As another fiscal cliff looms in Louisiana, Governor Landry’s special session on tax reform begins today at 3 PM. The call for this session, which has to end by November 25th, can be found here.
Many individuals have expressed support for the tax reforms proposed. If Gov. Landry’s plan were to pass as is, a flat income tax would be established for individuals and businesses. To address lost revenue, the sales tax would also be expanded, meaning many items once exempt will now be taxed, and many special interest tax credits would be removed.
However, what we do know is the tax reforms being proposed will not eliminate what many have estimated to be a $730 million budget shortfall next year. The fiscal cliff is mostly due to the lost revenue if the .45% sales tax and other business utilities taxes are allowed to roll off next year.
Why Louisiana’s Tax Reform Special Session Matters
On August 30th, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) shared with House Appropriations the impacts of a $100 million cut to their budget should the fiscal cliff not be addressed. The result – massive, potentially life threatening cuts to services and supports for individuals with disabilities and the elderly:
Elimination of Pediatric Day Health Care Centers
Elimination of the Program of All Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE)
Elimination of Adult Day Healthcare Waivers (ADHC)
Repealing the rate increases in Long Term Supports and Services (LTSS) and Community Choices Waiver (CCW)
Elimination of the 2025 rate increase for Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF)
Elimination of the 2025 rate increase for night rate services in DD waivers
Elimination of the transportation per diem in DD waivers
Elimination of the rate increase for Support Coordination Services
Reducing the Coordinated System of Care (CSoC)
Tens of thousands of Louisianans rely on these services and supports to keep them in their homes and out of more costly institutional care. We cannot let another fiscal cliff threaten the lives of so many. We must protect our most vulnerable populations.
How to Take Action
Contact your State Senator and Representative today! Ensure they understand the needs of the
disability and elderly communities as they begin to figure out ways to make Louisiana better for all and
address tax reforms and the fiscal cliff.
- Email or call your State Representative and State Senator
State Representative and State Senator full contact information
Don’t know your State Representative or State Senator? Click here and enter your home address. The first person listed will be your State Representative. The second will be your State Senator.
With your comments, please include your name, address, phone number and email address.
If you need more information or would like help contacting your State Representative and/or State Senator, reach out to your LaCAN Leader today!
If you want to follow along throughout special session, you can watch committee meetings and meetings of the House and Senate live from the legislature’s website. When the meeting is in progress, click the camera icon to access the broadcast.
Confirm Your Action
Email your LaCAN Leader after you take action
Why confirm your action? This helps the Council know how effective we are reaching you with
important information and engaging members across our state in advocacy for systems change.
Tips & Tools for Advocacy
Looking for tips and tools to help you in your advocacy? Check out the Council’s Advocacy 101 page.
You can also find tips for:
Writing/emailing your legislators
Calling your legislators
Writing your story
Contact Us
LaCAN is an initiative of the LA Developmental Disabilities Council. If there are any questions about
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listed below:
Phone: 1-800-450-8108
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.lacanadvocates.org
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