Louisiana Voters Reject Governor Landry’s Constitutional Overhaul Proposals
In a decisive referendum, Louisiana voters soundly rejected all four proposed constitutional amendments by Republican Governor Jeff Landry during Saturday’s election, including a pivotal tax and budget reform plan, Amendment 2. Nearly two-thirds of voters opposed the measures, signaling significant political ramifications for Landry’s administration and its legislative agenda.
Amendment 2 aimed to lower the state’s maximum income tax rate and limit budget increases, potentially reallocating hundreds of millions from state savings to the general fund. Landry had marketed this amendment as crucial for public school funding, promising to make temporary teacher stipends permanent. However, with its defeat, educators face uncertain futures regarding their pay, as the stipends lack funding in the governor’s current budget proposal.
In a post-election statement, Landry blamed the loss on financial influence from billionaire George Soros, who contributed to efforts opposing the amendments. Critics, including attorney William Most, interpreted the results as a rejection of perceived deceit in the amendments’ language and a broader mandate against manipulative political tactics.
The election’s outcome was also affected by Amendment 3, which aimed to ease the incarceration of minors in adult facilities—a proposal overwhelmingly rejected by voters. Advocates for criminal justice reform saw this as a win for community-focused solutions over punitive measures.
Turnout exceeded expectations, with 21% of voters participating, up from projected rates of 12%. The defeat of all four amendments indicates an emerging discontent with Landry’s leadership style, alongside a desire for transparency and accountable governance in Louisiana’s complex political landscape.
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