The state sales tax was raised on Friday.

Act 26 raised the state sales tax by a penny, giving Louisiana the highest combined local and state sales tax rate in the country.

Residents and visitors will see an increase in their receipts for clothing purchases, electronics and more.

Resident John Thompson says, “I don’t think it’s going to be good for anybody’s pocket book.””

Tax payers aren’t too pleased with the increase but understand why it’s needed.

“I don’t necessarily think it’s the best idea,” said Thompson, “it just has to be done.”

State lawmakers instituted the tax hikes to address Louisiana’s historic budget crisis.

“I don’t think it’s a whole lot of money,” says resident Karen Roden, “I think we’ve got to take care of the budget.”

The tax hikes will remain in effect until July 2018.