Bossier City, Louisiana, October 3, 2025
News Summary
The Bossier Chamber of Commerce organized a Public Policy series in Bossier City, attracting key legislators and community members to discuss vital economic growth issues. Topics included crime, education, tax reform, and recent significant economic investments in Louisiana, totaling nearly $70 billion. The event highlighted bipartisan support for reforming the corporate tax structure and the importance of workforce development, with further discussions planned for the upcoming month.
Bossier City, Louisiana hosted a Public Policy series on September 30, 2025, led by the Bossier Chamber of Commerce. The event, held at Silver Star Smokehouse, was attended by key legislators and featured discussions aimed at bolstering economic growth and addressing pressing issues in the state.
Among the prominent legislators present were Rep. Phillip DeVillier, Speaker of the House of Representatives; Sen. Cameron Henry, Senate President; Rep. Gabe Firment, chairman of the House Insurance Committee; and Rep. Julie Emerson, head of the House Ways and Means Committee. The meeting attracted a full audience, indicating robust community interest in the topics discussed.
Legislators reported positive growth over the past 18 months for Louisiana and its businesses, highlighting various key issues during the session. Discussions encompassed crime, education, tax reform, budget priorities, transportation infrastructure, and insurance. Rep. Emerson raised concerns regarding ongoing water system issues in Shreveport and the essential need for state funding to address them.
During the event, Emerson pointed out that Louisiana stands as the only southern state currently losing population. This statistic underscores the criticality of economic development initiatives. Legislators also acknowledged bipartisan support for eliminating the franchise tax that levies a burden on capital investment. Furthermore, amendments expected in April 2026 aim to phase out the inventory tax, allowing local governments the option to opt out of this levy.
Changes to the corporate tax structure were also discussed, with the corporate tax rate being reduced from three brackets with a maximum of 7.5% to a flat 5%. Since November 2024, Louisiana has attracted nearly $70 billion in economic investments, demonstrating its growing allure for businesses.
Rep. Dodie Horton expressed interest in further tax reforms, including a potential phase-out of the state income tax within three years. Alongside this, Rep. Tammy Phelps emphasized the need for developing an educated workforce as a strategy to entice businesses to the state. Sen. Jenkins highlighted the importance of collaboration between local businesses and economic development entities to foster job creation in Louisiana.
The Public Policy series serves as a platform to connect local business members with policymakers, ensuring their voices are heard in the legislative process. The series will hold additional events throughout October 2025, continuing discussions focused on fiscal landscapes, leadership, and workforce development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What event took place in Bossier City on September 30, 2025?
The Bossier Chamber of Commerce hosted a Public Policy series.
Who were some of the key legislators in attendance?
Key legislators included Rep. Phillip DeVillier, Sen. Cameron Henry, Rep. Gabe Firment, Rep. Julie Emerson, and others.
What were some of the topics discussed at the session?
The session focused on crime, education, tax reform, budget priorities, transportation infrastructure, and insurance.
What significant economic investment has Louisiana seen since November 2024?
Louisiana has reported significant economic investment of close to $70 billion.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Date | September 30, 2025 |
| Location | Silver Star Smokehouse, Bossier City, Louisiana |
| Legislator Attendance | Rep. Phillip DeVillier, Sen. Cameron Henry, Rep. Gabe Firment, Rep. Julie Emerson, and others |
| Main Discussion Topics | Crime, education, tax reform, budget priorities, transportation infrastructure, and insurance |
| Economic Investment | Close to $70 billion reported since November 2024 |
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Legislative Leaders Talk Fewer Taxes
- Bossier Press: State Leaders Address Key Issues
- Bossier Press: Henry, DeVillier Headline Bossier Chamber Event
- KTAL News: Bossier City CDI Training
- Wikipedia: Bossier City
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
