It would preserve $100 million that Jindal wanted to take from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
The money, in some cases accumulated over years, will help balance next year's books. But what about the year after?
Legislature to consider room tax, perhaps 1.5 percent, to benefit organizations marketing the city.
They're talking about scaling back tax exemptions and cutting spending to make up about $500 million.
According to a document obtained by The Lens, the shuttered, 33-story World Trade Center would be demolished, and a towering sculpture and a park – meant to become a tourism icon for the city of New Orleans — would be built in its place at the foot of Canal Street.
A bill pending in the Legislature would authorize a $185 million expansion of the Convention Center, financing of a private hotel, and conversion of the World Trade Center site to a riverfront park. Mayor Mitch Landrieu envisions an attraction on par with the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
Aide to governor warned that Washington-based group would score measure as a tax increase.
“The will wasn’t there to prolong the agony,” said Rep. Joel Robideaux, R-Lafayette, about legislators' decision to table the tax bills.
Jindal now seems willing to back a plan — any plan — that repeals the state income tax.
Jindal officials promise to get their revenue estimates right this time, but their budget already is balanced on one-time money that may not materialize.