— SPORTS BETTING EXPENSES: Rep. Roger Wilder has filed a bill that would more than triple the taxation rate for purveyors of some forms of sports betting. HB 22 would increase from 15 percent to 51 percent the tax on net gaming proceeds from electronic sports wagering on websites and mobile applications. “Net gaming proceeds” means the total gross revenue of all wagers placed by patrons less the total amount of all winnings paid out. The bill ties into items 11 and 13 of the special session call.  

— FLEMING BACK TO THE WHITE HOUSE?: Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming told Greg Hilburn with the Shreveport Times that President-elect Donald Trump’s team has contacted him about a possible appointment in the next administration, though a specific job offer has not been presented.  Fleming said he is happy with his current job but would be willing to consider a substantive senior position. Fleming served in the previous Trump administration. 

— INSURANCE CONCERNS: The cost and availability of insurance remains the top concern of commercial truckers in Louisiana, according to a report the Louisiana Motor Transport Association released with the American Transportation Research Institute. Legal climate, the economy, a driver shortage and fuel prices round out the top five issues. “While we appreciate the legislature’s work to reform our antiquated tax system, when businesses cannot afford insurance, they cannot afford to do business in our state,” LMTA Executive Director Renee Amar said in a prepared statement. Legislators have been meeting in recent months in hopes of coming up with a package of bills for next year that would address insurance issues. 

— NEW COLUMN: Disaster recovery is an all-too-familiar subject in Louisiana, but one issue that is under the radar for most people is the call for faster tax filing relief. David Zoller, director of government and political affairs for the Society of Louisiana CPAs, makes the case for change in an exclusive column for Wednesday’s edition of Beltway Beat.