Steven Procopio from the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana joins the show to cover the four constitutional amendments on the upcoming ballot, with a focus on Amendment 2. Steven explains that there are three ways to amend the Constitution: regular amendments, constitutional conventions, and rewriting an entire article. Amendment 2 involves rewriting Article 7, which deals with tax and spending, and is a significant portion of the Constitution.
Steven clarifies that Amendment 2 does not change the current tax structure, which includes a 3% income tax and a slightly increased sales tax. The amendment aims to double the standard deduction for individuals over 65, affecting income tax slightly. It also requires a two-thirds vote to enact new sales tax exemptions or exclusions, which could slow the growth of tax carve-outs.
The amendment also impacts state funding structures, moving some funds from the Constitution to statute, requiring a two-thirds vote for changes. This includes funds like the Artificial Reef Development Fund and the Millennium Trust Fund. The amendment also addresses teacher pay increases, making permanent the pay raises already given by using savings from reduced teacher retirement debt.
Steven emphasizes that the amendment does not undo existing tax changes and highlights the importance of understanding the implications of moving funds to statute, which were originally decided by voters. The conversation underscores the complexity of the amendments and the need for voters to be informed before making decisions.