Rep. Lance Harris, sponsor HB-27 , which would raise Louisiana’s sales tax by 1/3 cent and “clean” two cents of existing sales taxes and thereby raise approximately $380 million, or $40,000 PER HOUR from taxpayers!
On Monday, May 28, 2018, 76 members of the Louisiana House of Representatives, including 11 who had “Damascus Road Experiences” and voted for the first time (out of four opportunities in 2018) to increase Louisiana’s sales taxes effective July 1, 2018. The amount of that increase, using the sponsor of HB-27, Rep. Lance Harris’, own numbers? Just north of $40,000 per hour!!
A brief lead-up to the vote, some brief commentary by Rep. Harris entailing “Facebook posters” whom he seems to infer need to be “ignored ” as “noise” so that the important people, state lawmakers, can “stay focused on the main thing” are depicted in the following brief video clip
(Editor’s Note: for those who have asked, an individual close to Rep. Harris has indicated that his commentary depicted in the video below was not directed at our Sunday post. Rather, it was directed at some folk who apparently engaged in vicious name-calling directed at Rep. Harris personally. We feel it was a mistake for Rep. Harris to dignify such actions by addressing them on the House floor, but given the number of inquiries we got, we also wanted to make it clear that he’s indicated his commentary was NOT directed at us from the 5/27/18 post.)
Brief video of lead-up to and actual vote by Louisiana House on 5/28/18 on HB-27. Support Link:
No Penny Renewal (FULLY updated with Representatives who voted “yes” on 5/28 highlighted in yellow).
Itemization of Louisiana Representatives having a “Damascus Road Experience” and voting For HB-27 for the FIRST time (out of four opportunities):
(Red = Representative is term-limited and cannot run for re-election in 2019).
Rep. Joseph Bouie, Jr., D-New Orleans
District 97
Phone: (504) 285-1033 [email protected]
Rep. Barbara Carpenter D-Baton Rouge
District 63
Phone: (225) 771-5674 [email protected]
If you would like to be added to our Sound Off Louisiana email list to be notified of future posts, simply go to our home page and scroll to the bottom (mobile devices) or to the top of the right-hand column (desktops). Supply your email address within the subscribe box. You’ll then receive an automated email from Word Press, and all you have to do is click on the blue “confirm follow”bar contained within that email, and you’ll begin receiving great posts such as the preceding one above.
Rep. Lance Harris, sponsor HB-27 , which would raise Louisiana’s sales tax by 1/3 cent and “clean” two cents of existing sales taxes and thereby raise approximately $380 million.
Burns previews the upcoming showdown vote on HB-27 and its potential to end the careers of some Louisiana legislators. Support Links:
Rep. Neil Abramson, D-New Orleans
District 98 Phone: (504) 275-8051[email protected]
Voted Yes on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent) & 3/4/18 (1/4 cent).
Rep. John Anders, D-Vidalia
District 21 Phone: (318) 336-5865[email protected]
Voted Yes on 3/4/18 (1/4 cent) and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. James Arms, III, D-Leesville
District 30 Phone: (337) 238-7004[email protected]
Voted Yes on 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Tony Bacala, R-Prairieville
District 59 Phone: (225)677-8020 [email protected]
Voted Yes on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent) and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Larry Bagley, R-Stonewall
District 7 Phone: (318)925-9588 [email protected]
Voted Yes on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent) and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Taylor Barras (House Speaker), R-New Iberia
District 48 Phone: (337) 373-4051 [email protected]
Voted Yes on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent) and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. John Bagneris, D-New Orleans
District 100 Phone: (504) 243-7783[email protected]
Voted Yes on 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. John Berthelot, R-Gonzales
District 88 Phone: (225) 647-5646[email protected]
Voted Yes on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent) and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Robert Billot, D-Westwego
District 83
Phone: (504) 436-8929 [email protected]
Voted Yes on 3/4/18 (1/4 cent) and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Stuart Bishop, R-Lafayette
District 43 Phone: (337) 981-7409 [email protected]
Voted Yes on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent) and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Notation Only: Rep. Chris Broadwater, R-Hammond, who resigned right after 2/28/18 vote, was replaced by Rep. Nicholas Muscarello, Jr. (see entry below).
for District 86. Voted Yes on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent).
