Caddo Parish Schools: Critical Vote on Sales Tax Looms

SHREVEPORT, LA - Do you support higher taxes to fund schools in Shreveport? State lawmakers will be considering a measure that would begin the process for a possible increase in sales taxes for Caddo Parish schools. But local school leaders tell us there is NO current plan to increase taxes.

House bill 13 would let the voters decide if sales taxes should be increased. The measure has been proposed by State Representative Michael Melerine for the regular session which begins on April 14.

What Does This Tax Bill Do?

HB 13 authorizes the Caddo Parish School Board to levy an additional sales and use tax of up to 0.5%. But this higher tax would not go into effect until voters in Caddo Parish approve it.

The next possible election dates for this measure to be put on the ballot are October 11 or November 15. The school board could call a special election, but that costs a lot of money.

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This proposed tax would help boost funding for schools in Shreveport and address the need to bump up teacher pay. In the past couple of years, teachers have received one time stipends, but that was not a permanent increase.

The bill does make it clear that the ballot proposition sent to the voters must clearly state the specific purpose of the tax. The goal of this language is to ensure transparency and gives voters a chance to see exactly how the money will be used.

What Is the Sales Tax Rate Now in Caddo Parish

• State Sales Tax:
  
  • As of January 1, 2025, the Louisiana state sales tax rate is 5.0%.
• Caddo Parish Sales Taxes:
  
  • The combined sales tax rate for some parts of Caddo Parish is 10.35%.
  • The sales tax for the city of Shreveport is 9.6%.

If this new .5% tax is approved, the Shreveport sales tax would jump to 10.1%.