[StBernard] Governor Blanco calls Special Session a success

[Westley Annis]

Highlights of the Louisiana Legislature, 
Special Session 2005

"Over 17 days, we put politics aside and dedicated ourselves to the serious
work of recovery and rebuilding by balancing our budget, cutting taxes,
reforming public schools and firmly establishing the blueprints for coastal
protection and restoration as well as establishing a new statewide building
code."    --Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco 

REFORMING EDUCATION

The children of New Orleans finally have the opportunity for good schools.
The Legislature acted to take over failing schools in Orleans Parish and
place them in the Recovery School District.  Once in the Recovery School
District, the State Department of Education would be able to run those
schools, or find a provider with a proven record of success to run them.

New Orleans must come back stronger than before, and education is one of the
key places to begin the transformation.  We can make New Orleans education a
model for the nation.
Giving these schools a fresh start is an important first step in turning
around the Orleans Parish School System. Good schools will bring people back
to the city they love.  And it will also send a clear message across the
country that Louisiana is prepared to take bold new steps in pursuit of
educational excellence.

IMPROVING FLOOD PROTECTION

Governor Blanco and the Legislature enacted legislation to impose a high
level of accountability and aggressive oversight on levee districts. The
bill: 
This bill requires levee districts to comply with the comprehensive coastal
protection master plan and would give the Coastal Protection and Restoration
Authority the power to enforce that compliance.
Expands the existing responsibilities and the membership of the State
Wetlands Authority.  It does not create yet another level of bureaucracy,
but works within an existing Authority. It does NOT require the expenditure
of more general fund dollars.  It does NOT include levee districts in
non-coastal areas that would not have to comply with the master plan.

STATEWIDE BUILDING CODE

Governor Blanco persuaded the Legislature to establish a set of statewide
uniform building codes for all residential and commercial properties.
Minimum building standards are necessary to ensure the continued
availability of affordable insurance.
Requires enforcement of the codes by local jurisdictions.
Creates the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council to educate and
certify the building officials that will enforce the standards.  The
International Code Council publishes the standards that will serve as the
foundation of the Louisiana statewide codes.

CUTTING TAXES TO CREATE AND RESTORE JOBS

Governor Blanco and the Legislature created a three-day sales tax holiday to
help businesses and consumers.

The Governor and Legislature ensured that taxpayers get the full benefits of
federal disaster tax relief.

The Governor proposed cutting business taxes for affected businesses in the
hard-hit parishes, and the Legislature agreed, voting overwhelmingly in
favor of stimulating our economy.  
The phase-out of the sales tax on manufacturing equipment and machinery and
the tax on corporate debt are well under way.  House Bill 39 and House Bill
41 eliminate the sales taxes on replacement machinery and equipment and the
franchise tax on any debt incurred to rebuild.

The Governor and Legislature cut industry taxes on electricity and natural
gas, knowing this would create more short-term and long-term investment in
the State.


###

The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation (LDRF), Louisiana's fund for
Louisiana's people, has been established by Governor Kathleen Babineaux
Blanco in order to support long-term family restoration and recovery and
help provide assistance to our citizens in need through a network of
Louisiana charities and non-profit agencies. 

1-877-HELPLA1 (877-435-7521) www.louisianahelp.org