NFIB/Louisiana held a panel discussion with the candidates.
NFIB/Louisiana hosted a panel discussion with all four major gubernatorial candidates for the Oct. 24 election. The panel, which was hosted with the Louisiana Restaurant Association and the Louisiana Retailers Association on March 31 in Baton Rouge, featured these candidates: public service commissioner Scott Angelle, Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne, Rep. John Bel Edwards and Sen. David Vitter.
Each candidate presented an overview of his platform on small business issues like tax reform, tort reform, government mandates and regulations. Candidates also described what their first acts as governor would be if elected as well as their positions on issues like inventory tax, minimum wage and paid sick leave. The candidates also answered questions from moderator Angele Davis, president and CEO of The Davis Kelly Group.
One common thread among all four candidates was criticism of the dire state of Louisiana’s finances and current Gov. Bobby Jindal’s role in it.
“The candidates all felt Jindal has kicked the can down the road for the past eight years as it relates to addressing the fiscal issues our state faces,” says Dawn Starns, NFIB/Louisiana state director.
All candidates also agreed that a comprehensive review of the state’s tax break program is in order.
“The top issue is tax reform,” Starns says. “We need a governor and legislature that will come in and make the necessary changes to simplify the tax code for business owners and make the rules clear so we don’t run into issues like the current one we face with the inventory tax credit, which amounts to a new tax on business owners.”
Starns says that NFIB/Louisiana will continue to watch the race closely and give members additional opportunities to hear from the candidates when possible. They will be sure to get the candidates on record with the candidate questionnaire once qualifying is complete, and at the appropriate time, Louisiana SAFE Trust PAC will consider an endorsement.
In the meantime, to see each candidate’s opening remarks on their platform, record and qualifications for office, visit https://www.nfib.com/article/candidates-outline-their-platforms-at-small-business-luncheon-video-68653/.
