The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) is urging voters to support Constitutional Amendment 4 in Saturday’s election, calling the proposal a step toward more local control and a stronger business climate in Louisiana.
During an interview on Talk 107.3, LABI President and CEO Will Green said the amendment would remove the state’s inventory tax requirement from the Louisiana Constitution and allow each parish to decide whether to keep, reduce, or eliminate the tax locally.
Green argued the current inventory tax increases costs on goods such as groceries, appliances, clothing, and vehicles because businesses are taxed on inventory sitting in warehouses, even before products are sold. He said those costs are often passed along to consumers.
Supporters say Louisiana remains one of only seven states that still authorizes the inventory tax in its constitution. Green called that a competitive disadvantage when businesses decide where to expand or relocate.
He stressed that a “yes” vote on Amendment 4 would not automatically eliminate the tax statewide. Instead, parish governments would gain flexibility to determine what works best for their local economies. Some parishes could keep the tax, while others could reduce it over time to attract more business investment and jobs.
Green also addressed concerns about potential tax increases for residents. He said local governments cannot raise taxes without voter approval and argued the amendment simply shifts decision-making power closer to local communities.
In addition to backing Amendment 4, LABI also endorsed Judge Cade Cole Burris in the Louisiana Supreme Court race. Green described Burris as a “rule of law conservative judge” who would defend the state constitution from the bench.