Mattress storein Baton Rouge, LA

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Sleep King - Where the Prices Are a Sweet Dream!

There are a lot of mattress companies in South Carolina that claim to have the perfect mattress for everyone. At Sleep King, we believe that every person is different and has different needs when it comes to their mattress. That's why our mattress store in Baton Rouge, LA, has a wide variety of beds and brands to choose from. That way, you can find the right mattress for your body and get the very best sleep quality possible.

As a family-owned and operated mattress store with more than 40 years of experience in the sleep industry, we know a thing or two about comfortable mattresses. Baton Rouge residents choose Sleep King because we provide our customers with a personalized shopping experience. When you walk through our showroom doors, we want you to feel comfortable - both on our mattresses and with our store associates. At Sleep King, you won't ever have to worry about pushy salespeople and limited selection. Instead, you will discover that we encourage you to take your time as you search for your next bed. Sleep is incredibly important, and by proxy, finding the right mattress for your body type is too.

When you visit our showroom in Baton Rouge, know that we are a full-service store with mattress experts ready to help. From questions about mattresses and their warranties to financing and mattress delivery, there's no question we haven't heard before.

We carry some of the most popular brands in America, and unlike other mattress stores in Baton Rouge, offer them at the lowest prices around, guaranteed. There's a reason why we were voted your #1 mattress store in the Lowcountry - because we truly care about our customers and their quality of sleep!

Looking for discounts? Need to buy your mattress on a strict budget? We've got you covered at our new mattress clearance center in Baton Rouge, where we have more than 50 models on display at 50-80% off retail value. Don't forget to ask us about our flexible financing options, where no credit is needed to make a purchase. Paying cash? We'll knock 5% off your bill!

As if that weren't enough reason to visit, remember that we provide free delivery, setup, and removal of your old mattress for FREE when you make a purchase at Sleep king.

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Some services and products are only available for local residents. Please contact SleepKing for details
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Why Choose Our Mattress
Store in Baton Rouge, LA?

Our business model is simple - give customers quality beds from national brands at amazing prices, coupled with unmatched customer service. We know that your sleep is essential but also understand that normal folks aren't made of money. You need a solution that isn't going to break the bank, which is why we offer up to 75% off our products.

Mattress Company Baton Rouge, LA

When we say we have a bed for every budget, we're serious.
A few of our mix and match deals include:

Sets Prize
Twin Mattress Sets Beginning at $169.00
Full Mattress Sets Beginning at $199.00
Queen Mattress Sets Beginning at $229.00
King Mattress Sets Beginning at $449.00

Of course, a mattress would be incomplete without a headboard, footboard, and rails. For queen mattresses, those items combined are only $199. At our mattress store, we pledge to beat any competitor's price on similar product specs - guaranteed! Here are just a few of the benefits of shopping at Mattress King

  • *FREE* Bed Frame for Your New Bed*
  • *FREE* Same-Day Local Mattress Delivery to Your Home*
  • *FREE* Set-Up & Removal of Old Mattress from Your Home*
  • *FREE* Mattress Pad Included with New Mattress*
  • Rest Easy with Our 60-Day Comfort Guarantee
  • We Have the Best Selection of Mattresses in Baton Rouge with Five National Vendors
  • On-Time Delivery
  • Best Warranties in the Industry
  • Sleep King Will Beat Anyone's Advertise Price by $50*(on purchases $299 and above)
  • 0% Financing for 48 Months (APR, With Approved Credit)
  • *See Store for Additional Details
Our Selection of National Mattress Brands

Our Selection of
National Mattress
Brands

At Sleep King, we carry the largest selection of high-quality national brand mattresses in Baton Rouge.

 Mattress Store Baton Rouge, LA
 King Mattresses Baton Rouge, LA

Sleep King MLILY Mattresses

Often considered the best mattress brand in the world, innovation sets MLILY mattresses apart from others. Our customers love MLILY mattresses because they are expertly built through decades of research and rigorous testing. The folks at MLILY are committed to precision, meaning every detail of product detail they push is geared towards the ultimate satisfaction and comfort.

