This edition of Now looks at the recent move in the Louisiana State Legislature to defund the state Office of Inspector General.
RELATED REPORTS
BGR on HB1243: Moving Forward and Planning Carefully Are Not in Conflict
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In a Capitol Commentary submitted to the Senate Local and Municipal Affairs Committee on May 6, BGR urged policymakers to ensure that House Bill 1243, which would give the New Orleans City Council sweeping authority over the Sewerage and Water Board, is paired with a deliberate plan for the transition. BGR has no position on the bill.
BGR Supports City’s Casino Revenue Deal but Demands Financial Safeguards
BGR examines the City’s proposal to sell rights to future Caesars casino lease revenues for $102.6 million in emergency cash and finds the deal makes sense, but only if safeguards are added. The ordinance must include spending restrictions and transparency requirements.
BGR Opposes Cuts to Orleans Parish Judgeships Without a Supreme Court Study
BGR examines pending legislation to cut nine judgeships in Orleans Parish and warns that the proposed reductions are outpacing the evidence. The Legislature should wait for a complete Supreme Court analysis before making cuts that could take years to undo.
BGR Letter Opposes Restrictions on Jefferson Parish Inspector General
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This letter urges the Jefferson Parish Council to reject proposed limits on the communications of the Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General. BGR’s December 10 letter analyzes the proposed changes as introduced by the council. Click the button above to download a copy of the letter, or continue reading. In 2011, Jefferson Parish voters amended […]
Public Entities Should Continue Online Meeting Access after the Pandemic
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OVERVIEW This report calls on more government entities in Louisiana to livestream and archive video recordings of their meetings online, so citizens can continue to enjoy the benefits of remote access as pandemic restrictions ease and in-person meetings resume. During the COVID-19 pandemic, citizens gained new access to the meetings of many public bodies in […]
BGR Urges Strong Planning and Accountability for Federal Relief Funds
OVERVIEW In this release, Handle with Care: Public Planning and Accountability Must Guide Spending of Federal Relief Funds, BGR offers guidance to government entities on harnessing the opportunities presented by unprecedented federal funding to spur recovery from the pandemic’s economic, fiscal and health impacts.
BGR NOW: Revitalizing New Orleans’ Office of Inspector General
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OVERVIEW As a nationwide search begins for New Orleans’ next inspector general, this report analyzes key components of the selection process and future oversight of the inspector general. It examines recent measures taken or proposed to improve each area and recommends additional improvements. Recent problems within the New Orleans Office of Inspector General (OIG), including […]
BGR Analyzes Jefferson Inspector General Tax Renewal Proposition
Overview On the Ballot: Jefferson Parish Inspector General Tax Renewal, November 3, 2020 is intended to help voters in the unincorporated areas of Jefferson Parish make an informed decision on whether to renew a 10-year, 0.5-mill property tax dedicated to the Office of Inspector General and the Ethics and Compliance Commission. While the tax is […]
Analyzing Past New Orleans Budgets to Guide Funding Priorities
Overview A Look Back to Plan Ahead: Analyzing Past New Orleans Budgets to Guide Funding Priorities reviews a decade of City General Fund budgets. It also lays a foundation for examining potential opportunities to reallocate revenue to critical needs.
2019 Jefferson Parish Council Candidate Q&A
Questions for a New Parish Council is the second in a two-part 2019 Candidate Q&A Election Series providing the views of candidates for Jefferson Parish government on important public policy issues, such as tax dedications and contracting. Questions for a New Parish Council provides voters with the candidates’ answers to 16 questions developed from BGR’s […]
2019 Jefferson Parish President Candidate Q&A
Questions for a New Parish President is the first in a two-part 2019 Candidate Q&A Election Series providing the views of candidates for Jefferson Parish president on important public policy issues affecting Parish government. Questions for a New Parish President provides voters with the candidates’ answers to 16 questions developed from BGR’s body of research. […]
City Council Members Should Regulate, Not Govern, the S&WB
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OVERVIEW BGR’s release addresses a bill that would, among other things, allow a member of the New Orleans City Council to sit on the Sewerage & Water Board. BGR opposes the change in board composition for the S&WB and urges instead that policymakers focus on improving City Council oversight and regulation of the S&WB within […]
Aligning Louisiana’s Nonprofit Exemption with National Norms
Overview In an open letter to the Louisiana Legislature, BGR reiterates the problems with the state’s unusual nonprofit property tax exemptions. The letter explains the deficiencies in the current provisions, demonstrates their unusual status in the context of other states’ requirements and presents a template for a constitutional amendment.
