Lauren Bauer Archives - Louisiana Budget Project

October 17, 2018

Who pays taxes in Louisiana?

When it comes to paying for government services, Louisiana asks a lot more of those with the fewest resources than it does of its wealthiest citizens, according to new analysis by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.

Number of the Day

1.2% - Percentage of income from the wealthiest 1 percent of Louisiana households that goes to pay sales and excise taxes. In comparison, 9.2 percent of income from the poorest fifth of the state’s households, who earn $10,500 a year, on average, goes toward sales and excise taxes. (Source: ITEP)

September 18, 2018

Location and life expectancy in New Orleans

The average life expectancy in a region says a lot about the population’s overall health, and a new tool developed by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a glimpse at life expectancy data down to the Census tract level.

Number of the Day

634,000 - Estimated number of adults in Louisiana who have a mental illness or substance abuse disorder. (Source: Nola.com/The Times Picayune)

September 10, 2018

A long-overdue pay raise?

It’s been rumored for months, but late last week it became official: Gov. John Bel Edwards plans to seek a $1,000 per year salary increase for public school teachers next year, with lower raises for school support workers.

Number of the Day

$170 million - Projected annual cost of giving Louisiana’s public school employees - including teachers, supervisors and support workers - a 3.65 percent pay raise needed to reach the Southern regional average. (Source: The Advocate)