Baton Rouge, La. (February 21, 2020) – Baton Rouge Area Chamber President and CEO Adam Knapp released the following statement today on the resolution for the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP):
“On behalf of the Capital Region’s business community, we view today’s resolution as a step toward reestablishing predictability and consistency in the oversight of ITEP. Contrary to the narrative of Together Louisiana, today’s resolution does not change the program, or diminish the local role in the process. Rather, this new state guidance provides much-needed clarity and reestablishes that local approval cannot change the statewide program rules. Local bodies will continue to have the authority to approve or reject applications, but not the authority to invent new rules for the program. The program is, and has always been, a state program within the state’s jurisdiction to manage, as outlined in the Louisiana Constitution.
“The local benefit of greater revenue remains firmly in place. This resolution does not change the program’s design, but demonstrates an interest in ensuring that it remains competitive, and that it doesn’t become unduly burdensome because of clear contradictions between state law and local rules.
“While questions still remain in terms of ensuring the smooth implementation of these updates across Louisiana’s 64 parishes, we are optimistic that the chaos and confusion of the past four years will be reduced.”
About the Baton Rouge Area Chamber
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) leads economic development in the nine-parish Baton Rouge Area, working to grow jobs and wealth and to improve the business climate and competitiveness in the region. Today, BRAC investors include more than 1,500 small businesses, mid-sized firms, large industry and entrepreneurial startups, as well as individuals and organizations that support business and economic development. In this capacity, BRAC serves as the voice of the business community, providing knowledge, access, services and advocacy. More information is available at www.brac.org.
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Morgan is the Marketing Manager for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. In her role, she manages writing organizational publications and materials, oversees BRAC’s social media and blog, and coordinates timelines for all internal marketing projects.