The 2021 legislative session begins today and at 6 PM tonight, Governor John Bel Edwards will deliver a state of the state address at Southern University’s Mumford Stadium. Tax reform will be a dominant issue, but Edwards says any changes to the tax code should be revenue-neutral and he does not believe it will be a good idea to reduce taxes.
“We already have one of the five lowest combined state and local tax burdens in the country. Secondly, we know that in 2025 we’re scheduled to lose the point-45 cents of sales tax,” said Edwards.
Edwards is holding the speech at Southern due to COVID restrictions limiting indoor gatherings. Typically, he would address the legislature in person at the state Capitol.
Edwards will push for legislation to close the state’s gender pay gap, which he said remains among the worst in the country, and to end discriminatory practices in setting auto insurance rates.
“It’s where premiums are based on nothing do with an individual’s driving record,” said Edwards.
Edwards also backed a small pay raise for teachers and higher education staff this year.
The governor said he’s in favor of any legislation to raise the state’s minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, which has not changed since 2008.
“Unlike previous years I am not going to lend my support to a single bill, I support all of them. Whichever one the legislature wants to embrace and pass to increase the minimum wage, I’m for it, put it on my desk I’ll sign it into law,” said Edwards.
Edwards said he also supports legislation for mandatory kindergarten, a statewide Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator, and law enforcement disciplinary reform.
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