In 2016 Governor Edwards to radically altered the Industrial Property Tax Exemption program which has successfully been used to attract industry investment for over 80 years. Some describe the ITEP as "giving away" money when in fact no money has ever been given to industry. Industry is allowed to forego property taxes as an incentive to locate here but that's much different than giving money away. Just the opposite, business and industry pay 41% of all state taxes and 59% of all local taxes in LA (mostly property). In parishes that receive the most ITEP exemptions, personal net incomes are 18% higher than the state average. 4 of the 5 best public school districts were in ITEP parishes (2017) and teacher pay is above the state average in those parishes. In Ascension parish, which receives one of the most ITEP exemptions, personal net income is 64% higher than the state average. Industry alone pays, on average, 2/3 of the property tax in ITEP parishes v.s about half statewide. Industry gives back in its communities as well, sponsoring non-profits from United Way to Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital, the Red Cross, YMCA, Alzheimer's and so many more groups. Industry gives money to schools and universities in the millions every year. GBRIA would like to collect as many electronic "signatures" in support of industry. Please see below to show your support and forward this on to help us set the facts straight. No person's names will ever be disclosed, we will only say how many people have "signed" our support statement.