Located in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, the Jefferson Parish Democratic Executive Committee affiliates with and advances the interests of the Democratic Party. We stand for open, inclusive, constitutional government in Jefferson Parish. We unflinchingly advocate for human and civil rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, quality health care and quality schools for all, environmental protection and preservation of quality-of-life services. We support elected officials and political candidates who uphold these core values of the Democratic Party.  

JPDEC RECOMMENDS: "Yes" to Amendments 1 & 3, "No" to Amendments 2 & 4

JP Dems

The Jefferson Parish Democratic Executive Committee met Tuesday, Oct. 19, in open session to recommend yes or no to state constitutional amendments on the Nov. 13 ballot (early voting Oct. 30-Nov.6):

YES TO AMENDMENT ONE: Would streamline Louisiana’s fragmented collection of sales and use taxes by providing for a statewide system that promises more efficiency in general and less red tape for businesses that operate in more than one parish.

NO TO AMENDMENT TWO: Would cost the state about $25 million in revenue per year through a tax swap that would eliminate the federal income tax deduction but also cement into the constitution lower personal income tax rates that primarily benefit wealthier Louisianans. That rigidity would restrict the state’s ability over time to bring in enough revenue to support good schools, expand early childhood education, fix our roads/bridges and other infrastructure, and provide services that middle- and lower-income families need.

YES TO AMENDMENT THREE: Would allow five local levee districts (affecting Cameron, Calcasieu, Vermillion, Iberia, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes) to levy up to 5 mills in property taxes for addressing flood control protection without having to go to voters for approval. Other district boards in the state already have raised a millage or have this ability, which allows them to move more quickly on necessary flood-control measures.

NO TO AMENDMENT FOUR: Would allow the state to double what could be cut — up to 10% instead of 5% — from protected funds when there’s a mid-year shortfall. That could help safeguard unprotected funds such as Medicaid and higher ed from a sudden ax. So far, so good. But what’s bad about this amendment weighs heavier. There is no restriction on how much could be taken from an individual protected fund. Some could be gutted. Raiding the protected funds could very well evolve into a political crutch for solving budget issues — especially if combined with lower taxes that are constitutionally baked or politically driven. And if Louisiana has too much revenue siphoned into too many protected funds, then they should be carefully weeded out.

JEFF TALK -- 4 Ballot Amendments: What You Need to Know

JEFF TALK 7 PM THURSDAY, OCT. 21, 2021 -- Time to Investigate JPSO?
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