re: Together BR, teacher union: Deny all industrial tax exemptions

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sn't the state hemmoraging money (as in loss of tax income) from these too good to be true deals with plants and such?

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The exemption has been in place since 1930. Without industry, this state would be in really bad shape.

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what are they offering in return?

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They're offering you a sense of moral righteousness that you voted to give more money to kids by taking it from evil corporations that are the lifeblood of the local economy.

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Sure they get some bank holidays a week off for Christmas and Easter, then two months in the summer, but they also work 10hr plus days throughout the regular year.

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Week for Thanksgiving, 2 weeks for Christmas/New Year’s, week for Spring, 4 days for Easter, etc. The kids go 180 days, so half the year. The teachers have realized if they serve lunch, that counts as a day. So the kids really go about 170 days because they count half days before all of those holidays as well as teacher in services.

As far as working 10 hours a day... No they don’t. They’re lined up to leave the school as soon as the bell rings. So they’re not there 8 hours most days. That includes a planning/free hour and lunch. Now if you’re talking about COACHES and not teachers, ok. Yes they typically leave after 10+ hours on practice days and 13-14+ hours on game days. As well as coaching throughout the summer for strength and conditioning. Coaches are underpaid far more than just some random English teacher.

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As far as working 10 hours a day... No they don’t.

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Correct. We generally worked from 8-4. School was out at 2:30 and post/prep work was done immediately after. Sure you do some lesson planning at home but that's generally when ideas hit you.

They really are showing their true colors I regret supporting them at one point.

There is no bigger divisive group in BR then them. Anti business, anti progress...

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3) Let’s also assume that without the tax break, the business will not come, and/or will leave, or won’t expand to increase jobs and tax revenue.

At that point, I think it’s simply a mathematical question for a community. Does the benefit of the tax break outweigh the loss in tax revenue?

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I think that its a safe assumption to make that companies shop states for the most friendly tax environment. The thing that people don't realize is that ITEP is new money. Giving the exemption doesn't reduce current funding, it just defers the new monies for 8 years. I think it is a 100% abatement for the first 5 years, then 80% for the next 3. After those 8 years 100% of the revenue will go to the local entities.

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I think that its a safe assumption to make that companies shop states for the most friendly tax environment. The thing that people don't realize is that ITEP is new money. Giving the exemption doesn't reduce current funding, it just defers the new monies for 8 years. I think it is a 100% abatement for the first 5 years, then 80% for the next 3. After those 8 years 100% of the revenue will go to the local entities.

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So temporary tax relief in exchange for long-term tax revenue. Opposition to that does sound a bit short sided.

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With uncertified, unqualified teachers, yes

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Louisiana's certification process is a joke - especially for teachers in HS.

Are there any estimates of how much tax revenue is generated by other means associated with the business during this exemption period?

I'm sure you could find it. Companies will still pay sales tax, inventory tax (which is another subject all together), payroll tax, and more. Plus if the company adds any new jobs that's additional income tax, property taxes and local sales tax.