The 2019 legislative session kicked off today and since it's a fiscal session, lawmakers can propose tax increases. Capitol observers are quick to point out that it is also an election year and raising taxes can be very difficult.
Jeremy Alford is the publisher of LaPolitics.com.
''Any real tax or revenue raiser is going to be tough in an election year, you'll probably see more on the budget and the teacher pay raise,'' Alford said.
There is a bill to increase the state’s gasoline tax and a recent poll showed strong public support, but it faces opposition from anti-tax groups like the Americans for Prosperity.
Governor John Bel Edwards has a number of bills he considers important.
''Once again he will be pushing for the minimum wage increase and the equal pay issue, both of which are going to be difficult to get out of the House and the Senate but the teacher pay issue should sail right through,'' Alford said.
Alford said legalizing sports betting and a proposal to extend Harrah’s New Orleans Casino’s land license for another 30 years will also be hotly debated.