Democrat Delivers Blow To Gov. Edwards’ Tax Plan

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — The Democratic chairman of the House tax committee sided with his Republican colleagues to kill one of the main money-raising tax bills sought by Gov. John Bel Edwards.

Ways and Means Chairman Neil Abramson cast the tie-breaking vote Wednesday to stall the Democratic governor's proposal to lessen an income tax break given to upper-income earners. The committee voted 10-9 against the bill.

The proposal by Republican Rep. Rob Shadoin would have raised $117 million to fill gaps in next year's budget by cutting tax breaks allowed for taxpayers who itemize on their individual income tax returns.

The change would return Louisiana to where the tax break was in 2007. Shadoin said 74 percent of individual income taxpayers wouldn't be affected.

Opponents say they couldn't support further taxes on their constituents.