On New Orleans’ Ballot: Proposed Police Monitor Amendment
Overview BGR analyzes a November 8, 2016 proposition that would amend New Orleans’ charter to allow for the permanent separation of the Independent Police Monitor from the Office of Inspector General.
Convention Center Bill Highlights Need to Rethink Local Taxes
Overview In Convention Center Bill Highlights Need to Rethink Local Taxation, BGR addresses a bill that would grant taxing authority to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center’s economic development district. The release calls for a comprehensive re-evaluation of Orleans Parish taxes, with an eye toward aligning tax revenues with the city’s most pressing needs.
BGR to Legislature: Protect Coastal Funding
Overview In Safeguard Coastal Funds, Safeguard Louisiana’s Future, BGR comments on bills filed in the 2016 legislative session that could reduce or loosen constitutional protections on coastal restoration funding.
Fixing Louisiana’s Costly and Unusual Nonprofit Exemptions
Overview In It’s Time for Common Sense on Nonprofit Exemptions, BGR calls on the Louisiana Legislature to address overly broad language in the state constitution for nonprofit property tax exemptions that is costly to both local governments and taxpayers.
Orleans Schools Tax and Jefferson Charter Changes
Overview BGR reviews a proposed property tax for the upkeep of public school facilities in New Orleans and 11 propositions to amend the Jefferson Parish charter that voters will decide on December 6, 2014. The charter propositions relate to: Modifying the Jefferson Parish Council’s authority to investigate parish affairs Limiting the outside employment of the […]
SB 469 – Does It Eliminate the Public’s Rights?
Overview In this open letter to the Louisiana State Legislature in 2014, BGR expresses concern that SB 469 might permanently deprive the residents of coastal Louisiana of significant claims against the oil and gas industry and others. It provides a list of questions in need of answers before the House of Representatives votes on the […]
Special Counsel Bill Threatens Levee Boards’ Independence
Overview In this release, BGR addresses a bill in the 2014 legislative session that would require the regional flood protection authorities to get the governor’s approval before hiring special counsel. The change would expose the flood protection authorities to political pressure and intervention from the governor. This has long-term implications for flood protection and coastal […]
Amended SB 79 Still Threatens Levee Boards’ Independence
Overview In this release, BGR addresses a bill in the 2014 legislative session that would allow the governor to unilaterally remove members of regional flood protection authorities for vague reasons. The change would expose the flood protection authorities to political pressure and intervention from the governor. This has long-term implications for flood protection and coastal […]
Opening Floodgates to Gubernatorial Interference
Overview In this release, BGR addresses a bill in the 2014 legislative session that would move the regional flood protection authorities into the executive branch. The change would expose the flood protection authorities to political pressure and intervention from the governor. This has implications for flood protection and coastal restoration.
2014 Bill Would Weaken Levee Board Reforms
Overview In this release, BGR raises concerns about a bill pending in the state Senate in 2014 that would weaken the critical reforms of local levee boards put in place in response to the 2005 levee failures, including the regional flood protection authorities. This has implications for flood protection and coastal restoration.
BGR Letter Addresses S&WB Reform Effort in 2013 Session
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Overview In an open letter to the Louisiana Legislature, BGR sets forth its positions on evolving legislation to reform the governance of the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans.
BGR Examines Proposed Hotel Assessment in New Orleans
Overview In this release, BGR examines a 2013 legislative proposal to authorize a hotel assessment in New Orleans. For hotel guests, the assessment would be the functional equivalent of a new hotel tax.
S&WB Governance Reform: The Next Steps Forward
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Overview In this release, BGR discusses possible amendments to the evolving governance reforms for the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans and recommends improvements.
New Orleans Firefighter Pension Woes and the Legislative Session
Overview In Sound the Alarm, BGR examines the New Orleans Fire Fighters’ Pension and Relief Fund – which has become a major financial burden for the public – and relevant bills under consideration by the Legislature in 2013.
