La. Gov. Edwards’ Tax Package Hits Snags At First Stop

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Gov. John Bel Edwards' package of revenue-raising proposals had a rough ride in the House Ways and Means Committee on the first full day of a special session on taxes.

Lawmakers on the majority Republican committee agreed to about $187 million in tax measures proposed on behalf of the Democratic governor.

Others were voted down outright — or their legislative sponsors shelved them when it became clear the tax measures didn't carry enough support to win passage.

Among the measures facing opposition were proposals that could have generated the most money, by raising income taxes on middle- and upper-income earners.

The Ways and Means Committee could take them up at another meeting. However, time is short, with the special session aimed at lessening budget cuts scheduled to end June 23.

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