By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Louisiana’s legislators are currently in Baton Rouge, and one of the main topics of discussion over the next couple of months will undoubtedly be the state’s budget.

Unfortunately, to deal with a statewide decrease in revenue, more and more costs are being passed on to local governments and agencies. Accordingly, last week L’Observateur asked visitors to its website what they thought should be done locally to generate more revenue.

Nearly half of those who answered the question said they new business and industry was the key to building revenue.

Two other local moneymakers — the film industry and tourism — garnered less than 10 percent of the vote each, meaning fewer than one-fifth of respondents think they are key to generating more revenue in the River Parishes.

One-third of voters thought the key to extra revenue was not among the choices and chose “Other.”

Not surprisingly, no one picked a tax increase as the best way of raising additional revenue.

A full breakdown of results follows:

• 0 percent of respondents chose “Raise taxes.”

• 9 percent of respondents chose “Encourage more movie and television productions to come to the area.”

• 9 percent of respondents chose “Do more to promote tourism in the area.”

• 49 percent of respondents chose “Do more to encourage new business and industry to set up shop here.”

• 33 percent of respondents chose “Other.”