Collection:LPB

Genre: Newsmagazine

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 1988-10-07

Duration: 00:25:27

Subjects: Tax reform | Louisiana. Legislature | Louisiana Legislative Session, 1988 | SPECIAL SESSIONS | Gasoline -- Taxation | Local governments | Roemer, Buddy

Contributors:

• Lormand, Ken Host
• Sockman, Roger Reporter
• Roemer, Buddy Speaker
• Cochran, Steve Interviewee
• Heine, Pete Interviewee
• Powell, Bob Interviewee
• Lastrapes, Dud Speaker
• Barthelemy, Sidney Speaker
• Broussard, Aaron Interviewee
• Borne, Dan Interviewee
• Dykes, Johnny Interviewee
• Wagoner, Neil Interviewee
• Smith, Shelton Interviewee
• Morgan, Carolyn Interviewee
• Osterberger, Ken Interviewee

This episode of the series “Louisiana: The State We’re In” from October 7, 1988, features Ken Lormand and Roger Sockman reporting on Governor Buddy Roemer’s tax plan, which is under consideration at the second Special Session of the Louisiana Legislature. Lormand provides an overview of Roemer’s tax reform plan, including a reduction of the home exemption, greater taxing authority for local governments, an increased reliance on income taxes, and a restructuring of business costs. His report includes highlight of Governor Roemer’s opening address to the Legislature and an interview with Steve Cochran, Roemer’s chief of staff. Next, Sockman reports on the reaction of mayors to the plan. His report includes: highlights of Governor Roemer’s speech before the Louisiana Municipal Association; interviews with Baker Mayor Pete Heine and Monroe Mayor Bob Powell; a press conference following a meeting of mayors from ten major Louisiana cities, including comments by Lafayette Mayor Dud Lastrapes and New Orleans Mayor Sidney Barthelemy; and an interview with Kenner Mayor Aaron Broussard. Lormand then reports on Roemer’s plan to restructure business costs, including an interview with Dan Borne of the Louisiana Chemical Association. Next, Sockman report on the possible impact of the tax plan on small businesses, including an interview with Johnny Dykes, a grocer. Lormand then reports on Roemer’s plan to increase the gas tax by four cents to fund road and highway improvements. His report includes interviews with: Governor Roemer; Secretary Neil Wagoner of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development; Shelton Smith, business owner; and Carolyn Morgan, business owner. Lastly, Sockman reports on the proposed increase of the license tag fee from $3 to $10, including an interview with State Senator Ken Osterberger.