(The Center Square) – The Caddo Parish Commission voiced its opposition to proposed state legislation that would curb its “home rule” autonomy in matters of taxation and government spending.
Tammy Phelps, a Democrat from Shreveport representing District 3, has introduced the measure at the regular legislative session in progress in Baton Rouge. House Bill 674 is currently waiting for consideration by the House and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Phelps, serving her second term in the Legislature, announced her candidacy to run for Shreveport mayor in the November general election. Three Democratic candidates and one Republican candidate are set to challenge first-term Republican incumbent Mayor Tom Arceneaux.
HB674 grants state government more direct oversight and participation in city or parish economic development project negotiations.
At Monday’s work session, the commission voted 9-1 in favor of advancing the resolution forward for consideration at Thursday’s regular commission meeting. Commissioner Chris Kracman cast the opposing vote.
“From my vantage point, it’s a principle position that we’re taking in support of home rule,” said Commission President Gregory Young. “We want to discourage any type of intervention into how we make decisions consistent with the Louisiana Constitution, which affords us the right to make decisions about how we spend our money.”
The “home rule charter” is a provision in the 1974 state constitution that allows local governments – cities and parishes – to govern themselves, providing them with greater autonomy to tax, spend and legislate rather than being restricted by state-level legislation, according to a state document.
Under HB674, confidential records tied to economic development projects would be made available to the state’s economic development agency, information typically held back until negotiations conclude. The bill also gives legislators whose districts overlap the local government the right to participate in active negotiations.
“I did have a chance to talk to Rep. Phelps over the weekend … because I personally had an appreciation for her bill, which seemed like a transparency bill,” Kracman said.
Commissioner Victor Thomas expressed frustration over the lack of information coming from their lobbyists who are paid to keep the commission informed. At the moment, Thomas was told, the commission is not employing any firms in that capacity.
