Caucus members and other Democrats are concerned that an increased sales tax disproportionately affects lower-income Louisianans. Caucus members might propose an increase in the earned income tax credit, which could help offset $10 million or more of the extra sales tax burden on poorer residents.

Some members of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus stated their willingness to accept a half-cent increase in the state sales tax proposed by Gov. John Bel Edwards, increasing the chance for a compromise with Republicans in a second special session.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards delivers his opening address for the special legislative session at the Earl K. Long Gymnasium on the campus of the University of Louisiana-Lafayette.