Media Mention: If Ya Ain't Got Culcha ...

If Ya Ain't Got Culcha ...
By Clancy DuBos

Last week was a good week for culture in Louisiana. State legislative committees approved four bills designed to enhance the recovery of our "cultural economy." Best of all, the handful of tax credits will cost pennies in comparison to the $2 billion Louisiana to anted up for a German steel mill -- and they will sustain even more permanent jobs.

Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu has been at the forefront of the cultural economy movement since before Hurricane Katrina. After the storm, he took the lead in standing up the arts and hospitality industries, which have anchored New Orleans' post-storm recovery. State Rep. Taylor Townsend, D-Natchitoches, has authored three bills that would give additional state support in these areas. HB 359 creates "cultural product districts" with tax incentives related to cultural activities; HB 495 reduces the state income tax burden on artists for the sale of artistic works; and HB 568 authorizes culinary arts and food science investor tax credits. All three bills cleared the House Ways and Means Committee last week.

READ ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE: If Ya Ain't Got Culcha ...

Credit: BestOfNewOrleans.com