country.
This November, the American people's vote will count like never before and hopefully the voters will agree a new direction is needed to change the regressive attitude of the Trump-GOP disaster.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The democratic party understands the issues and what has to be done to move the country and its people forward They are the lone steady voice for the people the last 18 months with a President and republican controlled congress out of touch on the issues and no plans or policy to act on. Trump's tariffs we are told are causing harm to America's farmers so now Trump and the GOP are considering billions of dollars in farm aid to those farmers who the tariffs have harmed. Does that really make sense to anyone? The extreme ideology continues to harm our country and its people.
A democratic controlled congress will not only keep Trump in check, it will bring clarity to the issues with sound planning and fiscal responsibility. The country and its people should not be exposed to a Trump-GOP controlled government the balance of Trump's term in office.( If he last that long) The disfunction and corruption that has taken place for the past 18 months continues to take a toll on the country.
This November, the American people's vote will count like never before and hopefully the voters will agree a new direction is needed to change the regressive attitude of the Trump-GOP disaster.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
What Really Chaps Trump, The Republicans and The Clinton Haters
Hillary Clinton has not held an elected office in over nine years which goes back to the days when she served as the U.S. Senator from New York. Yet she remains the focus of attack for Trump and his supporters. What really chaps them is Hillary has been investigated by three separate republican committees controlled by the republican party and the only thing they could find was Hillary's use of a private server instead of a government server. And unlike Trump with Mueller's investigation, Hillary testified before those republican controlled committees.
But Hillary's use of a private server later exposed the fact that Condi Rice and Colin Powell who served as Secretary of State during the George W. Bush administration also used private servers. And also members of Trump's cabinet and staff did the same thing. What also chaps Trump, his party and the Hillary haters is the fact that Hillary's comments about Trump's lack of qualifications to be President has proved to be true and so has her prediction of Trump's involvement with Russia.
So now President Trump is still the subject of Mueller's investigation that has already produced several guilty pleas and several indictments of people associated with Trump's Presidential campaign. And Trump's former campaign manager, Paul Manafort will be standing trial this month for his indictment. Hillary was not the crooked Presidential candidate after all as Trump tried to sell. But people who follow the truth never took the bait because they knew who the crooked Presidential candidate really was.
Trump has been in office a full 18 months, more than enough time to prove he is a man. He not only has failed that test with his personal attacks on others, along with his lack of respect, he has failed the test of the Presidency itself with his traitorous acts. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote in the 2016 election by a wide margin because the voters knew she was the best qualified for the job and that she was more of a woman than Trump is a man. Some things never change, especially facts.
There is no evidence that Hillary's use of a private server compromised the state department or other government functions. There is evidence that Trump's actions with Putin and his campaign actions to work with Russian operatives to obtain dirt on Hillary and support the Trump campaign against Hillary put our democratic election process at risk. The Trump campaign even stooped to the low of trying to set up a back channel with Russia to escape transparency.
Hillary Clinton was a public servant and a patriot who understood what America and its values are all about and she still speaks out on the issues facing America. On the other hand, Trump has only Trump. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
But Hillary's use of a private server later exposed the fact that Condi Rice and Colin Powell who served as Secretary of State during the George W. Bush administration also used private servers. And also members of Trump's cabinet and staff did the same thing. What also chaps Trump, his party and the Hillary haters is the fact that Hillary's comments about Trump's lack of qualifications to be President has proved to be true and so has her prediction of Trump's involvement with Russia.
So now President Trump is still the subject of Mueller's investigation that has already produced several guilty pleas and several indictments of people associated with Trump's Presidential campaign. And Trump's former campaign manager, Paul Manafort will be standing trial this month for his indictment. Hillary was not the crooked Presidential candidate after all as Trump tried to sell. But people who follow the truth never took the bait because they knew who the crooked Presidential candidate really was.
Trump has been in office a full 18 months, more than enough time to prove he is a man. He not only has failed that test with his personal attacks on others, along with his lack of respect, he has failed the test of the Presidency itself with his traitorous acts. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote in the 2016 election by a wide margin because the voters knew she was the best qualified for the job and that she was more of a woman than Trump is a man. Some things never change, especially facts.
There is no evidence that Hillary's use of a private server compromised the state department or other government functions. There is evidence that Trump's actions with Putin and his campaign actions to work with Russian operatives to obtain dirt on Hillary and support the Trump campaign against Hillary put our democratic election process at risk. The Trump campaign even stooped to the low of trying to set up a back channel with Russia to escape transparency.
Hillary Clinton was a public servant and a patriot who understood what America and its values are all about and she still speaks out on the issues facing America. On the other hand, Trump has only Trump. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Monday, July 23, 2018
What Has America Learned From President Trump's Meeting With Russia's Putin?