S&WB Reforms: Creating a Strong Nomination Process
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Overview In this release, BGR discusses possible amendments to pending legislation to reform the governance of the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans, and makes recommendations to protect the nominating process.
A Step in the Wrong Direction on State OIG
This edition of Now looks at the recent move in the Louisiana State Legislature to defund the state Office of Inspector General.
BGR Examines Local, State Items on Fall 2011 Ballots
Overview BGR examines charter amendments, tax propositions and state constitutional amendments on the October and November 2011 ballots. The October 22 ballot includes a Jefferson Parish charter amendment to establish the Office of Inspector General and an Ethics and Compliance Commission, as well as a related property tax to fund both entities. It also includes […]
BGR Reviews State and Local Ballot Propositions
Overview BGR analyzes two Orleans Parish propositions and two State constitutional amendments on the ballot for October 2, 2010. The two Orleans Parish propositions would amend the Home Rule Charter of the City of New Orleans to reconfigure the governance of City recreation services and facilities, and adjust the City Council membership on the Sewerage […]
BGR Opposes Dilution of Open Meetings Laws
Overview In this letter to the members of the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee of the State Legislature, BGR opposes any dilution of the state’s open meetings laws. The letter comes in response to a push to close certain meetings of public bodies. May 18, 2010 Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee P.O. Box 94183 Baton […]
BGR Reviews Propositions for Criminal Justice, OIG
Overview In On the Ballot: New Orleans, October 2008, BGR provides analysis and takes positions on two ballot propositions: one to issue bonds through the Sheriff’s Law Enforcement District for Orleans Parish criminal justice facilities and another to protect the newly created Office of Inspector General in New Orleans.
Letter to City Council: Office of Inspector General
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Overview In September 2006, members of the New Orleans City Council introduced an ordinance to establish an Office of Inspector General. Read BGR’s letter to the City Council as well as the version of the ordinance introduced on October 19 and the final version approved by City Council on November 2.
RELATED MEDIA
BGR: City’s Casino Revenue Deal Makes Sense, but Add Safeguards Now
On Tuesday, May 5 and Thursday, May 7, the New Orleans Building Corp. board and the City Council plan to vote on a deal to sell rights to future Caesars casino lease payments for $102.6 million in immediate cash. BGR...
BGR to Legislature: Don’t Cut Orleans Parish Judges Without a Full Study
On Monday, April 20, 2026, the Louisiana Legislature is scheduled to vote on two bills— House Bill 911 and Senate Bill 217 — that would eliminate nine judgeships in Orleans Parish, consolidating courts and potentially saving millions for the...
Insurance Commissioner Speaks at BGR Breakfast Briefing
NEW ORLEANS – Before introducing Tim Temple, the Louisiana Commissioner of Insurance, BGR President and CEO Rebecca Mowbray kicked off the Sept. 18 BGR Breakfast Briefing by flagging 2 upcoming BGR Reports: Temple: What is Insurance? Introducing the Insurance Commissioner, Mowbray mentioned the rising...
June 18 Breakfast Briefing Focuses on Post-Katrina Government Reforms and Future Citizen Engagement
Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, BGR’s June 18 Breakfast Briefing discussed the disaster’s lasting impact on local government reform—and what lessons public officials and citizens can use to inspire future change. This event was free to...
Gov. Jeff Landry sought to reshape New Orleans’ flood protection agency. Legislators pushed back.
A watered-down version of a bill that initially sought to allow Gov. Jeff Landry to reshape New Orleans’ flood protection authority is headed to the governor’s desk for his signature, ending a power struggle over control of the agency....
Homestead exemption hike again moves forward in Louisiana
BATON ROUGE, La. (WVUE) – A proposal to increase Louisiana’s homestead exemption for the first time in more than four decades is gaining traction at the State Capitol. The measure, authored by Rep. Matt Willard (D-New Orleans), would allow...
Read BGR’s Statement on Flood Protection Authority Governance
The Bureau of Governmental Research issued the following statement today in support of the core framework for governance of the Southeast Louisiana flood protection authorities: The governor’s advisers have alleged that the New Orleans area’s vital flood protection infrastructure...
