The Louisiana House Republican Delegation sent a letter to Governor John Bel Edwards outlining the conditions under which they would accept tax increases. They demanded that Governor Edwards accept reform proposals designed to identify waste in state government.

“While it is your right as the chief executive of the state to set the agenda for any special legislative session that you call, we ask that you consider the results of the two previous special sessions and know that our constituents continue to resoundingly tell us that state government should live within its means.” the delegation wrote. That signals that they are not prepared to back down.

The delegation outlined some specific bills and measures they would like to see in the call or signed by the governor.

We sincerely hope that you will consider supporting and including the following bipartisan solutions in your call. To ask for taxes without reform could very well yield a similar result to previous attempts at the same.

– Sign SB13 (Ward) – The Louisiana Checkbook.

– Reconsider HB12 & HB15 from the first special session of 2018 (Barras) – Provides for changes in the expenditure limit calculation.

– Give the legislative auditor the authority to audit the records of any state agency for the purpose of auditing programs that expend taxpayer funds and ensuring legal compliance.

The delegation concludes their letter, “We remain committed to the principles our constituents sent us to Baton Rouge to stand for. We also believe our constituents expect us to work for solutions that ensure Louisiana government funds its critical priorities, as demonstrated by our continued efforts to meet you more than half-way. We remain committed to working in good faith for the betterment of Louisiana.”

The governor’s office responded on Twitter through Deputy Chief of Staff Richard Carbo, who was then owned by AFP Louisiana head John Kay.

They didn't pass your beloved sales tax in two tries this year either, so why include that? #lalege #lagov https://t.co/l0PtupC9Oa

— John Kay (@JohnKayJr) June 7, 2018

The Republicans in the House have laid down their position for the upcoming special session. Now we’ll see if it has any effect.