Legislature

Louisiana’s governor historically wields more power than counterparts across the United States: handpicking leadership in both chambers of the Louisiana Legislature, setting State Bond Commission agendas and possessing line-item veto authority.

The business lobby notched a small win on the final day of the legislative session last week when a handful of bills targeting Louisiana companies and the taxes they pay were given a three-year expiration date.

At the same time Revenue Secretary Tim Barfield was playing a lead legislative role for Gov. Bobby Jindal this session, primarily trying to make sure lawmakers avoided a net tax increase, other politicos were encouraging him to run for mayor of Baton Rouge.