On March 29, Louisianans will have the opportunity to take a bold step toward a stronger, more fiscally responsible state by voting Yes on Constitutional Amendment 2. This amendment builds on the historic tax reforms passed in 2024, bringing common-sense fiscal policies that will lower taxes, promote economic growth, and ensure government lives within its means.

One of the most significant aspects of this amendment is the Government Growth Limit, which we authored as a safeguard to prevent run-away government spending and get Louisiana’s state budget on a sustainable path for generations to come.

We have both served in the legislature for several terms as leaders of the “fiscal hawks,” a group of legislators committed to fiscal restraint and limited government. We’ve taken hard votes (to the chagrin, occasionally, of both Republican and Democrat governors) to stand up for taxpayers and try to slow the rapid growth of state spending.

For too long, Louisiana’s budget has expanded without clear checks, often growing at a rate faster than our economy or household incomes. In fact, over the last decade, the total state budget has ballooned nearly 90%!  When government spending outpaces the private sector, taxpayers ultimately bear the burden through higher taxes or financial instability. The Government Growth Limit ensures that recurring general fund spending does not grow beyond what our economy can support.

By tying government growth to a responsible formula based on population growth and inflation, we put an end to the cycle of spending surges followed by painful cuts or tax hikes. This reform forces our leaders to budget responsibly and prioritize spending where it matters most without overburdening taxpayers.

When government overspending leads to tax hikes or economic uncertainty, businesses struggle, jobs disappear, and families feel the squeeze. It’s one of the reasons Louisianans have left the state in droves over the last decade. We’ve all felt the pain of saying goodbye to a loved one who left our state for friendlier economic opportunities elsewhere.  When we control spending, however, we create an environment that attracts investment and job creation. That means our kids and grandkids will have a reason to come home!

States with spending limits like this have seen stronger economic growth and greater stability in state finances. By keeping government spending in check, we allow families and businesses to keep more of their hard-earned money, making Louisiana a more attractive place to live, work, and invest.

This amendment isn’t just about limiting government—it’s about making government work better. A well-structured budget leads to better long-term planning, smarter investments, and reduced wasteful spending. It also frees up resources in good years to make generational, one-time investments in our state’s crumbling transportation infrastructure.

Instead of short-term fixes, this approach promotes predictability and stability in state finances, ensuring that Louisiana is prepared for economic downturns without resorting to deep cuts or emergency tax increases.

The choice is clear. While we are most excited about fully enacting the Government Growth Limit through, a YES vote on Amendment 2 means so much more. It lowers the maximum income tax rate allowed. It pays off $2 billion in pension debt in order to make our teacher pay raise permanent. It doubles the standard deduction of our seniors, and it safeguards the homestead exemption and protections for churches and other religious institutions.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to set Louisiana on a path toward stronger economic growth and lasting economic security. Let’s take control of our future and demand a government that works for the people—not the other way around. And, with turnout expected to be very low, every conservative YES vote will be critically important.

On March 29 (or in early voting from March 15-22), plase vote YES on Constitutional Amendment 2.

Rep. Brett Geymann (R-Lake Charles) and Sen. Bob Hensgens (R-Abbeville) are fiscal conservatives fighting for smaller government in the Louisiana legislature.