 Adjustable Mattresses Baton Rouge, LA

Sleep Restonic Mattresses

Restonic Mattresses: Restonic line of mattresses are multi-layered beds with cooling foam technology that adds resilience, support, and temperature control. The result is a cool, comfy sleep that leaves you refreshed and ready to attack the day.

 Bedroom Furniture Baton Rouge, LA

Sleep King Comfort Sleep Mattresses

Every mattress in the Comfort Sleep lineup has a great combo of support and comfort, making for a restful night's sleep. With heavy-gauge coils and high-performance materials, these mattresses are durable and built to last. Be sure to try one of these mattresses out in our showroom - our customers love the pocketed coils and minimal motion transfer.

 Bedroom Suits Baton Rouge, LA

Sleep King Golden Mattresses

The Golden brand is lesser known than some, like Tempurpedic. Still, it is a quality product with many foam and non-foam options that we think you'll love. Choose from standard memory foam, hybrid, and innerspring options while visiting our showroom in Baton Rouge.

Tips on Choosing the Best Bed

There's much more to choosing a good bed than how you think it will look in your bedroom. There's plenty to think about, from innerspring options to memory foam and even hybrid mattresses. At Sleep King, our priority is our customers. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service. We want to do right by you, which why we want to be sure you find the perfect bed when you visit our mattress store in Baton Rouge, LA. To help you get started, here are a few tips on choosing the best bed for your sleep needs.

Visit a Showroom

Visit a Showroom

This tip might seem like a no-brainer to some, but it's important that you visit a showroom so that you can lay on different beds to get a feel for what you like. At Mattress King, you will have the chance to explore different styles, designs, and shapes, and mattress materials. Finding a bed online at a price you can afford is great, but you should lie on the bed first, not just look at it on a screen.

 Full Bedroom Sets Baton Rouge, LA
Determine Budget

Determine Budget

Here's a surprising fact: just because a mattress costs more money, it doesn't mean it's going to be a better bed. Sure, more expensive beds might have newer technologies and materials, but not everyone has the budget to walk into a mattress store in Baton Rouge and spend $3,000. Figure out what price range you're comfortable paying and look at the best options for your bottom line.

 Furniture Store Baton Rouge, LA
Consider Bedroom Size

Consider Bedroom Size

Before you swing by our showroom and start trying out beds, it might be a good idea to measure the space where your new mattress will go. If your bedroom is on the small side, a king-sized bed might be too big. Similarly, a small bed in a huge room might make for strange aesthetics. Aim for a reasonable amount of room around your bed - enough where you can walk around comfortably. As mentioned above, get specific measurements of the area you plan to use. That way, you have peace of mind knowing your new mattress will fit in your bedroom.

 Furniture Showroom Baton Rouge, LA
Consider Bedroom Size

Choose a Mattress Material

This tip often comes down to personal preference. It will take a little bit of trial and error to figure out which material works best for your back - innerspring, memory foam, or latex. While your friend's and family's opinions matter, keep in mind that their mattress choice was subjective. What works for them won't necessarily work for you.

Need a quick refresher on different mattress materials? Here's a quick overview
 King Bedroom Sets  Baton Rouge, LA

Innerspring

Also called coil mattresses, innerspring beds are probably the most well-known on this short list. Innerspring mattresses are often more affordable than their latex and memory foam counterparts. These beds are ideal for people who want a lot of support and a cooler night's sleep.

Latex

This material is known for its great cooling properties and overall comfort. With latex, there are no strange off-gassing odors like you sometimes get with memory foam. Latex mattresses are ideal for people who want a responsive, bouncy feel and may have problems sleeping hot.

