BGR Examines Local, State Items on Fall 2011 Ballots

• Bureau of Governmental Research

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 a proposition to renew the property tax for the New Orleans Regional Business Park. Voters in Plaquemines, St. Bernard and St. Tammany parishes will consider increasing the homestead exemption for disabled veterans. The election also includes five constitutional amendments.

The November 19 ballot includes a New Orleans charter amendment to change the board governance of the Public Belt Railroad Commission. Voters in Jefferson will consider increasing the homestead exemption for disabled veterans. And the ballot includes a state constitutional amendment to prohibit state or local government from levying a new tax or fee on the sale or transfer of immovable property.