————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Rep. Ken Brass, D-Vacherie
District 58 Phone: (225) 265-9005[email protected]
Voted Yes on 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Chad Brown, D-Plaquemine
District 60 Phone: (225) 687-2410 [email protected]
Voted Yes on 3/4/18 (1/4 cent) and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Terry Brown, I-Colfax
District 22 Phone: (855) 261-6566[email protected]
Voted Yes on 3/4/18 (1/4 cent) and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Thomas Carmody, R-Shreveport
District 6 Phone: (318) 862-9956 [email protected]
Voted Yes ALL THREE TIMES on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent), 3/4/18 (1/4 cent), and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Robby Carter, D-Amite
District 72 Phone: (985)748-2245[email protected]
Voted Yes on 3/4/18 (1/4 cent) and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Steve Carter, R-Baton Rouge
District 68 Phone: (225)362-5305 [email protected]
Voted Yes ALL THREE TIMES on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent), 3/4/18 (1/4 cent), and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Charles Chaney, R-Rayville
District 19 Phone: (318)728-5875 [email protected]
Voted Yes ALL THREE TIMES on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent), 3/4/18 (1/4 cent), and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Patrick Connick, R-Marrero
District 84 Phone: (504)371-0240[email protected]
Voted Yes ALL THREE TIMES on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent), 3/4/18 (1/4 cent), and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Jean-Paul Coussan, R-Lafayette
District 45 Phone: (337) 262-2400[email protected]
Voted Yes on 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Kenny Cox, D-Natchitoches
District 23 Phone: (855) 844-8583[email protected]
Voted Yes on 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Michael Danahay, D-Sulphur
District 33 Phone: (337) 527-5581[email protected]
Voted Yes on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent). SEAT NOW VACANT.
Rep. Paula Davis, R-Baton Rouge
District 69 Phone: (225)362-5301[email protected]
Voted Yes ALL THREE TIMES on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent), 3/4/18 (1/4 cent), and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice
District 41 Phone: (337)457-0194[email protected]
Voted Yes on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent) and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Stephen Dwight, SPONSOR OF 1/4 cent BILL, R-Lake Charles
District 35 Phone: (337)491-2315 [email protected]
Voted Yes ALL THREE TIMES on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent), 3/4/18 (1/4 cent), and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Franklin Foil, R-Baton Rouge
District 70 Phone: (225)342-6777 [email protected]
Voted Yes ALL THREE TIMES on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent), 3/4/18 (1/4 cent), and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Randal Gaines, D-LaPlace
District 57 Phone: (985) 652-1228[email protected]
Voted Yes on 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Jerry Gisclair, D-LaRose
District 54 Phone: (985)798-7707 [email protected]
Voted Yes on 3/4/18 (1/4 cent) and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. John E. “Johnny” Guinn, R-Jennings
District 37 Phone: (337) 824-0376[email protected]
Voted Yes ALL THREE TIMES on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent), 3/4/18 (1/4 cent), and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Jeffrey Hall, D-Alexandria
District 26 Phone: (318) 487-5661[email protected]
Voted Yes on 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Lance Harris, SPONSOR OF 1/3 cent BILL, R-Alexandria
District 25 Phone: (318) 767-6095 [email protected]
Voted Yes on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent) and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Voted Yes on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent) and 3/4/18 (1/4 cent).
Rep. Joseph Marino, I-Gretna
District 85 Phone: (504) 361-6013 [email protected]
Voted Yes ALL THREE TIMES 2/28/18 (1/4 cent), 3/4/18 (1/4 cent), and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Jonesboro
District 13 Phone: (318) 259-4275[email protected]
Voted Yes ALL THREE TIMES on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent), 3/4/18 (1/4 cent), and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Greg Miller, R-NORCO
District 56 Phone: (985) 764-9991[email protected]
Voted Yes ALL THREE TIMES on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent), 3/4/18 (1/4 cent), and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Jim Morris, R-Oil City
District 1 Phone: (318)995-6852 [email protected]
Voted Yes on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent) & 3/4/18 (1/4 cent).
Rep. Nicholas Muscarello, Jr., R-Hammond
District 86 Phone: (985) 974-0009[email protected]
Voted Yes on 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
SPECIAL NOTE: Rep. Muscarello was elected to replace Chris Broadwater (see above) and therefore was NOT in the Legislature to cast votes on 2/28/18 nor 3/4/18.
