Well both the Rapides Parish Police Jury and the School Boards are forming more committees to study the tax rebate funds allegedly owed by the Police Jury to the School Board. (See: "Rebate panel debate goes on").
"At stake is about $1.7 million given in rebates to private businesses from the School Board's portion of the 1967 sales tax. The School Board's portion is dedicated to salary compensation for employees. Since 1998, the Police Jury has granted business rebates from the 1967 sales tax monies through the Louisiana Enterprise Zone Act. The School District complained this year about the rebates, noting a rule that prohibits taxes dedicated to schools being used for rebates. Gov. Bobby Jindal signed into law that rule this legislative session." id.
The School Board first voiced its protest in early May, 2008. A Louisiana Attorney General's opinion, rendered just a few months ago, provides that:
- "Local sales and use taxes which have been dedicated to a particular use or purpose in the tax proposition imposing such taxes, cannot be rebated under the provisions of the Louisiana Enterprise Zone Act, La.R.S. 51:1781 et seq." Louisiana Attorney General OPINION NUMBER 07-0284 March 31, 2008.
Apparently not satisfied with that recent opinion, the Police Jury has requested another. "The Police Jury is waiting to form its committee and schedule meetings until it receives the Attorney General's opinion it requested." id.
Have you ever noticed that government is fast to form committees and study things, but is slow to act? With this already having been drug out for almost 3 months, and there already being a AG opinion favorable to the School Board, I don't see why the School Board doesn't go ahead and file a lawsuit over the issue. They can form their committees and "study" the outcome while the litigation is proceeding. They can even go into executive closed sessions to discuss the litigation.
Stop waisting time and get the show on the road!
See Also:
CORPORATE WELFARE AND SPECIAL TREATMENT; A VIEW FROM THE INSIDE
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER A RECIPIENT OF CORPORATE WELFARE
DOES THE RAPIDES PARISH POLICE JURY HAVE ANY COMMON SENSE?
RAPIDES PARISH POLICE JURY WANTS ANOTHER AG OPINION
RAPIDES POLICE JURY MAY HALT PLANS FOR TAX REBATE TO INDUSTRIES
SCHOOL BOARD TELLS RAPIDES POLICE JURY STOP GIVING AWAY THEIR MONEY
RAPIDES PARISH POLICE JURY COMMITTEE STANDS FOR EQUALITY
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