By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
The Bossier Chamber of Commerce continued its Public Policy Series on Wednesday, Oct. 15, with a presentation from Richard Nelson, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue, who provided an in-depth look at the state’s financial landscape and ongoing tax reform efforts.
The event, held as part of the Chamber’s educational policy series presented by Willis-Knighton Health, brought together local business leaders, elected officials and community members to hear firsthand updates from Nelson on Louisiana’s fiscal health and his department’s reform priorities.
“Secretary Nelson is doing his part to advance tax reform policies, and we appreciate all of the work he’s doing on the state level,” said Lisa Johnson, president and CEO of the Bossier Chamber. “For our community members, we need to do our part by spreading the knowledge that Louisiana is no longer 49th or 50th in the nation on many issues — we have been rapidly moving up the ranks, and we should stay informed and spread the word.”
Nelson, appointed by Gov. Jeff Landry in 2024, has quickly become one of the leading voices in reshaping Louisiana’s tax structure. Before taking on his current role, Nelson served as a Louisiana state representative for the 89th District from 2020 to 2024 and spent seven years in the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service, with postings in Washington, D.C.; Germany; and the Republic of Georgia.
During his address, Nelson reflected on the 2024 special session in which the Landry administration led efforts to simplify and modernize the state’s complex tax code — a move aimed at boosting business confidence and competitiveness. Attendees gained insight into how those reforms are designed to foster economic growth and create a more transparent and efficient tax environment for Louisiana residents and businesses.
The breakfast event provided an opportunity for local business leaders to engage directly with state policymakers and discuss how fiscal policy impacts economic development in Bossier Parish and across the state.
The Public Policy Series, hosted by the Bossier Chamber, serves as a platform for connecting Chamber members with both federal and state officials through informative and interactive events. The series helps community and business leaders stay informed about key policy changes and ongoing government initiatives.
Upcoming events in the Chamber’s Public Policy Series include:
- Oct. 20: Leaders for a Better Louisiana with Adam Knapp, CEO of Leaders for a Better Louisiana
- Oct. 27: State of Workforce & Economic Development with Secretary Susana Schowen and Tedra Cheatham, CEcD, executive director of LED FastStart
This year’s series is made possible by presenting sponsor Willis-Knighton Health and supporting sponsors Barksdale Federal Credit Union, Expand Energy, Ochsner LSU Health and Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Homes.