Bad Idea Watch: Secret Negotiations Between Industry and Govt in Louisiana?

Keep your eye on this popular new exemption, which seems to be about the worst idea in the history of policy making, especially in Louisiana, no stranger to the smoke-filled room...

A Senate committee advanced legislation Wednesday that would allow state government to continue to negotiate behind closed doors with businesses.

Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret said the state stands to lose the opportunity to land thousands of new jobs if negotiations cannot be conducted in secret.

On large projects, businesses often require “an absolute commitment of confidentiality” because they are contemplating locations in multiple states, he said. Louisiana officials also do not want other states to know what incentives they are offering, he said.

“We’re in a competition that’s growing more and more challenging every day,” Moret told the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs.

The panel approved the legislation without objection.

More here.