Louisiana's House Ways and Means Committee approves legislation to increase taxes on vape products and electronic cigarettes, that would dedicate the first $22 million annually for Louisiana State Police pay raises.
Rep. Paul Hollis (R-Covington) is honored to carry this bill through the legislature.
“This is one of the most important bills I’ve ever brought to this body and let me tell you why: The dedication goes to state police. If we’re going to put a tax on something, to me vape is an ideal place to put this tax,” said Hollis.
The tax levied on vape products and electronic cigarettes would increase from .05 per milliliter of consumable liquid solution to .30 per milliliter.
State Police Superintendent Colonel Lamar Davis says Louisiana is falling behind other states when it comes to pay for their troopers.
“All of our bordering states pay more than we pay. I’ve lost troopers to Mississippi, to Texas, to Tennessee. And some to local agencies that are paying more than we pay,” he told the panel.
The average salary for a state trooper after their first year is nearly $51,000. With an increase in mass shootings and crime across the nation, Davis urged lawmakers to consider the sacrifices officers make on a daily basis.
“I’m asking that we consider the dangers and we pay them appropriately,” Davis said. “And I will be the first to tell you, we probably can’t pay them enough.”
The bill heads to the house floor.
