Failed Tax Referendum Forces Louisiana Lawmakers to Regroup

Louisiana lawmakers heading into their 2025 legislative session will confront some hefty fiscal challenges, including an immediate budget shortfall and a long-term structural deficit—all without the financial flexibility proposed in a recently failed ballot measure.

Further expansion of the state’s sales tax base may be on the table during the two-month fiscal session kicking off Monday if lawmakers are forced to find new revenue to bridge the budget gap and provide pay raises to teachers.

The Republican-controlled legislature will also deal with a handful of tax administration problems lingering from last year’s special legislative session on tax policy. Against that ...