Opposition to HB390: A Knowledge Synthesis

The Louisiana Civic Coalition opposes HB390, arguing it disproportionately impacts low-income smokers, promotes illicit trade, causes economic harm, and is ineffective in reducing consumption. They contend that higher taxes limit personal freedom and individual responsibility, urging House Representatives to reject the bill for its negative effects on citizens.

Opposition to HB390: A Knowledge Synthesis external link

Opposition to HB390: A Knowledge Synthesis

Our opposition to HB390, levying extra taxes on cigarettes, centers on these 5 negative consequences:

1. Regressivity:

We argue that increased taxes disproportionately burden low-income individuals. These individuals are more bound to smoke. They spend a larger part of their income on tobacco products.

2. Impact on Illicit Trade:

We suggest that higher taxes create larger incentives for tax avoidance and evasion. This situation can lead to increased smuggling. It can also result in the use of counterfeit tobacco products.

3. Economic Effects:

We argue increased taxes can negatively impact businesses and lead to job losses in the tobacco industry.

4. Limited Effectiveness in Reducing Consumption:

Nicotine is addictive. We argue that increasing the price of cigarettes through taxation will not significantly reduce smoking rates. It leads smokers to pay more. Alternatively, they seek cheaper, illicit, alternatives.

The International Environments Research and Public Health indicates that taxes do have some impact, particularly on youth and young adults. Nevertheless, the effects are limited for heavily addicted or long-term smokers. Evidence was lacking about the impact of price on smoking behavior in persons with a dual diagnosis. There was also a lack of evidence for heavy and/or long-term smokers and Aboriginal people. Of 22 studies on the role of price in preventing smoking initiation, 9 found that it does not. 

5. Paternalism:

Our opposition to HB390 contends that increasing taxes on tobacco products is paternalistic. It infringes on individual liberty by attempting to control personal choices. 

Such laws as HB390 undermine individual responsibility and autonomy. HB390 creates a tension between individual freedom and the state’s obligation to protect its citizens. 

For these reasons, we urge House Representatives to oppose HB390 next session.

Louisiana Civic Coalition 

laciviccoalition@gmail.com

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Recognized by the NWC, Tracie Burke is author of Motion to Quash. M2Q supports the Whistleblower Protection Act. If you would like to support journalism in the public interest, click here to donate. Motion to Quash ISSN 2644-1594 is the copyrighted property of Motion to Quash LLC .

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Medicaid Beneficiaries: A Powerful Political Force in Louisiana

Medicaid expansion in Louisiana has significantly impacted voter turnout and political engagement among its beneficiaries. Since adopting the ACA expansion in 2016, approximately 787,000 low-income adults gained coverage, enhancing their political influence. Advocates emphasize the need for increased recognition of Medicaid beneficiaries in policy discussions, especially regarding potential funding cuts.

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Medicaid Beneficiaries: A Powerful Political Force in Louisiana

Medicaid in Louisiana is a significant public program. It has the potential to influence the political landscape, especially of the voter participation of its beneficiaries. 

1. Impact of Medicaid Expansion on Voter Turnout:

In 2016, Louisiana adopted the ACA Medicaid expansion to offer coverage for low-income adults. At the time of the expansion, Louisiana had the lowest Medicaid enrollment rate among eligible adults. It also had the second highest number of newly eligible adults under ACA in the nation.

Now, there are 787,000 adults in the Expansion Group in Louisiana.

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  • Studies suggest that Medicaid expansion can lead to a short-term increase in voter turnout.
  • For example, the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Medicaid expansion is linked to increased voter registration. It also boosted turnout, particularly in the 2014 election cycle.

2. Medicaid Beneficiaries as a Political Constituency:

  • Beyond individual voter behavior, Medicaid beneficiaries in Louisiana represent a large and influential political constituency.
  • Our organizing efforts are using the collective strength of Medicaid beneficiaries. We advocate for policies that support their health and well-being. 
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3. Voting Power of Medicaid Participants:

Medicaid, as a public assistance program, plays a role in voter registration and participation. Its expansion has been shown to impact voter turnout.

The voting power of Medicaid beneficiaries in Louisiana should not be taken lightly. Especially in the context of healthcare policy debates and potential changes to the program.

  • Politicians who support Medicaid cuts risk alienating voters who rely on those programs, leading to electoral consequences..

4. Healthy Louisiana:

Louisiana’s Medicaid expansion program, “Healthy Louisiana,” provides health insurance to low-income adults. The program, which took effect in 2016, has already significantly affected Louisiana’s healthcare landscape.

As Advocates for Louisiana Medicaid recipients, we emphasize the importance of ensuring their voices are heard in the political process. We also focus on addressing their healthcare needs. .

Urge Congress to oppose eliminating the federal match rate for the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Louisiana Civic Coalition 

email: laciviccoalition@gmail.com

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Medicaid Beneficiaries: A Powerful Political Force in Louisiana June 2025 Update:

The Louisiana Civic Coalition thanks Louisiana legislators for passing HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 369

Good news! Louisiana lawmakers passed HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 369 to prevent reductions in Medicaid funding for Louisiana hospitals. The bill prompts the Department of Health and Human Services to reconsider its policies. It urges the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to also reconsider its policies.

