A proposal to increase the minimum wage to $8.50 an hour by 2019 wins approval in the Senate Labor Committee. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter says his bill would ensure workers earn a decent wage, which will boost morale and lower turnover rates for employers.

Cut 4 (10) “better employees”

But Jim Patterson with the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says this will drive up costs for businesses. He says once low wage employees start making more, other workers will want a raise too.

Cut 5 (10) “what have you”

The measure now heads to the Upper Chamber and possibly the Senate Finance Committee, where it was killed last year.

A proposal to end the death penalty in Louisiana was rejected by the House Criminal Justice Committee. Bishop of the Diocese of Houma Shelton Fabre testified in support of the bill saying every human life is sacred, and an execution will bring back a loved one or heal wounds.

Cut 13 (11) “ever done”

The proposal failed on an eight to nine vote.

The second confederate monument to come down in New Orleans was hauled away last night. It took crews 7 hours to get the statue of PGT Beauregard off its base. Supporters celebrated just feet away from opponents. One spectator explains why the monuments have to go.

Cut 8 (08) “that nature”

The next monument to come down will be Robert E. Lee.