Tax incentives are one of the most controversial tools in the economic development tool kit.

Proponents, including economic development officials, business leaders, developers and industry executives, say without tax breaks, it wouldn't make financial sense to do certain deals, build job-creating plants or revitalize old buildings.

Critics charge that most incentive programs give lucrative tax breaks to private industry and wealthy companies at the expense of tax rolls and the environment. They say the giveaways often haven't paid for themselves and have mixed job results.

In 2023, Louisiana provided more than $500 million in tax incentives including $150 million to the Quality Jobs Program, $134 million to the Motion Picture Investor Tax Credit and $86 million to the Rehabilitation of

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