The House Ways and Means Committee approves legislation to increase taxes on vapor products and electronic cigarettes and dedicates the first $22 million raised annually for State Police pay raises. Covington Representative Paul Hollis is honored to carry this bill through the legislature.
“This is one of the most important bills I’ve ever brought to this body and let me tell you why. The dedication goes to state police. If we’re going to put a tax on something, to me vape is an ideal place to put this tax.”
The tax levied on vapor products and electronic cigarettes would increase from .05 per mililiter of consumable liquid solution to .30 per mililiter.
State Police Superintendent Colonel Lamar Davis says Louisiana is falling behind other states when it comes to pay for their troopers.
“All of our bordering states pay more than we pay. I’ve lost troopers to Mississippi, to Texas, to Tennessee. And some to local agencies that are paying more than we pay.”
The average salary for a State Trooper after their first year is nearly $51,000. With an increase in mass shootings and crime across the nation, Davis urged lawmakers to consider the sacrifices officers make on a daily basis.
“I’m asking that we consider the dangers and we pay them appropriately. And I will be the first to tell you, we probably can’t pay them enough.”
The bill heads to the House floor.
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