Memory Foam

First developed by NASA in the 70s, memory foam is probably the most popular material in the modern mattress market. Memory foam conforms to every inch of your body, giving you maximum comfort and support. Memory foam is also know for its anti-motion properties. Memory foam can be a great choice if you tend to toss and turn at night and sleep with a partner who wakes up when you do. Memory foam mattresses are ideal for people who need pressure relief, good support, and refreshing comfort.

Think About Your Back

Think About Your Back

If you have a bad back, it's crucial that you find a mattress with proper support. Slat and spring beds often offer plenty of support, but latex and memory foam options have come a long way. If you want memory foam or latex but find the support to be subpar, consider an adjustable base instead of a normal platform. That way, you can always sleep in a comfortable position that benefits your back.

Mattress Company Baton Rouge, LA

Your Premier Furniture Store
Baton Rouge, LA

You read that right! Sleep King is the first choice for quality beds in Baton Rouge, but we also have a huge selection of furniture for your home. If you're looking for a one-stop-shop for mattresses and furniture alike, you have come to the right place. If you're shopping for a new mattress at the best price possible, why not throw in a bedroom suite at an amazing price too?

A few common furniture items that our customers love to add
to their mattress purchase include:
 Mattress Store Baton Rouge, LA

Living Room Sets - from traditional-style suites with classic textures to modern sets with attractive upholstery, we will help you find the best living room set for your home.

Bedroom Suites - our bedroom suites range from contemporary to classic and come in a variety of colors and styles to compliment your new mattress purchase.

Daybeds - from English-style daybeds available in espresso and cherry colors to multi-purpose beds with pull-out trundles, our selection of daybeds is unbeatable.

Futons - if you have younger children, they will love our futons. Who are we kidding? Adults do too! Futons are incredibly useful in small spaces and convert into comfy-cozy beds perfect for kids of all ages.

Bunkbeds - bunkbeds are another great option to consider if you have kids. Whether you have a classic-style home or an apartment, we have a style that fits you.

At Sleep King, we are proud to have the lowest prices in the Lowcountry

If you like what you see but don't have time to visit our mattress store in Baton Rouge, don't worry. Our online store is bursting with new items and deals every day. From mattresses and bedding to furniture sets and special sale items, Mattress King has got it all. With the highest quality mattresses, the best prices in Baton Rouge, a giant showroom with all the options, and a full team of helpful sales associates, you won't ever need to find another mattress and furniture store again!

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Latest News in Baton Rouge, LA

Chaz Lanier earns Jerry West Award

Award given to annually to college basketball’s top shooting guardKNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Chaz Lanier has been named the recipient of the Jerry West Award, given annually to the nation’s top shooting guard.the nation's BEST SHOOTING GUARDChaz Lanier is this year's recipient of the Jerry West Award, given by @Hoophall to the national Shooting Guard of the Yearread more → ...

Award given to annually to college basketball’s top shooting guard

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Chaz Lanier has been named the recipient of the Jerry West Award, given annually to the nation’s top shooting guard.

the nation's BEST SHOOTING GUARDChaz Lanier is this year's recipient of the Jerry West Award, given by @Hoophall to the national Shooting Guard of the Yearread more → https://t.co/REXqgabkj9 pic.twitter.com/morUMW56KD

— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) April 5, 2025

Lanier became the first Tennessee player to earn the award. Dalton Knecht earned the Julius Erving award a year ago as the nation’s top small forward.

Couldn't help but feel Deja vu when Chaz Lanier hit this three last night.It reminded me a lot of what another transfer did on Rocky Top last season ???? #Vols pic.twitter.com/E22jfVT8xd

— John Sartori (@JohnSartoriTV) November 14, 2024

Lanier made 123 three-pointers in his lone season at Tennessee, setting a single-season program record.

"They just sit there and watch and they're like 'I don't even recognize that guy out there.'"The son of two Division I basketball players, Chaz Lanier's journey from North Florida to Tennessee has been fueled by the name on the back of his jersey. #Vols pic.twitter.com/s7PxW835wf

— John Sartori (@JohnSartoriTV) December 23, 2024

His 17.8 points per game were the most by any Volunteer during the team’s run to a second-straight Elite 8.

