Overview
BGRÂ provides analysis of local propositions as well as amendments to the state constitution appearing on the ballot for November 4, 2008. A proposition in New Orleans would amend the city charter to make comprehensive changes to planning and land use decision making in the city. A proposition in Jefferson Parish would expand the permissible uses of an existing sales tax to include drainage improvements. The state constitutional amendments take on a variety of issues:
- Imposing term limits on members of certain state boards and commissions
- Increasing the notice period for extraordinary sessions of the Legislature
- Providing temporary replacements for legislators called to active military duty
- Dedicating a greater amount of severance tax revenues to the parishes that generate them and
creating a special fund for the Atchafalaya Basin region. - Allowing a property owner to transfer a tax assessment freeze to a new property under certain conditions
- Exempting blighted property from certain restrictions on expropriation
- Allowing the state and local governments to invest funds for certain post-employment benefits in equities.