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Even Attempts at Humor Failing

Sue Lincoln

The mood at the Capitol is nearly as gloomy inside as outside. While the Senate remains frustrated by the continued intractability of the House, some in the upper chamber tried to lighten the somber mood with humor Tuesday evening.

Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor proposed an amendment to the alcohol tax bill, upping the tax by a nickel a beer. He came with a prop.

“I got a nice can here in purple and gold,” Claitor said, as he placed the beer can on the lectern at the front of the Senate chamber. “Drink up for Higher Ed.”

Claitor’s amendment failed, though the full Senate did approve HB 27, which ups the tax on beer, wine and spirits.

Lafayette Senator Page Cortez came to the front with props, as well – Mardi Gras beads.

“If you’re buying a Mardi Gras bead, you’re paying a tax,” he said, as he dangled the beads like a veteran float rider.

Cortez was trying to repeal the sales tax exemption for Mardi Gras beads by tacking an amendment onto Rep. Malinda White’s vendor compensation bill. He said it’s a start toward paring down the state’s many tax exemptions.

“Let’s take the first step,” Cortez urged.

Revenue and Fiscal Affairs chairman J.P. Morrell, who was handling HB 43 for Rep. White, objected.

“Though this amendment is very well intentioned, hijacking this bill is a distraction from what the bill’s underlying goal is, which is to create revenue.”

West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth disagreed.

“We made sure we taxed everything else, then all of a sudden, well, we really don’t want to go after the Mardi Gras beads?” Walsworth asked. “I’ll be honest with you -- I think the amendment ought to stay.”

Cortez backed away, but not before warning there’s another session starting next week, and this will come up again then.

“I’m going to withdraw these amendments,” Cortez announced, “But to the Fiscal Office, if they’re listening, there’s 190 of these. You need to get fiscal notes on so we can know for sure exactly who’s getting what, and why, and what the state is getting in return for it.”