Louisiana’s Tax Reform: Climbing the Rankings, Facing the Trade-Offs

Jim Patterson from the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) joins the show to unpack the state’s leap to #31 in the 2026 State Tax Competitiveness Index. Thanks to sweeping reforms—like a 3% flat individual income tax and 5.5% corporate rate—Louisiana is gaining national attention. But challenges remain: the state ranks dead last in sales tax competitiveness due to fragmented local collection and high combined rates. Patterson discusses the balancing act between cutting taxes and funding government, the ripple effects in boardrooms nationwide, and the need for tough conversations around property taxes. It’s a candid look at policy, progress, and what’s next.