Chaz Lanier, big advocate of feeding the floor. #Vols pic.twitter.com/99t0AOsewm

— John Sartori (@JohnSartoriTV) February 1, 2025

The Nashville native was also named a Wooden All-American.

Copyright 2025 WVLT. All rights reserved.

Guy Fieri visits at least 5 Capital Region spots on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,’ starting this Friday with some ‘out-of-bounds’ oysters

Correction: This article has been updated to correct the model of Guy Fieri’s car that was spotted outside local restaurants. It was a Camaro, not a Corvette. 225 regrets the error.Taking a trip to Flavortown might just mean cruising on down Perkins Road. That’s right—beloved seafood joint Phil’s Oyster Bar is set to be featured on an episode of Food Network’s ...

Correction: This article has been updated to correct the model of Guy Fieri’s car that was spotted outside local restaurants. It was a Camaro, not a Corvette. 225 regrets the error.

Taking a trip to Flavortown might just mean cruising on down Perkins Road. That’s right—beloved seafood joint Phil’s Oyster Bar is set to be featured on an episode of Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives this Friday, April 4. “There’s serious seafood in Baton Rouge, La., crossing Creole crawfish with cheesecake and (charbroiling) out-of-bounds oysters,” a synopsis of the episode teases.

Filming for the hit TV show took place in February ahead of Super Bowl LIX. Triple D star Guy Fieri and his candy-red Camaro were spotted around the Red Stick, creating buzz and speculations about which food spots would score some air time on the show. Along with Phil’s, Dempsey’s and Iverstine Butcher are set to appear in episodes in April, according to local news reports and a telling Instagram post by Dempsey’s.

And in May, episode descriptions found on Food Network’s TV schedule confirm at least two more Capital Region spots will appear on the show. Clues in the descriptions seem to point to Elsie’s Plate & Pie and Cou-Yon’s in Port Allen, though the restaurants could not confirm at press time.

“I think Baton Rouge has unbelievable restaurants,” says Anthony Piazza, owner of Phil’s. “In 2 square miles of our restaurant, there’s probably 10 restaurants that I think are fabulous. I think that people do discredit Baton Rouge compared to New Orleans. But there are a lot of great restaurants in Baton Rouge. There’s a lot of family-owned restaurants and people that have taken it to the next level.”

Piazza says when the restaurant got calls from a producer of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in early January, his team thought it was a joke. Turns out that the producer was the real deal. Piazza says he found out a regular was friends with Fieri and mentioned to the host that he needed to make a trip to Phil’s if he ever filmed in the Capital Region.

“And then the rest is history,” Piazza laughs. “So, what happens is: (Producers) talk to you about your menu, what you’re known for and items that you specialize in. Then, they look at your menu from what you tell them, and they narrow it down to five or six items. They send you the five or six items, and you have to send back the recipes. And then they pick two of them.”

Piazza says he hears that Fieri is very hands-on when it comes to picking dishes to feature on the show. The Phil’s segment in Friday’s episode will feature its iconic charbroiled oysters and crawfish cheesecake. The restaurant blocked out two days to film, which they hid from customers by announcing closures due to private events.

“People that obviously didn’t pay attention to social media just showed up,” Piazza says. “When they saw the red car, for the most part, they were very gracious about it. … The producers were great about it and said, ‘Look, man, eventually, when people see why you closed for two days, they will understand.’”

In addition to filming the making of oysters and savory cheesecakes in the kitchen, the episode will also feature segments with Piazza and Fieri, along with shots of regulars in the restaurant. Piazza says working with Fieri was a great experience.

“He had just lost his dad to cancer last year, and obviously I lost my dad 17 years ago. When they interview you, they ask you the story behind the restaurant. And when I told him my story, the first thing he said was, ‘Yeah, I heard about your dad, and I’m sorry to hear,’” Piazza says. “He told me about his dad, so we kind of connected on that. He was actually fantastic to me. He interacted a lot (with) the front end and the back of the house, too. He’s a very smart, witty guy. He’s got a very dry sense of humor and is extremely funny.”

Though Friday night’s premiere will be big for Phil’s, Piazza says he doesn’t plan to have a special viewing party for the episode, as it’ll be a busy Lenten Friday. He says he didn’t expect the episode to turn around so quickly but shares that customers may be able to catch it on a TV or two inside the restaurant. When asked about plans to watch his Food Network debut, Piazza shares that he hasn’t planned on how or when he’ll sit down to view the episode.

Throughout this experience, Piazza says he’s learned just how much of a loyal following Fieri and Triple D has. And while he’s not sure what to expect after the episode airs, he says he hopes it brings in some out-of-towners along with locals who haven’t ventured to Phil’s just yet.

But above all, Piazza hopes Phil’s national TV feature helps continue his father’s legacy.

“The biggest thing for me is that it gives (recognition) to my dad’s family business, which is something that he built, created and left to us,” Piazza says. “And it’s really great for Baton Rouge. My dad was a big Baton Rouge person. … I feel like in the last five or six years, we’ve stepped our game up and taken it to the next level. And I think he would be extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished—but I don’t think in his wildest dreams he would ever imagine Phil’s would have been on the Food Network.”

The Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives episode featuring Phil’s Oyster Bar will air on Food Network this Friday, April 4, at 8 p.m. Keep up with new episodes featuring Baton Rouge restaurants on the Food Network website.

A guide to this weekend’s Baton Rouge Blues Fest, from music to food and much more

Correction: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Jonathon “Boogie” Long’s first name. 225 regrets the error.Fans of the blues and novice listeners alike can show their support and listen to live music all weekend at the Baton Rouge Blues Festival, one of the oldest blues festivals in the country. Head over to downtown Baton Rouge this Friday, April 4, to Sunday, April 6, to get the full experience of a...

Correction: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Jonathon “Boogie” Long’s first name. 225 regrets the error.

Fans of the blues and novice listeners alike can show their support and listen to live music all weekend at the Baton Rouge Blues Festival, one of the oldest blues festivals in the country. Head over to downtown Baton Rouge this Friday, April 4, to Sunday, April 6, to get the full experience of all this free festival has to offer.

The event will host a plethora of musical artists throughout the weekend, as well as a Kids Corner, Kenny Neal’s Car Show, loads of food vendors, artist interviews, makers, merch and more. Check out the guide below to plan out your weekend visit to the festival.

Music will fill downtown from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening across four stages:

Visit Baton Rouge Swamp Blues Stage at Galvez Plaza

Chris Whittington Family LA 1 Stage outside the Shaw Center for the Arts

Watermark Slim Harpo Stage at the intersection of Convention and Third streets, near the Watermark Hotel

Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge Front Porch Stage at North Boulevard Town Square, which will operate as an unplugged space for headliners and up-and-coming artists

Performances will kick off with a special Live After Five edition featuring Hanna PK, Jovin Webb and Jonathon “Boogie” Long. Other artists that attendees can expect to see throughout the weekend include Chris Thomas King, Kenny Neal, Cedric Burnside, THEBROSFRESH, Adia Victoria and many others.

“Honestly, everyone who’s on a Blues Fest stage is incredible,” says Lauren Lambert-Tompkins, executive director of the Baton Rouge Blues Fest and Foundation.

“Absolutely do not miss the Sunday jam at the end of the festival,” she adds.

The Blues Fest Jam will start at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, at the Swamp Blues Stage. Many of the musicians will come onstage to play together. During the jam session, drinks at the bar will be half-price.

Satisfy your cravings with bites from over a dozen food vendors at the festival.

“We’ve got everything from Asian cuisine to Cajun, tacos, Mediterranean and boiled crawfish,” Lambert-Tompkins says. Food vendors include A & G Snack Shop on the Geaux, The Frying Station, Jake’s Tacos, Jambalaya by Shake, Chef Key’s Country Kitchen, Leroy’s Lip Smack’n Lemonade, Vel’s Mobile Cafe, AOK Caterer and more.

Food trucks will be set up on North Boulevard near the LA 1 Stage and the Front Porch Stage. Food tents will be set up near the River Center Branch Library and City Hall, facing the Swamp Blues stage.

Bar locations face the Swamp Blues Stage in Rhorer Plaza from Friday to Sunday. Another bar, known as Town Lawn, will be set up on North Boulevard under the large digital sign on Saturday and Sunday.

New to the fest this year, Kenny Neal’s Car Show will take place on North Boulevard in front of Louisiana’s Old State Capitol on Saturday, April 5. Neal, a blues legend and car enthusiast, will bring slick rides to downtown Baton Rouge.

“There’s a really big crossover between blues fans and antique car fans,” says Lambert-Tompkins. “Kenny’s got a few surprises up his sleeve.”

WRKF’s Behind the Blues: Musician Interviews, a hidden gem of the festival, according to Lambert-Tompkins, returns to the Baton Rouge Blues Fest this year.

Many local artists will be interviewed by the local NPR station on the second floor of Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, and attendees are invited to listen in.

Musicians on the lineup include Chris LeBlanc, Lil’ Jimmy Reed, Kenny Neal, Jonathon “Boogie” Long, Chris Thomas King and Hanna PK.

“Our mission as a foundation is to preserve these stories coming from swamp blues artists,” Lambert-Tompkins says. “Blues music is about the stories.”

The Humana Kids Corner, located near Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, will have many different family-friendly activities to keep attendees of all ages entertained. Kiddos can release some energy and embrace their competitive spirit on the GymFit Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course or try their hand at being a cowboy on an animatronic bull. For more laid-back activities, kids can ride a small train or make their own music at the instrument petting zoo on Saturday, April 5.

Dozens of makers and vendors will showcase their art for attendees to peruse between sets. The Circa 1857 Arts Market will be held in Galvez Plaza, behind the Swamp Blues Stage, to showcase local goods and vendors.

Merchandise from the Baton Rouge Blues Fest will also be available for purchase to help keep the festival free for all to attend. Blues Fest merch will be located off North Boulevard in the Town Lawn bar, under the digital signs.

Check out the Baton Rouge Blues Fest online here. Volunteers will be handing out festival guides throughout the weekend, so be sure to grab one to stay in the know about everything that’s going on.

Louisiana to Play Pivotal Role in Tech Supply Chain with ExxonMobil Facility Upgrade

BATON ROUGE, La. – ExxonMobil announced its plans to invest more than $100 million in facility upgrades to produce high-purity isopropyl alcohol, a critical material for semiconductor chip manufacturing in the U.S.The facility is located at the company’s Baton Rouge Complex in the legacy chemical plant. The project will help retain existing jobs, create approximately 45 construction jobs and is expected to be completed in 2027.“ExxonMobil has a storied history in Louisiana that goes far beyond its refining cap...

BATON ROUGE, La. – ExxonMobil announced its plans to invest more than $100 million in facility upgrades to produce high-purity isopropyl alcohol, a critical material for semiconductor chip manufacturing in the U.S.

The facility is located at the company’s Baton Rouge Complex in the legacy chemical plant. The project will help retain existing jobs, create approximately 45 construction jobs and is expected to be completed in 2027.

“ExxonMobil has a storied history in Louisiana that goes far beyond its refining capabilities and reflects the company’s commitment to growth, innovation and impact,” Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “Through the strengthening of the domestic supply chain, this upgrade is yet another example of how Louisiana is at the forefront of the American manufacturing renaissance. Thank you to ExxonMobil for its reinvestment in Louisiana, and we look forward to many more years of prosperity and partnership ahead.

Highly complex microchip manufacturing requires isopropyl alcohol with an extremely high purity level – 99.999% pure.

“We’ve been producing isopropyl alcohol at our Baton Rouge facility for more than 80 years,” said Kate Lightfoot, Baton Rouge Complex Chemical Plant Manager. “With this investment, we’re enhancing one of our legacy chemical products to meet growing demand in the tech industry.”

To support the project, the state of Louisiana offered ExxonMobil a competitive incentives package that includes participation in the Retention and Modernization Program, which provides manufacturers up to a 4% refundable tax credit of the amount of qualified expenditures. The company is also expected to utilize the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program.

“We’re delighted ExxonMobil is expanding its Baton Rouge operations by enhancing its isopropyl alcohol production,” Lori Melancon, President & CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, said. “Products made in the Baton Rouge Area go into the things that people around the world use each and every day. It is exciting to know that in the near future, the U.S.-manufactured microchips that will empower our daily lives get their start, in part, right here in Baton Rouge.”

Learn more about ExxonMobil’s isopropyl alcohol production here.

About LED Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for driving capital investment, job creation and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana and employers of all sizes. Explore how LED is positioning Louisiana to win at OpportunityLouisiana.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Litten, LED Strategic Communications Editor [email protected] 225.342.4321

Jeff Landry makes case for Amendment 2 in Baton Rouge: 'Our moment in this state is now'

With three days left before a statewide vote on four amendments to the Louisiana Constitution, Gov. Jeff Landry brought to Baton Rouge his statewide push to build support for one that is crucial to his agenda.In a speech to the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge on Wednesday, Lan...

With three days left before a statewide vote on four amendments to the Louisiana Constitution, Gov. Jeff Landry brought to Baton Rouge his statewide push to build support for one that is crucial to his agenda.

In a speech to the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge on Wednesday, Landry urged voters to support Amendment 2, part of his larger effort to rewrite Louisiana's tax laws. The pitch for the tax overhaul was the centerpiece of a wide-ranging speech in which he emphasized that Louisiana sits at an inflection point.

"Our opportunity, our moment in this state, is now, and it has been placed in your hands," Landry said.

If approved by voters Saturday, Amendment 2 would rewrite swathes of the part of the constitution that governs state taxes. It would lower the cap on the individual income tax rate from 4.75% to 3.75% — with seniors able to double their income tax deduction — put many tax exemptions in state law instead of the constitution, limit state spending increases and restructure government funds designated for specific purposes, such as health and education, by altering some and eliminating others entirely.

It would build into the state budget a temporary $2,000 teacher pay stipend approved by the Louisiana Legislature last year by liquidating three education trust funds.

"That amendment will lock in the reforms that will provide the largest tax cut in the history of this state, and it will be accompanied by fiscal reforms that will benefit this state for a long, long time," Landry said.

Landry has campaigned for the passage of the amendment around the state. He's made the case on radio shows, in newspaper editorials and in speeches to local groups. Notable advocacy organizations, including the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, the Louisiana Association of Educators, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, have endorsed the amendment.

But the amendment faces opposition from both groups on the left and the right. Some conservatives argue that the changes would make it easier to remove tax breaks for churches, while some on the left have said spending caps would make it harder to fund education, transportation and other programs addressing residents' needs.

In response to criticism over tax breaks, Landry said the amendment would preserve the homestead exemption and the exemption for religious organizations.

"Now, I just signed the bill to put the Ten Commandments in school," he said. "You think I would do anything to harm our religious organizations in the state?"

In his speech, Landry called the election a defining moment for Louisiana. He said it's an opportunity for the state to escape its boom and bust cycles, if the people will permit the legislature and Landry himself to "continue the success."

"I know y'all not used to so much good news. Y'all are like shocked," Landry said. "That's the problem we have in this state. We got a group of people out there — they just don't know how to win."

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