Gov. Jindal's tax plan is kaput, hopefully tax reform is alive: James Varney

nola.com ^ | April 08, 2013 | James Varney

[BBell]

Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal has bowed to the inevitable and "parked" his plan to swap Louisiana's personal and corporate income taxes for a broader, steeper sales tax. It was a dramatic way to open the Legislature's fiscal session Monday.

It was also, of course, a political reality. The governor's plan wasn't going anywhere.

But here's hoping the fact that Jindal's initial proposal has now been taken off the table doesn't mean state tax reform leaves the scene, too. As the second part of NOLA.com's headline notes, he called for an "alternative plan," and hopefully legislators will follow through on that call.

After all, a more consumption-oriented tax code, a more open and welcoming environment for new businesses and more jobs - this is the direction Louisiana should be seeking.

Jindal acknowledged his plan simply had not gotten the reception from voters or lawmakers he hoped it would, according to transcripts of his speech made available but embargoed before he delivered it. He spun his decision to withdraw the bills as an illustration of how he has "listened."

[BBell]

This is what happens when half the population does not pay any state tax. Jindal caved.

House Democrats say Jindal bowed to 'political reality' in shelving tax plan