Jefferson Parish Council defers vote on IG speech ordinance after agreement
JEFFERSON PARISH, La. (WVUE) – The Jefferson Parish Council didn’t vote to restrict the parish inspector general’s speech, but the council’s deferral came at a price. During Wednesday’s (12/11) council meeting, Councilmember Arita Bohannan said she begrudgingly supported a...
Jefferson Parish Council delays new restrictions for IG as she seeks to make peace
After a tumultuous year of fighting between the Jefferson Parish Council and the Office of Inspector General, the two have agreed to come together to hash out their differences instead of voting to enact sweeping changes to restrict the...
BGR Raises Concerns About Proposed Restrictions on Jefferson Inspector General
Today, BGR sent a letter to the Jefferson Parish Council urging council members to reject proposed limits on the communications of the Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General. BGR’s December 10 letter analyzes the proposed changes as introduced by the council....
Jefferson Parish watchdog rallies national support on eve of council vote that would limit IG powers to speak publicly
JEFFERSON PARISH, La. — The Jefferson Parish Inspector General, Kim Chatelain, made a public push Tuesday with letters of support from offices of inspector general across the country and local government watchdogs to keep the full authority of her...
Proposed crackdown on Jefferson Parish Inspector General might be amended before vote
JEFFERSON PARISH, La. (WVUE) – The Jefferson Parish Council is scheduled to vote Wednesday (Dec. 11) on a proposed ordinance that would curb what the parish inspector general can say to the public and media. A sponsor of the...
Inspector general questions city process for tax exemption deals
A city of New Orleans agency that’s responsible for tens of millions of dollars in tax breaks is in need of a standardized and transparent set of policies for determining which projects should receive the incentives, according to a...
Critics urging Sen. Cloud to kill public records access bill
NEW ORLEANS — Sen. Heather Cloud, a Republican from central Louisiana is trying to resurrect a bill now on legislative life-support. Her legislation that would gut the state’s public records law has attracted critics on both sides of the...
Why it’s so important to protect public records laws & hold lawmakers accountable
Tommy talks with Becky Mowbray, President and CEO of BGR. Listen to podcast here. Read BGR’s commentary on public records here.
The Breakdown: Sen. Cloud to amend bill casting dark shadow over Louisiana’s sunshine laws
NEW ORLEANS — In your Breakdown: Senator Heather Cloud says she will dial back some of her efforts to cast a dark shadow over Louisiana’s sunshine laws. On the Senate Floor Tuesday, she said amendments are in the works...
BGR Opposes Bill Limiting Access to Public Records
NEW ORLEANS — From the Bureau of Governmental Research: BGR is a private, nonprofit, independent research organization dedicated to informed public policy making and the effective use of public resources for the improvement of government in the New Orleans...
BGR Voices Concern about Proposed Limits on Accessing Public Records
On Wednesday, April 17, BGR President and CEO Rebecca Mowbray joined a host of concerned citizens at the Louisiana State Capitol to testify against SB 482, a bill that would greatly limit public records laws in Louisiana. The full...
Flood of suggestions
After focusing on “the frequent failures” of the city’s Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans, Gov. Jeff Landry’s task force released recommendations to improve the city’s water and drainage services. “If there were a citywide confidence/no confidence vote...
Change ahead for the S&WB? Here’s how a proposed law could reshape the troubled utility.
A New Orleans lawmaker late Tuesday submitted a bill that would make sweeping changes to how the Sewerage & Water Board is governed, shifting power from Mayor LaToya Cantrell towards state and local officials who would temporarily oversee reforms...
New Orleans lawmaker files bill to take over S&WB, in line with Jeff Landry’s task force plan
A New Orleans-based lawmaker filed legislation late Tuesday to dismiss the local overseers of the beleaguered Sewerage and Water Board in favor of a temporary board made up of state and local officials, a drastic step recommended by Gov....
Sewerage & Water Board director says proposed state oversight of utility would be ‘disruptive’
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – The man in charge of the day-to-day operations of the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board told the City Council on Tuesday (April 2) that he objects to an oversight board proposed by Gov. Jeff...
Bureau of Governmental Research raises concerns over proposed recovery district for New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board
NEW ORLEANS — The Bureau of Governmental Research is raising what they call significant concerns with a proposed plan to overhaul the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board. Gov. Jeff Landry appointed a task force to create a plan...
