Gov. John Bel Edwards

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

We already have one of the lowest combined tax burdens in the country. So while we can and should make reforms, they must be revenue neutral. No one wants to go back to the fiscal mess that I inherited. And I won’t let that happen. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

We have the opportunity to gain back the momentum we lost to the pandemic and natural disasters. But remember, in four years – two more fiscal sessions from now – the .45 percent of sales tax rolls off. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

But true tax reform doesn’t just mean tax change. Since 2016, we have made great strides in stabilizing Louisiana’s budget, and our efforts are paying off. In fact, earlier this year, Moody’s Investors Service revised Louisiana’s fiscal outlook from stable to positive. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

Finally, I want to take a moment to discuss some other items that will be widely debated this session. This is a fiscal session, and with that comes a tendency to throw a ton of bills at the wall and see what sticks. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

Third, we will be introducing legislation to create a Foster Youth Bill of Rights, written by and for young people who have gone through our foster care system. Antonica Frazier, Aliyah Zeien, Jarvis Spearman, and Htet Htet Rodgers are the authors of that Bill of Rights. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

We have certainly made progress when it comes to identifying trafficking cases and supporting survivors. But creating a designated office will allow us to place an even more concentrated effort on ending these horrific crimes that are tantamount to modern day slavery. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

Second, we will create an Office of Human Trafficking Prevention within the Office of the Governor. Ending human trafficking is an issue that both my wife @FirstLadyOfLA and I are very passionate about. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

My administration has made disability rights a cornerstone of our time in office, and I hope the legislature will join us in making sure every Louisianan knows they belong. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

The first is establishing a statewide Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator within the Division of Administration. The ADA coordinator will provide educational and technical support for state and local agencies. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

Three additional bills in my package are aimed at improving advocacy for those most vulnerable. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

This year, instead of including a specific minimum wage bill in my package, I am supporting any and all efforts to raise the minimum wage. So my message to the Legislature is simple: pass a bill. Get it on my desk. I’ll sign it. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

I am one of the overwhelming majority of Louisianans who want a meaningful increase to the minimum wage that will help workers support their families and enjoy a better quality of life. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

Some of them make minimum wage, which is still just $7.25 per hour in Louisiana. We call essential workers heroes for continuing to work through the pandemic, yet, even when they work full time, we don’t pay them enough to cover their essential needs. #LaSOTS https://t.co/t0GvKECRS6 — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

At the beginning of this speech, I introduced you to some people who have been working on the frontlines of this pandemic. There are so many more frontline workers across our state in grocery stores, schools, and restaurants. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

You’ve heard me talk about this before, and you are going to keep hearing me talk about it until we actually do something. It is beyond time. Frankly, it’s embarrassing. Because we know when women succeed, Louisiana succeeds, period. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

Louisiana also continues to have one of the largest gender wage gaps in the country. My package includes pay transparency bills that are simple ways to address pay equity. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

Last year, we met our goal of reducing maternal mortality related to hemorrhaging and hypertension by 20 percent. I am confident that working with both healthcare partners and employers we can reduce even more preventable complications for mom and baby. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

Louisiana continues to be one of the worst states in the nation for maternal and newborn health outcomes, but we’ve already made significant progress. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

I’ve seen businesses pivot to address health and safety measures quickly because of the pandemic. And, I applaud them for it. If they can do that, there is no reason a company can’t accommodate a worker during or after pregnancy. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

This isn’t the only way we are striving to make Louisiana a more just place to live. We’re also introducing legislation to ensure that pregnant or post-partum workers have reasonable accommodations that promote the health of both mom and baby. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

I know there are other bills that could be beneficial, and I’m committed to working with legislators on this issue. The key is that we get this right, and that we do it now. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

My administration has worked closely with members of the Louisiana Women’s Legislative caucus to propose House Bill 409, which would ensure faculty and staff are properly reporting Title IX violations per their university and system policies. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

We also can’t accomplish this if students aren’t safe on their own campus. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

I want every student who walks on any campus in this state to have the opportunity to thrive. I also want them to go on to succeed in the workplace. And simply put, we can’t accomplish this if we aren’t investing in higher education. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

Brandon has received a Go Grant every year, and he credits that scholarship with the ability to stay in school and complete his degree. By increasing funding for Go Grants, we can help even more students like Brandon achieve their goals. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

I am joined today by Brandon Jones, a senior at LSU majoring in electrical engineering who graduated high school from Scotlandville and works to give back to his community through volunteer efforts. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

It also includes funds the TOPS program, which is estimated to receive another $13 million this year, and it includes a historic $11 million increase in funding for Go Grants. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

Another priority for additional funding is Early Childhood Education. I know that many legislators share this goal. This budget also includes a faculty pay increase for higher education as well as $15.6 million towards higher education budget stabilization. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

The budget that I have presented includes another pay increase for K-12 teachers and support staff. It’s not enough. I know that. But it is one step closer to bringing teacher pay back to the Southern Regional Average. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org

Gov. John Bel Edwards @LouisianaGov

By working with these companies on forward thinking solutions, like carbon capture, we are going to make Louisiana more sustainable while also unlocking a whole new sector of economic and job opportunities. #LaSOTS — PolitiTweet.org