Should Mardi Gras riders have to pay a fee to roll? The Moreno administration is considering a new charge after Carnival revenues reportedly fell millions short of expenses. Is it fair…or a bad idea for the culture and the krewes?
Tulane Professor Toni Weiss has done extensive research into the economics of Mardi Gras and says a $25 fee is a relative drop in the bucket compared to the surrounding expenses of riding in a parade.
“It depends on the krewe that they’re in, but many have parading packages that they pay to get the throws and costumes. Then, they might supplement that with additional throws and there’s the ball they pay for and those expenses. So, looking at it from that perspective, $25 is small,” Professor Weiss goes on to illustrate.
Mardi Gras Krewe members already have to pay dues, attend krewe-related events, and generally buy their own throws to toss to those on the streets of New Orleans. While an additional $25 may not seem like a lot comparatively, others are worried it will sour longstanding traditions.
Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is staunchly against the proposed tax, saying Mardi Gras’ economic impact is vast and spans many different industries. While he understands the need for heightened security in the years since the Bourbon Street terror attack and other expenses, Nungesser thinks riders are already shouldering enough cost.
“You don’t put on Mardi Gras to make a profit. You put on Mardi Gras because of the people it brings here and the economic impact across the whole state,” Nungesser emphasized.
It's one proposed solution to budget shortfalls from the Moreno administration
It's one proposed solution to budget shortfalls from the Moreno administration
