Louisiana’s tax system was already one of the most regressive in the nation, with the poorest 20% of residents paying 13% of their income in state and local taxes while the richest 1% paid just 6.5%. Governor Jeff Landry’s recent tax reforms didn’t just cement this inequity — they made it worse. Under the new system, the wealthiest Louisianans, with average annual incomes of $1.8 million, will receive an average tax cut of $15,431, while the poorest households will see virtually no relief — or even a slight tax increase.
This so-called “tax overhaul” slashes corporate income taxes, eliminates the corporate franchise tax, and replaces Louisiana’s progressive personal income tax with a flat 3% rate, all while increasing the state sales tax to 5% and extending it to digital and previously exempt items. These changes shift even more of the tax burden onto working families and middle-income households, who are already struggling with rising costs of living.
Let’s be clear: this plan doesn’t encourage economic growth or create fairness — it’s a giveaway to the wealthiest individuals and corporations, paid for by those who can least afford it.
Why Representation Matters: The Danger of Supporting Regressive Policies
What makes this even more outrageous is that some lawmakers, like Larry Selders, supported these regressive reforms. Selders’ vote demonstrates a dangerous willingness to prioritize corporate interests and the wealthiest over the needs of his constituents, many of whom are already carrying an outsized share of the tax burden.
Decisions like these are why representation matters. Electing leaders who understand the struggles of their communities and are committed to fairness is crucial to creating a tax system that works for everyone.
Instead of doubling down on sales taxes and gutting progressive revenue sources, Louisiana should be focused on building an equitable tax system. This means asking the wealthiest individuals and corporations — those who benefit most from our infrastructure, schools, and public services — to pay their fair share. It also means rejecting policies that worsen inequality and underfund essential services, like healthcare, education, and public safety.
This election is a referendum on who we choose to represent us. Do we want leaders who vote in the interests of their constituents or those who rubber-stamp policies that enrich the few at the expense of the many? It’s time to elect people who will fight for a fair tax system and prioritize the needs of everyday Louisianans.
Because if we don’t, we’ll be left with more policies like these — policies that ask everything of working families while giving everything to the wealthy and powerful.
To learn more about my vision for fairer taxes in Louisiana, click here.