To change that, Governor Bobby Jindal is touting new anti-corruption laws, business tax reform, and future work force development. But, some think those changes are more cosmetic than substantial.

The governor and Political Analyst and Population Expert Elliott Stonecipher agree Louisiana needs to keep its population. But, they disagree on how.

Stonecipher says Lousiana's inability to keep many of its residents from pursuing opportunity elsewhere is something the state's leadership refuses to confront.

Twenty-one of 29 north Louisiana parishes have lost population over the past 25 years. At the same time, most other states were gaining population.

Only one parish of 29 in north Louisiana has been growing at just the national average-that's Bossier.

Stonecipher says the governor's initiatives won't keep people in Louisiana or attract others to move to the state.

Stonecipher says what's needed is an overhaul of the state's tax system, including doing away with the state income tax.

Jindal says he favors removing the state's income tax, like fast growing Texas.

Jindal pointed to his work force development initiative to change the way the state trains many of its workers, from colleges to trade schools.

That plan includes eliminating the department of labor bureaucracy and replacing it with a work force commission.

Stonecipher would like to see a constitutional convention to revamp the state's entire tax code.

Stonecipher admits that idea's gotten little support from Louisiana's political figures or the business community; while any groups like the louisiana association of business and industry and labor groups have endorsed many of Governor Jindal's plans.

The regular session of the legislature begins next monday in Baton Rouge to tackle the governor's proposals.