State Representative Roger Wilder says this year’s legislative session feels calmer than last year. Still, major issues remain on the table, including property taxes and workforce development.
Six weeks into the session, Wilder says lawmakers are more aligned. Last year focused heavily on insurance reform. This year, leaders are focused on jobs and economic growth.
“We need to train people here and bring people back,” Wilder said. He pointed to population loss as a major concern for Louisiana’s future.
Property Tax Plan Targets Current System
Wilder is pushing a constitutional amendment to change how property taxes work.
Right now, local governments often raise tax rates to keep their full funding ability. Even if they don’t need the money, they still increase rates to avoid losing access later.
Wilder says that system hurts taxpayers.
He compared it to a credit card. You should not have to max it out just to keep your limit. His plan would let local governments keep lower rates without losing future flexibility.
If an emergency happens, leaders could still raise taxes within the approved limit.
Bill Changes Who Picks Prosecutors
Wilder is also carrying a bill tied to the state’s attorney general.
The bill deals with cases where a district attorney steps away. Right now, a judge can pick the replacement prosecutor. Wilder says that crosses into executive power.
His bill would shift that authority to the attorney general instead.
What Comes Next
Wilder expects workforce issues to stay front and center. He also says judicial reform, especially in New Orleans, could gain attention.
For now, the session remains steady. But with many bills still moving, that could change quickly.