Louisiana House Speaker Chuck Kleckley said Tuesday he is researching whether an increase in state employee retirement contributions being proposed by Gov. Bobby Jindal is a tax.
The Legislature cannot consider taxes during its current session.
Jindal is proposing a nearly 40 percent increase in state employee contributions – from 8 percent to 11 percent for pension system members.
Last year, former House Speaker Jim Tucker, R-Terrytown, called the increased contribution a “pay roll tax” and subject to a two-thirds legislative vote to be approved. The administration pulled the plug on the legislation.
“I have not decided yet whether it is in fact a tax,” said Kleckley, R-Lake Charles.
In recent weeks, Jindal has said he did not think that Kleckley would be of the same mind as Tucker.
It is a tax if the 40% increase goes to the general fund and not directly to LASERS.
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