Louisiana Speaker of the House Phillip Devillier spoke at Thursday’s New Iberia Kiwanis Club meeting to give an update on the legislative moves made this year by the Louisiana House of Representatives as well as to give predictions on what’s coming next year. 

The longtime member of the House said everyone knows that Louisiana tax reform has always been one of his main issues as a legislator, and next year’s legislative session seems like it will be an opportunity to tackle comprehensive tax reform while having to contend with the $340 million (or $585 if you take into considerations) deficit in state government. 

After the first meeting with Gov. Landry, Devillier said he was told that crime had to be dealt with first, because even if adequate tax reform would be approved there were still too many people not coming to Louisiana due to crime concerns. 

That kicked off the special crime session held earlier this year, as well as another special session for redistricting. 

In the past year, Devillier said the gains made in Baton Rouge in terms of education and insurance form have been particularly effective. 

The 38 bills passed to reform Louisiana’s insurance world gave the House the “wind in our sails” to continue to work on the problem, and Devillier said that work is still continuing. 

“We haven’t stopped meeting and we’re hoping we have a good solid package by the end of the year,” he said. 

As for next year, Devillier said there are many options on the table to deal with the budget deficit. Combining the Revenue Stabilization Account and the Budget Stabilization into one fund which would allow additional collections to go to the General Fund in what Devillier said would be a “massive” contribution to the General Fund. 

“There are plenty of options out there, how do you balance the books,” Devillier said. “Some people don’t want to do anything, they just want to cut government, which is an option. 

“We can rework some of the triggers, there’s not a lot of appetite for that. We can combine the two savings accounts and that would create a huge surplus of dollars.”

Devillier also mentioned Landry’s recent editorial calling for tax reform, and called Landry’s plan forward thinking. 

“The governor put out a very forward thinking that will put Louisiana from 42nd in the nation to number 8,” he said. “Instead of trying to fill a budget deficit, (we’re asking) how far can we go in trying to recreate your tax policy in Louisiana.”