New Orleans is another step closer to getting its #FairShare. In a rare Saturday Senate session, House Bill 522 (HB 522), created by Mayor Latoya Cantrell’s administration and sponsored on the floor by state Representative Neil Abramson (D-New Orleans), was passed, granting the city a new source of financial support. This is just one of three bills that will generate a one-time amount of $50 million for the city’s infrastructure along with potentially $26 million in revenue annually.
In the bill, the hotel industry will be charged an additional one percent for guests in addition to taxes already levied. This by itself will add $12 million per year in city revenue. The bill passed easily with 31 of the 33 senators voting in favor. Only Senators Dale Erdey (R-Livingston) and John Milkovich (D-Shreveport) voted against the measure.
Along with HB 522, on Friday, the Senate approved House Bill 43 (HB43), allowing the New Orleans City Council to give voters an opportunity to vote during the October primaries on taxing Airbnb, Vrbo and all other short-term rentals 6.75 percent.
Finally, House Bill 617 is expected to pass Sunday granting the Convention Center permission to build a $550 million-dollar hotel that they would own, and also begin development on a lot they own next to it.
Governor John Bel Edwards, who has been in constant talks with Cantrell, is expected to sign HB522 and HB43 soon.
For more information, check out our previous pieces on the #FairShare initiative:
- Fair Play, Fair Share Pt 1: New Orleans and the Lost Penny
- Fair Play, Fair Share Pt 2: A Fight and a Fundraiser
- Cantrell Successful So Far in the Fight To Get New Orleans Her #FairShare
Michael David Raso has worked as a writer, editor, and journalist for several different publications since graduating from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. If you like this piece, you can read more of his work here.
