Louisiana voters face four constitutional amendments on the March 29 ballot that could deeply affect our future. These proposals may look minor or procedural, but don’t be fooled. Politicians wrote them to sound like progress—like something good. In reality, each amendment shifts power away from voters and into the hands of political insiders. They dressed these amendments up real nice, hoping folks wouldn’t look too close. But behind the shine? A straight-up power grab. Keep reading so you don’t fall for the okey-doke. These amendments are risky, unnecessary, and could hurt Louisiana for years to come. Here’s why we must vote NO on all four.
Amendment 1: Legislative Power to Create Specialty Courts
This amendment lets the Legislature create new courts that operate across parishes. It also expands the Supreme Court’s power.
Why Vote NO:
- It centralizes power. Local courts would lose control. Lawmakers in Baton Rouge would gain influence over our legal system.
- There is no real need. No public crisis calls for this. No evidence proves that specialty courts are urgently required.
- It invites abuse. Legislators could create courts that favor special interests. That puts fairness and justice at risk.
Amendment 2: Hidden Overhaul of the Tax Code
This amendment rewrites large parts of Louisiana’s tax rules. The ballot language hides how broad and technical the changes are.
Why Vote NO:
- It’s too complex. Most voters won’t understand the full impact. That’s not how we should handle tax reform.
- It shifts the burden. By lowering the income tax cap, this could raise taxes on working families and cut school funding.
- It misleads teachers. Supporters claim it helps raise pay. It doesn’t. It only allows short-term stipends—not permanent raises.
Amendment 3: Trying More Juveniles as Adults
This proposed amendment gives lawmakers the power to add more crimes that send children to adult court—without needing public approval.
Why Vote NO:
- It takes away your vote. Today, voters decide which crimes justify adult trials for youth. This change hands that power to politicians.
- It harms children. Data shows that trying kids as adults increases reoffending and hurts their future.
- It skips prevention. We need programs that stop crime before it happens. This amendment does nothing to support that.
Amendment 4: Fast-Tracked Judicial Appointments
This amendment fills judge seats faster by placing them on the next available election ballot.
Why Vote NO:
- It reduces transparency. Voters get less time to learn about judicial candidates. That weakens public input and informed decision-making.
- It favors insiders. Quick elections benefit connected candidates—not always the most qualified ones.
Final Word:
Louisiana’s constitution should protect people—not politicians. These four amendments do the opposite. Each one weakens public control and accountability. They do not solve real problems. Instead, they shift power away from you and into the hands of political insiders. That’s a red flag.
We deserve better. We deserve fairness, transparency, and policies that put people first.
❌ Vote NO on all four amendments.
Let’s protect our rights and reject this quiet power grab.
Jeff Thomas
Publisher • Opinion Columnist • Licensed General Contractor • Real Estate Appraiser • New Orleans
Jeff Thomas is the publisher of Black Source Media and one of New Orleans’ most direct voices on civic affairs, economic justice, and Louisiana politics. He writes from the intersection of experience and accountability — as a licensed general contractor,a tech company founder and executive with over 30 years experience, and a businessman who has worked across the city’s civic, media, and construction ecosystems for decades.
His Sunday column covers Louisiana legislative politics, insurance discrimination, housing policy, and the forces shaping Black community life in New Orleans and across the state. Thomas writes in the tradition of Black journalists who hold power accountable without apology — building arguments from data, delivering verdicts from evidence, and speaking to Black New Orleans with the directness the moment demands.
He is also the principal of EA Inspection Services, LLC, a government inspection services company. Black Source Media is his platform for the civic conversation New Orleans has needed and too rarely had.
Selected Articles by Jeff Thomas
Black Neighborhoods Pay the Highest Insurance Rates in Louisiana. Here’s What They Don’t Want You to Know.
They Didn’t Yell the N-Word. They Went to Law School, Bided Their Time, and Rewrote the Constitution Instead.
Vappie vs. Morrell: Why Does Justice Look Different in New Orleans?
The State Has the Money. New Orleans East Just Needs Them to Use It.
The Failure of Mitch Landrieu
Publisher — Black Source Media
Jeff Thomas
Publisher • Opinion Columnist • Licensed General Contractor • Real Estate Appraiser • New Orleans
Jeff Thomas is the publisher of Black Source Media and one of New Orleans’ most direct voices on civic affairs, economic justice, and Louisiana politics. He writes from the intersection of experience and accountability — as a licensed general contractor,a tech company founder and executive with over 30 years experience, and a businessman who has worked across the city’s civic, media, and construction ecosystems for decades.
His Sunday column covers Louisiana legislative politics, insurance discrimination, housing policy, and the forces shaping Black community life in New Orleans and across the state. Thomas writes in the tradition of Black journalists who hold power accountable without apology — building arguments from data, delivering verdicts from evidence, and speaking to Black New Orleans with the directness the moment demands.
He is also the principal of EA Inspection Services, LLC, a government inspection services company. Black Source Media is his platform for the civic conversation New Orleans has needed and too rarely had.
Selected Articles by Jeff Thomas
Black Neighborhoods Pay the Highest Insurance Rates in Louisiana. Here’s What They Don’t Want You to Know.
They Didn’t Yell the N-Word. They Went to Law School, Bided Their Time, and Rewrote the Constitution Instead.
Vappie vs. Morrell: Why Does Justice Look Different in New Orleans?
The State Has the Money. New Orleans East Just Needs Them to Use It.
The Failure of Mitch Landrieu