CATS Issue Splits EBR House Delegation
by Marsha Shuler - Advocate (excerpt)

Legislation that would remove the Baton Rouge Metro Council’s veto power over Capital Area Transit System operations squeaked out of the state House on Tuesday. The House voted 55-44 for the measure — two votes more than the majority needed for passage. The bill heads to the Senate for further debate.

Members of the local legislative delegation split on the issue.

VOTING FOR: Regina Barrow (D), Ted James (D), Pat Smith (D), Alfred Williams (D).

VOTING AGAINST: Steve Carter (R), Franklin Foil (R), Hunter Greene (R), Erich Ponti (R), Clif Richardson (R).

COMMENTARY: This bill, as amended, does open the possibility of privatization of the bus system. However it is still a terrible bill that should be defeated in the Senate.

We wholeheartedly agree with The Advocate, the Business Report, the Republican Party, the Tea Party, Tax Busters, the Zachary City Council and the many other organizations and individuals who oppose this "Big Bus Tax." We've heard all the arguments on both sides. This tax proposal leaves way too many unanswered questions! Hopefully, the taxpayers of Baton Rouge, Baker and Zachary will wake up and stop this nonsense. Early Voting Is This Week!