(The Center Square) — Caddo Commission President Stormy Gage-Watts introduced Resolution 28 opposing House Bill 480 currently in the Louisiana House of Representatives this week.
The commission voted in favor of the resolution on Thursday.
“This is critical for economic development for Caddo Parish as we always face intense competition for securing projects, recruiting and retaining jobs,” said Gage-Watts. “They have been using this tool, the payment in lieu of taxes, as an effective tool for over three decades, which says a lot.”
Rep. Danny McCormick, R-Oil City, introduced the bill in April. However, in Tuesday’s House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works meeting, McCormick postponed the legislation to next week after an amendment.
Rep. Bryan Fontenot, R-Thibodaux, suggested many officials in opposition to the bill might feel differently given the new amendment omitting the Louisiana Economic Development.
“The process that the port has been using so far seems to have worked well for the parish,” said Caddo Parish Administrator Erica Bryant. “I’m saying this as a member of the Port Commission, I sit on the Port Board, not so much as your Administrator.
“We believe that this is advantageous to our parish in order to provide the economic incentives to the companies that may locate at the port. It has brought benefits to Caddo Parish. We believe the process should remain the same.”
Some commissioners, however, do not support the resolution.
“As it’s been my practice, I tend to refrain from advising the state House and state Senate on what I think they should do. As a matter of maintaining that practice, I’ll be voting no on 28 and 29,” said Commissioner John Atkins.
Commissioner Chris Kracman said he does not want to oppose HB480 until it is amended and everyone knows the end product.
Resolution 28 passed with eight in support and four opposed. Kracman, Atkins, Commissioner Grace Anne Blake and Commissioner Ed Lazarus voted against the resolution.
