Photo by Brooke Thorington
In what seems like a last swing at bat Republican megadonor Lane Grigsby sent lawmakers a letter trying to persuade them to hold a constitutional convention this year.
“The letter cites changes to the public-school funding formula, and the Homestead Exemption that we all have on our property taxes on our homes, and a number of other sales tax changes,” said LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford. “And a host of a few other things as well. Still focusing big changes on the financial section of the constitution.”
During the regular session, Governor Jeff Landry had the full support of the House for a convention but when the proposal went to the higher chamber, Alford said they put on the breaks.
“The Senate kind of put up its arms and said we need to slow down, this is a major undertaking of our most fundamental law, and only a few weeks have passed since that happened. So, I can only assume that the Senate still has that posture,” said Alford.
One reason for the rush Alford said is the expected high Republican voter turnout for the presidential election. He said architects of the convention feel strong conservative support will ensure their initiatives will be approved.
This year alone lawmakers were in Baton Rouge for an organizational session, two special sessions, and a regular session that wrapped in June. Alford believes legislators aren’t keen on returning to the capitol for a fourth time.
“And so, there’s some fatigue there. That’s certainly playing into what’s happening right now. So, we’ll just have to wait and see. The news is still fresh but right now the reaction is still lukewarm,” said Alford.
A Secretary of State’s Office spokesperson said for the changes to be voted on in the fall election a convention must be completed by early September.
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