(AP) — A Senate panel on Tuesday blocked a proposed tax break for certain federally certified public school workers, though they might get an equivalent benefit anyway in the state budget.
The Senate’s tax committee deferred Rep. Jonathan Perry’s bill to give a $5,000 state income tax deduction for about 1,400 school workers: psychologists, audiologists, speech pathologists and social workers certified by the federal Department of Education. The deferral probably dooms the bill by Perry, R-Abbeville, as the legislative session works toward its June 25 end.
Sen. Rob Marionneaux, D-Livonia, said he wanted the bill deferred because it would cost the state $1.2 million in tax revenue over five years.
However, a $5,000 salary supplement for the workers is included in the current state budget proposal.
The panel approved a tax break by Rep. Jane Smith, R-Bossier City, for individuals who convert vehicles so they burn “clean-burning” fuels instead of gasoline. The bill would increase from 20 percent to 50 percent an existing tax credit on the costs of equipment.
The bill would apply to equipment purchases relating to natural gas, biofuels, biodiesel and electricity.—-Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at [email protected]