Get It Together, Louisiana

“Change.” “Reform.” Politicians use these words all the time. Millennials say “disrupt.” In Louisiana, we say these words but prescribe to a different phrase: “Old habits die hard.” 

 At every chance, we continue to address our problems with the same answers but expect different results. I don’t need to waste the readers’ time listing all of the rankings Louisiana finishes either 49th or 50th. We also find ourselves in tough economic times and facing continual budget shortfalls. It’s no wonder businesses do not want to come here or have trouble thriving here. We have poor infrastructure, underfunded universities, and often policies out of step with the other 49 states. Not to mention we’ve got our Big Brother in Texas who seems to always have the right formula. 

 In my short time in state politics, I’ve seen it. Good policy comes to the House and dies, often a painful death. And really I think it’s unfortunately ingrained in who we are. What’s the solution? To borrow another phrase, we don’t have to reinvent the wheel. We should be looking at other states and adopting policies that are proven to work. 

 For example, Louisiana is one of two states that collect taxes at the local level. It’s just Colorado and us. Why does this matter? Because as the economy moves to the Internet, Louisiana will continue to lose revenue endangering our hospitals and universities. The big online retailers do not want to work with sixty-four parishes to pay the state and local sales taxes. They want to deal with 50 states. It’s manageable for them. In short, Louisiana is not prepared for the future economy. Our citizens will continue to purchase items online and not pay state taxes. 

 This also unfairly punishes local, small businesses. John P. Smith, who owns a local hardware store, has to sell his goods at a higher rate than online retailers because he has to charge taxes. Online retailers are getting away without collecting sales taxes, thus offering the goods at a lower price. 

 It seems easy and too logical. Louisiana should do like every other state and set ourselves up for the new economy. But we won’t. Too many people have a stake in the old system and will not give up their power easily. 

 This is just one example. I can cite many more. Until Louisiana gets serious about adopting policy that works instead of pleasing the powers-that-be, it will never take its place on the top of the state rankings. 

 So Louisiana beats on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past, to quote the Great Gatsby. •

BY STATE REPRESENTATIVE TANNER MAGEE, DISTRICT 53