[StBernard] Boasso Fuming at Blanco for reneging on Legislative Call Item

[Westley Annis]

Boasso Fuming at Blanco for reneging on Legislative Call Item 

Some of Louisiana's wealthiest citizens, many in the oil and gas industry,
are moving to Houston as a result of Katrina and Rita. Many are taking their
jobs, workers, and dollars with them and some are considering making the
move permanent. They are finding that the idea of paying no state personal
income tax in Texas is irresistible.

State Senator Walter Boasso had met with Governor Blanco and they had agreed
that in order to encourage the return of these citizens to the state
personal income tax for all citizens would be capped at $25,000. The figure
was reached by recognizing that while Texas has no income tax, it does have
large property taxes compared to Louisiana.

Boasso had lined up the necessary votes, and assured friends and the
Governor that the legislation would pass comfortably. But when the
Governor's call was released, the issue was not mentioned. 

An incensed Boasso discovered that it had been torpedoed by Blanco executive
counsel Terry Ryder, who said that the legislation was not directly related
to Katrina relief. One Republican staffer said, "Ryder went around the
Governor on this one. The issue wouldn't have had a big impact on the state
budget, but it would have been big for taxpayers."