Today, the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) hosted a virtual Breakfast Briefing featuring a panel discussion on Louisiana Constitutional Amendments Nos. 1 and 2. The amendments would reform sales tax collection and income taxes in Louisiana, and voters will decide them in the November 13, 2021 election. BGR welcomed a panel of experts to discuss what the amendments mean for citizens, businesses, and state and local government. Our panelists included Dr. Jim Richardson, professor emeritus in public administration at Louisiana State University; Kimberly J. Lewis, Louisiana’s Secretary of Revenue; and Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc.
This event was free to the public thanks to the generous sponsorship of:


Event Videos
Watch the full video of BGR’s event by clicking below:
Following their individual presentations, the panelists answered audience questions moderated by BGR’s President and CEO Amy Glovinsky. Among other things, they shared their thoughts on key concerns that have been raised in the public debate on the amendments. Watch short clips of their responses to:
- How would you summarize the views of opponents of the amendments?
- How could Amendment 1 mitigate concerns about the loss of local control?
- Why should Louisiana lower income tax rates but not sales tax rates?
Additional Resources
While BGR is not preparing a report on these amendments, voters can access more information by clicking the links below:
- The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (PAR) Guide to the 2021 Constitutional Amendments
- The Louisiana Legislative Fiscal Office report on Amendment 2 and the income tax changes it would trigger
Thank you to our panelists
Click below to access the presentation slides of our panelists:

