National anti-tax organizations like Americans for Tax Reform and Americans for Prosperity are planning to have a noticeable presence at the Capitol during session, and then again when lawmakers face re-election this fall.
Representatives from both groups said they’re ready to mobilize national and grassroots resources — and possibly targeted media buys from ATR — should lawmakers attempt to increase taxes. It’s an early sign that Gov. Bobby Jindal will not be alone in his opposition stance, which includes eliminating tax exemptions in ways that are not revenue neutral.
“We’re going to actively oppose any proposal that creates a net tax increase,” said Patrick M. Gleason, director of state affairs for ATR. “There will be outreach to lawmakers and we also plan to educate their constituencies on how they voted.”
Gleason, who was in Louisiana late last month for meetings, said lawmakers who have signed ATR’s well-known anti-tax pledge will be reminded of their promise.
AFP’s Louisiana Director Phillip Joffrion added, “We are not supportive of net tax increases and we will hold legislators accountable. It is a critically important issue for us.”
Depending on how hard these groups turn the screws, they could take some of the heat off of Jindal, since legislators might be more prone to complain publicly about the special interests than the governor.
The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry can be counted on as an anti-tax voice as well, and sources close to the business community say an overarching narrative is coming together. They suggest that raising taxes is bad policy because it inhibits the ability of businesses to create jobs and make capital investments.
An effort will further be made to show economic improvements in the state since 2008, when Jindal took office and halted the flow of tax increases.