Governor Jeff Landry’s proposal to merge Louisiana’s coastal agency with energy offices appears on hold
Gov. Jeff Landry’s proposal to move the state agency overseeing coastal restoration and hurricane protection under the Department of Energy and Natural Resources seems to be on hold for the moment. With the deadline to propose bills for this...
Bill on the table to appoint special master to oversee Sewerage and Water Board billing disputes
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Governor Jeff Landry’s special task force examining issues with the Sewerage and Water Board met for the second time Thursday evening to discuss billing and governance, and to hear from the public for the first...
Editorial: Louisiana’s coastal agency is working, don’t weaken it
Gov. Jeff Landry’s proposal to consolidate and reorganize the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority under the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources calls to mind the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Not only is...
BGR Urges Landry to Keep State’s Standalone Coastal Protection Agency
NEW ORLEANS — The Bureau of Governmental Research, a nonprofit government watchdog group, is urging Gov. Jeff Landry to keep Louisiana’s separate coastal protection agency. The newly elected governor said he’s considering merging the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority...
New Orleans City Council flexes muscle with new oversight power
The New Orleans City Council this week is flexing its new confirmation powers in the hiring process for top administration officials. Driving the news: Council members on Thursday will decide whether the city should hire Anne Kirkpatrick, Mayor LaToya...
People this Week: New hires, promotions, awards
Awards The Bureau of Governmental Research has received two research awards from the Governmental Research Association. BGR received a Certificate of Merit for Distinguished Research on a Local Government Issue for its method of analyzing local tax propositions in its “On...
BGR Wins National Research Awards, Welcomes New Board Member
NEW ORLEANS — From the Bureau of Governmental Research: BGR received two research awards from the Governmental Research Association at a national conference held last month in Philadelphia. In addition, BGR recently welcomed Melanie Bronfin as a new member of its...
BGR Wins National Research Awards, Welcomes New Board Member
The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) recently received two research awards from the Governmental Research Association (GRA) at its national conference held last month in Philadelphia. In addition, BGR recently welcomed Ms. Melanie Bronfin as a new member of...
People want more accessible, transparent council meetings
People were upset two years ago when the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to stay inside and mostly interact with others virtually. But since then, residents have acclimated to the convenience of having everything readily accessible online, including government meetings....
Celebrating Another Sunshine Week During the Pandemic
Sunshine Week (@SunshineWeek and #SunshineWeek) highlights our need to rebuild trust in public institutions. To accomplish this, we must promote access to public records, encourage lawmakers to be more transparent, and hold government accountable. At the heart of democracy...
Let’s continue to move toward virtual public meeting and courtroom access
One of the silver linings of the pandemic has been its effect on public meetings and our legal system. Because of limitations on persons gathering in close proximity, legislative and regulatory bodies ranging from congressional committees to town councils...
Our Views: Even in in-person era, public meetings should be more accessible remotely
During the pandemic, government, like everyone else, embraced the use of video conferencing platforms. Most public bodies are returning to business as usual these days, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t learned from the temporary disruption. The Bureau of...
BGR Urges Government Entities to Continue Online Access
NEW ORLEANS — From the Bureau of Governmental Research: BGR released a report today calling on more government entities in Louisiana to livestream and archive video recordings of their meetings online, so citizens can continue to enjoy the benefits...
As Public Meetings Resume in Person, Government Entities Should Continue Online Access
The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) released a report today calling on more government entities in Louisiana to livestream and archive video recordings of their meetings online, so citizens can continue to enjoy the benefits of remote access as pandemic...
Leading Louisiana into 2022: A BGR Virtual Breakfast Briefing with Gov. John Bel Edwards
Today, Governor John Bel Edwards joined the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) for a Virtual Breakfast Briefing to discuss his key priorities for 2022 and the potential impacts of new federal funding for Louisiana. Click here or on the...
BGR’s Dec. 17 Virtual ‘Breakfast Briefing’ to Feature Gov. Edwards
The Bureau of Governmental Research presents a free virtual “breakfast briefing” featuring Gov. John Bel Edwards at 8 a.m. Friday, Dec. 17 on Zoom. Edwards will discuss the state’s 2022 budget priorities and the statewide impact of federal funding. Click...
