In his State of the State speech to begin the legislative session, Governor John Bel Edwards laid out his priorities for lawmakers to address. In addition to giving teachers at least a 15-hundred dollar pay raise, Edwards also wants to give a $100-a-month pay hike to first responders; like law enforcement officers and firefighters.
“We can never adequately compensate the men and women who put their lives on the line for public safety,” said Edwards. “However, it is important that we have the ability to recruit, train, and retain the best of the best in law enforcement. They deserve it. And the public deserves it.”
Edwards says he wants to invest over $1-billion in one-time dollars coming into state coffers on major infrastructure projects, such as….
“500-million for a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge, an additional $100 million for the bridge in Lake Charles, and $500 million for water and sewer improvements statewide.”
The governor also says it’s important to replenish the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund by using federal pandemic relief dollars.
“If we don’t replenish the trust fund, it will automatically trigger an increase in taxes on all businesses in the state-big and small, which pay into the trust fund. That is the last thing they need right now.”
Edwards also supports legislation that would establish an independent redistricting commission to support the Legislature in reapportionment for future redistricting. The governor also supports insurance reform efforts and he is once again pushing legislators to raise the minimum wage.
“There is not a person in this room who can tell me with a straight face that $7.25, a minimum wage from 13 years ago, is fair or acceptable, especially given the current rate of inflation,” said Edwards.
Edwards delivered his remarks in the House Chambers at the State Capitol in front of a joint session of the House and Senate.
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