Early voting is here and there are ten constitutional amendments on the ballot for voters to decide. To assist citizens in understanding what the amendments do and how they will impact the state, we have put together a full analysis of each amendment along with recommendations on several of them.
But there is a lot to digest with that many amendments. That’s why we’re also publishing a series of snapshots on each amendment. We started on Tuesday with a look at amendments dealing with property taxes for seniors and the surviving spouses of disabled veterans.
We continue with three more dealing with different kinds of property tax changes and a constitutional change to facilitate the replacement of hazardous lead water pipes in Louisiana.
AMENDMENT 2 AT A GLANCE
Changes: Gives local governments more flexibility in managing voter-approved property tax millage rates.
YES means: Local governments would not have to periodically raise taxes simply to preserve future taxing authority.
Main consideration: The amendment could eliminate an unnecessary cycle of tax increases and reductions.
Recommendation: ✅ SUPPORT
AMENDMENT 7 AT A GLANCE
Changes: Allows public funds to be used to identify and replace hazardous water pipes on private property.
YES means: Provides clear constitutional authority to help replace lead water lines on private property and comply with federal requirements.
Main consideration: An Attorney General’s opinion suggests the spending may already be constitutional, but the amendment would provide additional certainty.
Recommendation: ✅ SUPPORT
AMENDMENT 10 AT A GLANCE
Changes: Allows local governments to offer property tax breaks to encourage rehabilitation of blighted property.
YES means: Give local governments another optional redevelopment tool.
Main consideration: Blight is a major issue in communities. While the tax breaks could be substantial, participation is optional and the Legislature can change the specifics of how the program operates.
Recommendation: ✅ SUPPORT
Click here for our complete analysis of all the amendments.