Louisiana's High-Profile Gas Tax Died Because of 'Toxic,' Leaderless House, Veteran Lobbyist Says
The push to raise the state gas tax died because the Louisiana House has turned into a "toxic mix" that features a "total lack of leadership," a veteran lobbyist told allies in a memo.
June 5, 2017Controversial, Long-Shot Bid to Raise Louisiana's Gasoline Tax Dies
The five-month campaign to upgrade Louisiana's jammed roads and bridges by raising the state gasoline tax died May 31 with little fanfare in the Louisiana House.
June 1, 2017Louisiana Gas Tax Hike Comes to Life
The drive to raise Louisiana’s gasoline tax has suddenly flickered to life, but backers now face the daunting task of rounding up a two-thirds majority in the state House amid anti-tax cries inside and outside the Legislature.
May 22, 2017Bill to Hike Louisiana's Gas Tax by 17¢, Raise $510 Million, Clears House Committee
Opening a late session controversy, a House panel May 16 approved a bill that would raise Louisiana's gasoline tax by 17 cents per gallon, increasing state aid for roads and bridges by $510 million annually.
May 17, 2017Louisiana's Long Shot Push for Gas Tax Hike Faces First Crucial Hearing
Backers of a state gasoline-tax increase need something of a political miracle, and the first test is set for May 16 in a Louisiana House committee that has been killing tax bills.
May 15, 2017Push for Louisiana Gas-Tax Hike Faces Hurdles as Leaders Ramp Up Campaign
Leaders of Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards' task force that recommended a $700 million increase in state aid for roads and bridges stepped up efforts April 27 to win legislative support for improvements.
April 28, 2017Louisiana Business Group Urges State Lawmakers to Approve Gas Tax to Fix State's Roads
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber and 21 other groups have urged state lawmakers to approve an increase of at least $500 million per year for roads, bridges and other transportation needs.
April 5, 2017Two Possible Reasons for Louisiana Governor's Unusual Stance in Looming Transport Debate
Gov. John Bel Edwards plans to piggyback on the bills of key state lawmakers to tackle Louisiana's road and bridge problems in an increasingly toxic political environment.
March 21, 2017Louisiana's Transportation Needs Obvious, but Solutions Remain Hard To Find
Less than a month before the 2017 regular legislative session begins, the upcoming debate on how and whether to boost state aid for roads and bridges is riddled with questions, including Gov. John Bel Edwards' stance.
March 15, 2017Louisiana Transportation Chief: $700 Million Spending Hike 'Good, Practical'
A $700 million yearly hike in state transportation spending would be a practical way to tackle Louisiana's road and bridge problems, state Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn Wilson said Nov. 28.
November 29, 2016