BGR Seeks Strong Planning and Accountability for Federal Relief Funds to Address Pandemic’s Impacts
The Bureau of Governmental Research today releases Handle with Care: Public Planning and Accountability Must Guide Spending of Federal Relief Funds. This BGR NOW offers guidance to government entities on harnessing the opportunities presented by unprecedented federal funding to...
BGR warns about politicizing Office of Inspector General as it weighs Ethics Review Board reforms
The board that recently ousted New Orleans Inspector General Derry Harper wants to open his old job to a broad slate of candidates and provide stronger whistleblower protections for the office’s employees. But the nonpartisan Bureau of Governmental Research...
BGR opposes shorter wait time for some New Orleans inspector general candidates
The New Orleans City Council will soon consider easing some of the restrictions for applicants interested in becoming the city’s next inspector general. The Ethics Review Board, which oversees the independent IG’s office, seeks the changes to open their...
BGR Seeks Improvements to New Orleans IG Selection Process, Oversight
Today, the Bureau of Governmental Research releases a new report, entitled Revitalizing New Orleans’ Office of Inspector General Depends on Quality of New Leader, Improved Oversight. The report analyzes key components of the selection process and future oversight of...
Stephanie Grace: There’s more on ballot than presidential race. Study up if you’re voting early.
Even as it’s grown in popularity, I’ve never felt compelled to participate in early voting. I enjoy the ritual of walking to my local polling place, seeing neighbors and greeting the commissioners who show up year after year to...
BGR Endorses Renewal of JP Inspector General Tax
NEW ORLEANS – In a new report, the Bureau of Governmental Research – a nonprofit watchdog group – recommends voters renew a 0.5-mill property tax dedicated to Jefferson Parish’s Office of Inspector General and the Ethics and Compliance Commission. BGR...
BGR throws support behind Jefferson Parish Inspector General millage renewal
The Jefferson Parish Inspector General’s property tax renewal, which is on the ballot Nov. 3, got the thumbs up from an independent nonprofit Tuesday, when the Bureau of Governmental Research announced its endorsement. The .5-mill, 10-year property tax that...
BGR Releases Report on Nov. 3 Jefferson Inspector General Property Tax Renewal
Today, the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) releases On the Ballot: Jefferson Parish Inspector General Tax Renewal, November 3, 2020. The report is intended to help voters in the unincorporated areas of Jefferson Parish make an informed decision on...
(Opinion) A Cautionary Tale: The New Orleans Office of Inspector General. Part 2: Facing Challenges
Read Part 1: Fulfilling the mission. The OIG faced a series of challenges beginning in 2015. While the Office remained highly productive and continued to release credible and well-respected reports, the cumulative effect of these challenges diverted attention from...
Inform Your Vote in Tomorrow’s Election with BGR’s Reports
Citizens in Orleans and Jefferson parishes who plan to vote in tomorrow’s election can inform their decisions with three BGR reports: On the Ballot: Housing Tax Exemptions in New Orleans, October 12, 2019 examines Constitutional Amendment No. 4, which...
BGR Analyzes Past New Orleans Budgets to Guide Funding Priorities
Today, BGR releases A Look Back to Plan Ahead: Analyzing Past New Orleans Budgets to Guide Funding Priorities. The report reviews the City’s General Fund budgets from 2010 to 2019, focusing on growth in revenues and changes in expenditures. As...
BGR Surveys Jefferson Parish Council Candidates on Key Policy Issues
Today BGR releases Questions for a New Parish Council, the second in a two-part report series providing the views of candidates for Jefferson Parish government on important public policy issues. Yesterday, BGR released the responses of the candidates for...
BGR Surveys Jefferson Parish President Candidates on Key Policy Issues
Today BGR releases Questions for a New Parish President, the first in a two-part series of reports providing the views of candidates for Jefferson Parish government on important public policy issues. Tomorrow, BGR will release the responses of the...
Many old issues re-emerge as New Orleans prepares for upcoming legislative session
As far as New Orleans is concerned, the session of the state Legislature starting Monday is likely to be a lot like last year’s. On multiple fronts, Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s office is girding for a repeat of past battles....
Should non-profits start paying taxes on their property?
60% of Louisiana property taxes were not taxed! This hours guest: Amy Glovinsky – President/CEO BGR (Bureau of Governmental Research)