Rep. Barbara Norton, D-Shreveport
District 26 Phone: (318) 632-5887[email protected]
Voted Yes on 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Kevin Pearson, R-Slidell
District 76 Phone: (985)646-6487 [email protected]
Voted Yes on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent) and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. J. Rogers Pope, R-Denham Springs
District 71 Phone: (225) 667-3588[email protected]
Voted Yes on 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Stephen Pugh, R-Ponchatoula
District 73 Phone: (985)386-7844[email protected]
Voted Yes on 2/28/18 (1/4 cent) and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Rep. Steve Pylant, R-Winnsboro
District 26 Phone: (318) 435-7313[email protected]
Voted Yes on 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
Eugene Reynolds, D-Minden
District 10 Phone: (318)371-3092 [email protected]
Voted Yes on 3/4/18 (1/4 cent) and 5/25/18 (1/3 cent).
If you would like to be added to our Sound Off Louisiana email list to be notified of future Sound Off posts, simply scroll to the very bottom of this page (mobile devices) or to the end of the right-hand column (desktops) and supply your email address within the subscribe box. You’ll then receive an automated email from Word Press, and all you have to do is click on the blue “confirm follow” bar contained within that email, and you’ll begin receiving great posts such as the preceding one above.
Sound Off Louisiana’s feature entailing raw, naked, exploitation by the LSTA in a presentation to the LSPC to convince the LSPC to permit the LSTA to make political campaign contributions which are now the subject of multiple lawsuits.
Original Hayride post entailing the LSTA exploitation authored by Hayride owner Scott McKay at the direct request of Robert Burns, who stated at the time that he was too furious at what he’d seen and too entrenched with LSPC affairs at that point to draft an objective post in the immediate aftermath of the exploitation.
David Young, Executive Director of the LSTA, bluntly states that, if the LSTA is not permitted to make political campaign contributions, it “will disappear.” Young will be served with Braxton’s lawsuit. Also, we provide subscribers with the Consent agreement between the LSTA and the Louisiana State Board of Ethics entailing the political contributions to the campaign of Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and others. Notice that Young admits to writing checks to candidates from his own account, after which he was reimbursed by the LSTA, a practice former LSPC Member Lloyd Grafton described as “straight-up money laundering.”
————-ORIGINAL BRAXTON FEATURE OF JULY 18, 2017————:
Fox 8’s Lee Zurik went straight for the jugular entailing Gov. John Bel Edwards’ inaction for a FULL YEAR after receiving this damning report entailing Louisiana State Police Commission (LSPC) Member Calvin Braxton attempting to use his influence and abuse his powers to have tickets fixed and even an attempt to have an LSP Trooper disciplined for arresting his daughter for DWI.
Though Braxton largely avoided Zurik’s questioning, he chose to address the matter with his colleagues once Zurik and his film crew left the meeting. Zurik incorporated Sound Off Louisiana’s video footage (beginning at the 6:10 mark of his report) of Braxton’s commentary in his report, including Braxton defiantly stating: “The Governor did what he did. I’m still here.”
Though she didn’t have the advantage of one-on-one interview footage with Braxton, WWL’s Katie Moore also featured the scandal on the 10:00 p.m. newscast. In her report, she too included Braxton’s bold statement supplied by Sound Off Louisiana footage (beginning at the 3:50mark of her report) wherein Braxton characterized Governor Edwards as “doing what he did” (i.e. nothing) and the fact Braxton boldly proclaimed himself “still here.” Immediately after Braxton’s bold statement on Moore’s feature, Gov. Edwards’ Executive Counsel, Matthew Block, tip toes around Braxton’s alleged actions. That segment of the video speaks for itself.
Can anyone just imagine the campaign commercials to run in 2019 by top Republican contenders for Governor of Louisiana entailing this incident? The commercial can begin with Edwards’ oft-repeated “Honor Code” mantra of the 2015 campaign, followed by footage of him doing ZILCH about this situation for over a year (and that’s under the assumption he chooses to take action now). Even if Edwards severs ties with Braxton immediately, the question (just as Zurik posed) remains: Why did Governor John Bel Edwards sit on this for a full year and have to be forced into action by the media? It’s going to be a tough question for “Honor Code” to answer in the 2019 campaign!
The following video is Braxton’s full commentary regarding Zurik’s surprise visit at the LSPC meeting of Thursday, July 13, 2017:
7/13/17 LSPC Meeting: Commissioner Braxton comments publicly about allegations of “ticket fixing,” to include his daughter’s DWI.
If you would like to be added to our Sound Off Louisiana email list to be notified of future posts, simply go to our home page and scroll to the bottom (mobile devices) or to the top of the right-hand column (desktops). Supply your email address within the subscribe box. You’ll then receive an automated email from Word Press, and all you have to do is click on the blue “confirm follow”bar contained within that email, and you’ll begin receiving great posts such as the preceding one above.
