Private memo outlines governor's tax overhaul plans
by MICHELLE MILLHOLLON - Advocate (excerpt)

In a handout given to legislators during briefings, Gov. Bobby Jindal calls for raising the state sales tax from 4 percent to 5.78 percent and increasing the state cigarette tax by more than $1 per pack.

Legislators were allowed to peruse a two-page outline titled “A Framework for Comprehensive Tax Reform” while the governor explained his plan for eliminating the state personal income and corporate taxes. The memo describes at least two bills, one would increase sales taxes as part of repealing personal income taxes and corporate income and franchise taxes. The second bill described would create a Louisiana State and Local Sales Tax Commission that would “act as a single collector.”

The governor is meeting with legislators ahead of the legislative session that begins in April. He has released few details on how he plans to make his tax elimination plan revenue neutral.