Well, nothing new from what any fair minded person realized long ago. The one on one meeting between Trump and Putin with only an interpreter was another shameful and traitorous act by the President to keep the people of America in the dark about the Trump-Putin relationship and what they discussed. This writer feels certain the talks were about how to sabotage the Mueller investigation and divert attention from Russian and the Trump campaign involvement in the 2016 Presidential elections.
President Trump's statement after the meeting indicating he believed Putin's denials and cast aside the conclusion of American intelligence concerning Russia's interference with the elections and that Trump supported making a former U.S. Ambassador to Russia available for Russia to question constitutes high crimes and misdemeanors by President Trump. And then Trump made matters worse a few days later by inviting Putin to America in the fall.
The President caught flack for his private meeting with Putin and his later remarks from both parties and people who served in government in the past. And of course, Trump lashed back with his usual childish comments. But the GOP in congress still supports Trump and actually enable his un-American behavior. Republican leaders in the U.S. House should be drawing up impeachment orders on this President who has become a disgrace and who continues his traitorous acts.
After 18 months in office the President and the republican controlled congress are still in a chaotic state. No plans or policy to address immigration after Trump's loud mouth talk. Trump's so called zero tolerance immigration action of separating parents and children at the border are still under a courts order. The republicans in congress are leaderless and marking time until the November elections.
And all the while, America is paying a heavy price because Putin has the goods on Trump and the ability to set Trump's agenda. The President has responded by selling out America, its values and the institutions that have made America the great nation that the world always looked up to. And the republican party, the party that holds the power in congress has failed its responsibility to put a end to this President who has betrayed his country and his countrymen.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
President Trump's statement after the meeting indicating he believed Putin's denials and cast aside the conclusion of American intelligence concerning Russia's interference with the elections and that Trump supported making a former U.S. Ambassador to Russia available for Russia to question constitutes high crimes and misdemeanors by President Trump. And then Trump made matters worse a few days later by inviting Putin to America in the fall.
The President caught flack for his private meeting with Putin and his later remarks from both parties and people who served in government in the past. And of course, Trump lashed back with his usual childish comments. But the GOP in congress still supports Trump and actually enable his un-American behavior. Republican leaders in the U.S. House should be drawing up impeachment orders on this President who has become a disgrace and who continues his traitorous acts.
After 18 months in office the President and the republican controlled congress are still in a chaotic state. No plans or policy to address immigration after Trump's loud mouth talk. Trump's so called zero tolerance immigration action of separating parents and children at the border are still under a courts order. The republicans in congress are leaderless and marking time until the November elections.
And all the while, America is paying a heavy price because Putin has the goods on Trump and the ability to set Trump's agenda. The President has responded by selling out America, its values and the institutions that have made America the great nation that the world always looked up to. And the republican party, the party that holds the power in congress has failed its responsibility to put a end to this President who has betrayed his country and his countrymen.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Will Louisiana's Next Tax Debate Be Over Internet Sales
Hopefully, it will be over true tax reform that the governor would like to see and which he supports. A fair tax system, something the state lacks is needed for a balanced fiscal approach for operating state government. There are too many exemptions, loopholes and special interest deductions like the $8 billion annual tax breaks for business that erode state revenue which no state can afford.
Taxing internet sales will certainly be on the agenda since the recent supreme court ruling. It was estimated that Louisiana lost $800 million in sales tax collections to the internet in 2013. (per Michael Hecht's letter to the editor in the Times Picayune of 12/3/14. He is President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc.) There is no denial that Louisiana and other states have lost millions of dollars to internet sales.
The question becomes, how is this problem addressed in a responsible way. We know local business have lost revenue due to internet sales and some have had to close their doors. This is another reason why the state legislature has to take up true tax reform.
With the state budget fight behind us now, the Louisiana legislature should take up the matter and work with governor Edwards to come up with a fair and reasonable solution concerning tax fairness. It can be accomplished if we really care about the state and its problems.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Taxing internet sales will certainly be on the agenda since the recent supreme court ruling. It was estimated that Louisiana lost $800 million in sales tax collections to the internet in 2013. (per Michael Hecht's letter to the editor in the Times Picayune of 12/3/14. He is President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc.) There is no denial that Louisiana and other states have lost millions of dollars to internet sales.
The question becomes, how is this problem addressed in a responsible way. We know local business have lost revenue due to internet sales and some have had to close their doors. This is another reason why the state legislature has to take up true tax reform.
With the state budget fight behind us now, the Louisiana legislature should take up the matter and work with governor Edwards to come up with a fair and reasonable solution concerning tax fairness. It can be accomplished if we really care about the state and its problems.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
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