Former Gov Buddy Roemer Worried about Louisiana’s Slow Growth

The Times-Picayune is reporting that former governor Buddy Roemer is worried about the slow rate of population growth in Louisiana, especially compared with other southern states.

"We are losing ground and it is not even close," said Roemer, speaking in Baton Rouge Wednesday (May 28). "We have grown more slowly than any other state in the South."

The former governor is concerned about the state's reliance on one sector of the economy. I've gone through these energy booms over the past 40 years. I like a boom and it is helpful, but it is not enough," said Roemer.

"President Kennedy said a rising tide lifts all boats. Well, unless you are a chemical plant using free water and cheap natural gas, the tide is not rising for you," he said.The former governor feels the 10-year industrial tax exemption is a mistake, wondering why the state offers such breaks for industries that would be here anyway. Roemer is an advocate on the flat tax, and completely ending state income tax for residents 60 and over.