Pelican Institute for Public Policy

10/15/2026

Louisiana voters will weigh in on 10 proposed constitutional amendments on Nov. 3. Understanding what they would change is a good place to start.

Our CEO Daniel Erspamer will join the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana’s webinar, “Fall 2026 Constitutional Amendments Explained,” on Friday, Oct. 16, at 10 a.m. CT.

He’ll join Barry Erwin, Chief Policy Officer of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, and Jan Moller, Executive Director of Invest in Louisiana, to discuss the proposals and what they could mean for Louisiana.

Make time to get informed before you head to the polls.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z5b5ztw2SbeVJXvQzIW66w

10/15/2026

Louisiana’s education funding system has grown larger and more complex while enrollment has fallen. It’s time to take a closer look at how it works and what needs to change.

The Legislature’s new task force reviewing the Minimum Foundation Program, Louisiana’s public school funding formula, is a welcome start. But lasting reform requires looking beyond the formula itself.

Pelican’s new white paper lays out five priorities: make the true costs clearer, fix how the state funds school employee pay, help districts responsibly use new revenue from economic development, fund real transitions for districts facing enrollment declines or persistent low performance, and fully fund LA GATOR alongside these reforms.

These decisions matter for students, families, educators and taxpayers across Louisiana. The goal is a funding system that supports effective local decisions and gives every child access to a quality education.

Ahead of the 2027 legislative session, our framework offers a roadmap for the task force, the state school board and lawmakers.

Read the full white paper: www.pelicanpolicy.org/MFPframework

10/15/2026

⚖️ CASE FILE #013: Back to the Classroom?

Louisiana lawyers under age 65 must complete 12.5 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) every year.

During COVID, the Louisiana Supreme Court allowed lawyers to complete all those hours online.

But that flexibility didn't last.

Under the current rules, lawyers can count only 4 hours of online CLE toward their annual requirement. That means the remaining 8.5 hours must be completed in person.

Some courses are free, but demand for free, in-person options means many lawyers end up paying for at least some of their required education.

If online CLE worked during COVID, why limit it now?

Continuing education is important. But shouldn't lawyers have more flexibility in how they complete it?

🔎 Another Rule Worth a Second Look.

And here's some good news! Your friends at the Pelican Institute Center for Justice offer free in-person and online CLE courses to help Louisiana lawyers meet nearly all their annual requirements.

Did we mention they're FREE? (See Comments for Details!)

10/14/2026

Buying a home is expensive enough. Unnecessary building requirements shouldn’t make it harder.

A new Louisiana task force is examining how building codes and inspection practices affect housing costs. That includes conflicting local requirements, widely varying fees, and features that could be optional rather than mandatory.

Safety matters. So does making sure families aren’t paying for rules that add costs without meaningful protection.

Our latest blog looks at what the task force could change—and what Louisiana policymakers can learn from Virginia’s efforts to bring construction costs down.

Home is where the heart is, and for many Louisianans, owning a house is an important part of the American dream. But as home prices have climbed to record heights, homeownership is becoming less attainable for many. Building codes are a significant contributor to this affordability problem. They are...

10/14/2026

"Permitting reform matters because we all pay more than we need to for basic energy services. Reducing the political risk premium by making energy projects less subject to political whims is a no-brainer answer to concerns about energy affordability."

Read More:

BAAJA is an excellent set of bipartisan reforms. Not perfect by any means, but a substantial movement in the right direction. Our question to policymakers is this: Will you embrace reform, or will the federal government continue to deny permission for much-needed energy projects?

10/13/2026

National Gumbo Day was yesterday, but the weather understood the assignment. 🥣

With temperatures in the 70s this week and lows expected in the 50s this weekend, gumbo season finally feels official.

Before everybody gets a pot going, we need to settle one very Louisiana argument: potato salad and gumbo?

🥔 In the bowl, obviously
🍽️ On the side
🚫 Absolutely not, ever
🤨 Potato what now?

Comment your choice below. We expect strong opinions and at least one mention of somebody’s grandmother.

10/09/2026

Louisiana families are struggling.

Lawsuit abuse drives up costs, hurts small businesses, and holds Louisiana back. Higher insurance costs. Higher healthcare costs. Higher everyday costs. Fewer opportunities for Louisiana families.

For Lawsuit Abuse Week, we want to hear from you: where do you see those costs show up in your own life?
Tell us in the comments.

10/08/2026

Northshore attorneys and CPAs, join us for lunch and a legislative update.

The Pelican Institute Center for Justice is hosting a discussion of the 2026 regular legislative session with Representative John Wyble, Representative Stephanie Berault, and Representative Peter Egan, Sr.

📅 Thursday, November 5, 2026
📍 St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, 610 Hollycrest Boulevard, Covington
🎓 1.0 hour of in-person CLE/CE credit
💵 Free for lawyers and CPAs

Lunch is available at 11:30 and the program begins promptly at noon. Registration is required.
Know an attorney or CPA who should be in the room? Tag them below.
Register using the link in the comments.

10/07/2026

You drive past them all the time. But do you ever think about what those power towers actually do?

They help carry electricity from power plants to the communities that use it. Keeping that grid reliable, planning for growing demand, and deciding how upgrades get paid for all connect to something Louisianans care about: our electric bills.

National Energy Geek Day was Tuesday, so we’re giving those towers a little attention.

Be honest. What goes through your head when you see them?

😐 Nothing. Ever.
🙏 Hope those hold up
💸 That's my bill, right there
⚡ I know exactly what those do

Drop your choice in the comments. Energy geeks, this is your moment.

10/06/2026

SAVE THE DATE for Solutions Summit 2027 - Our Louisiana Comeback: The Second Line.

A Louisiana comeback takes all of us. Come join the second line. 🎺

On Thursday, February 25, we’ll gather at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center to bring bold ideas, practical solutions, and people who believe in Louisiana’s future together.

We have progress to celebrate and more work to do. Let’s keep building a state where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and the next generation can see a future right here at home.

Mark your calendar and invite someone who wants to help keep Louisiana moving forward. Registration details to come!

Want a little inspiration before we gather? Take a look back at the ideas, connections, and energy of our last Summit.

LEARN MORE: https://pelicanpolicy.org/solutions-summit/