Dear Representatives and Senators,

The Louisiana Civic Coalition thanks you for your support and leadership in passing HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 369 BY REPRESENTATIVES MCFARLAND. Your dedication to this issue is greatly appreciated. 

Passing this bill is important to Louisiana citizens because Medicaid in Louisiana is a significant public program. Medicaid impacts our communities by improving healthcare access and financial stability for residents. It strengthens local hospitals. It generates economic activity through job creation and taxes. Preventing Medicaid reductions for Louisiana hospitals helps create healthier, more productive populations, which supports overall community well-being and economic growth. Your commitment will make a positive difference for Louisiana. 

Acting on this legislation is a testament to your hard work on behalf of your constituents. We look forward to your continued leadership on issues that matter to our communities.

Thank you again for responding swiftly and with intention. Your efforts help to reach more of the people of Louisiana who rely on Medicaid. 

Sincerely,

Louisiana Civic Coalition

louisianaciviccoalition@gmail.com

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Corruption Scores Jefferson Parish House of Reps Election 2023

An analysis by Motion to Quash LLC reveals corruption concerns among Louisiana House of Representatives candidates, with over $200 million in taxpayer-backed disaster assistance payments linked to political donations. The group’s anti-corruption scorecard shows varied scores among candidates, indicating issues in campaign finance and transparency ahead of the 2023 elections.

Corruption Scores Jefferson Parish House of Reps Election 2023 by Tracie Burke | Motion to Quash LLC | Sept. 22, 2023

According to an analysis of federal government data by Motion to Quash LLC., Louisiana House of Representatives received payments from over 100 entities. These payments amounted to over $200 million dollars in taxpayer-backed Disaster Assistance.

The investigation of loan fraud by PPP loan recipients and Louisiana lawmakers is alarming. Businesses issued large political donations after receiving taxpayer backed pandemic loans. This raises concerns about the legitimacy of their need for assistance.

“Loan recipients made campaign contributions after getting their awards. They should repay the loans,” a spokesperson for Motion to Quash said. “Fraud schemes like this are the costliest for the taxpayers.”

Motion to Quash is a powerful representation of the fight against corruption in Jefferson Parish. The House of Representative Anti Corruption Scorecard serves as a reminder. It highlights the importance of transparency and honesty in our political system. The scorecards give precise and reliable judgment. They offer sound assessment of campaign finance abuse. This is particularly relevant for those interested in the 2023 Elections and the stand against corruption.

Motion to Quash obtained campaign finance reports from the Louisiana Ethics Board website. Disaster Relief Profiles were found at usaspending.gov.Corruption Scores Jefferson Parish House of Reps Election 2023 external link

Click the name to view each candidate’s folder.

Joseph OrgeronC73%
John IllgD67%
Debbie VillioD60%
Polly ThomasD67%
Laurie SchlegelB-80%
Kyle Green JrB+87%
Reginald JasminA+100%
Timothy KernerF47%
Andrew BennettA+100%
Vincent Cox IIIF47%
Andrea ManuelA+100%
Rodney Lyons SrD63%
Trent Mackey Jr.A+100%
Michael SigurD67%
Joseph StagniD67%
Stephanie HilfertyC73%
Charles MarsalaA+100%
Jacob BraudF53%
Joanna LeopoldD67%
Mack CormierD60%
Donald ValleeA+97%
Corruption Scores Jefferson Parish House of Reps Election 2023-SCORE DISTRIBUTION OVERVIEW

Of the 21 candidates for State Representative on the Jefferson Parish sample ballot, 6 scored A+ (28.6%), 1 scored B+ (4.8%), 1 scored B- (4.8%), 2 scored C (9.5%), 8 scored D (38.1%), and 3 scored F (14.3%)

Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI)

From the time period 2020 to the current, candidates received a grand total of contributions over $1.4 million dollars including a sum of over $600,000 from pharmaceuticals, gaming interests, government contractors, and PPP disaster recipients. By far the most frequent recipient is Timothy Kerner Sr.

Approach

For consistency, we based the total scores on these three principles:

  1. Campaign contributions issued (5 points)
  2. Campaign contributions received (5 points)
  3. Disclosures/conflicts of interest (5 points)

Only when candidates scored 15 for the whole package did they score 100 percent. 

Campaigns are dynamic. We welcome your feedback. If you see a candidate’s position has changed, send us an email to info@motiontoquash.org with the new information.

Recognized by the National Whistleblower Center, Tracie Burke is Louisiana author of Motion to Quash. She can be reached at tracie@motiontoquash.org. Motion to Quash LLC  successfully promoted legislation that supports the Whistleblower Protection Act. Please Support journalism in the public interest by contributing today. Click here to donate Motion to Quash ISSN 2644-1594 is the copyrighted property of Motion to Quash LLC. 

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Corruption Scores Jefferson Parish House of Reps Election 2023 external link
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