Last night, the Lafayette Parish Council inexplicably raised taxes on parish residents and businesses by an estimated $611,000. Even though Josh Carlson (R 9/10) asked what logic was used to justify the increase, no member of the council had a decent answer. In fact, some council members appeared to have gotten a hold of some misinformation about the commercial property tax revenues being on a decline. Thankfully, tax assessor Conrad Comeaux was present to dispel this narrative. Normally a huge pro-tax proponent, he typically encourages taxing authorities to levy taxes at the highest level allowed by law. This time was different, though. Comeaux said that ad valorem (property) tax revenue was actually on the rise.
Nevertheless, four members of the Parish council voted to amend the ad valorem (property) tax ordinance to increase the millages beyond what was proposed. Then, when Josh Carlson (R 9/10) proposed a compromise amendment to lessen the level of increase, he was unable to get a second.
What was in the mind of these council members? Why would anyone who calls themselves fiscally conservative wait until the last moment, surprise everyone, and foist a tax increase on the local population? It defies all logic.
Encourage Josh Guillory to veto this tax increase
With Bidenflation in full swing, is now really the best time to raise taxes? Portions of Lafayette Parish already pay the highest sales taxes in the entire nation. Are we trying to increase property taxes to match?
The council has tried this before. Way back in 2020, there was an attempt to raise taxes. At that time Josh Guillory stood strong and vetoed the largess. Unfortunately, now it’s time for him to do it again. While a 4:1 vote appears to be veto-proof, it most certainly is not. Like a defibrillator, sometimes a veto provides the necessary shock to correct an abnormal heartbeat and return it to a proper rhythm.
Call Josh Guillory’s office at 337-291-8300, or email Josh Guillory at [email protected]. Be polite, but encourage him to once again rise to the occasion and block this unnecessary expansion of local government.
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Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.
Churchill’s rallying cry echoes today: “Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.” Here's how you can help hold the line for Louisiana’s conservative values.
One historical figure I frequently look to for inspiration is Winston Churchill. With little more than grit and determination, he rallied his countrymen to overcome overwhelming odds and save the world. He had a plan and a team, but on February 9th, 1941, he needed resources to further stimey the evil forces bearing down on England.
He closed his radio broadcast on that fateful day, saying, "Put your confidence in us. Give us your faith and your blessing, and, under Providence, all will be well. We shall not fail or falter; we shall not weaken or tire... Give us the tools, and we will finish the job."
Here we are some eighty years later, and evil again bears down upon us. To be sure, Donald Trump will do his part in Washington, DC. However, Louisiana and her local communities are our jobs - yours and mine. It's up to us to hold the line against the Left's encroachment in Louisiana. That's the work Citizens for a New Louisiana has already been doing for nearly eight years. We've shored up our gains in Lafayette, Livingston, and St. Tammany parishes. However, many more parishes are currently undefended! Will you help us to expand more Conservative bulwarks into other parishes?
Churchill knew that success was only possible with additional resources. That remains true today. We can only continue this critical work with support from friends like you. We don't just think Louisiana is worth saving; we're doing our part to accomplish it, one little bit at a time. Are you on board? Here's your chance to prove it. Partner with our movement or chip in monthly so this critical work continues.
If everyone who read this article contributed just $10 a year, we could double our reach. Your support now ensures Louisiana’s conservative future—don’t wait—contribute today!
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