The Legislative Black Caucus is not supporting Republican-backed tax reform bills unless state representative Ray Garofalo is removed as House Education Chair. During a contentious committee debate about banning divisive teaching on race, Garofalo said the state should teach “the good, the bad, the ugly” of slavery. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that outraged Black lawmakers.
“They know this bill is important to the Republicans so they wanted Garofalo removed as Chairman because they were not satisfied with his apology,” said Pinsonat.
Garofalo apologized and moments after making the statement said his comments were taken out of context, but the apology was insufficient to many Black lawmakers, who were also frustrated about other insensitive comments made by white Republican lawmakers throughout the session.
Pinsonat said revenue-neutral legislation that would lower the state income tax in exchange for removing deductions for federal taxes is the GOP’s priority this year, and it’s now at risk.
“Who is in a really difficult position right now? The Speaker,” said Pinsonat. “How does he get the Black Caucus to vote with this without alienating Republicans, and he needs the Black Caucus to pass this.”
All tax-related bills need two-thirds support for passage in the Legislature.
Pinsonat said normally these kinds of inter-personal disputes are handled in private, but now that the issue is public both sides are digging in.
“A private matter that is normally worked out in private has exploded in the public view,” said Pinsonat.
Baton Rouge Representative Ted James noted Black Caucus members first brought this matter to House Speaker Shexnayder privately. After the Speaker refused the request the issue became public.
