The House Labor Committee turns aside a bill that would have raised the minimum wage to 12 dollars an hour. The debate over raising the minimum wage is an annual one at the state capitol. Lafayette Representative Themi Chassion wants to see more action than just talking.

Cut 26 (06) “…real adjustment.”

The vote to defeat the bill was seven-to-five. Slidell Representative Brian Glorioso was among the seven who voted no; he says the solution to boosting incomes in Louisiana is not raising the minimum wage.

Cut 22 (06) “…fix the problem.”

The minimum wage is $7.25, and it’s been that way for 17 years. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, said it shouldn’t be up to the government to decide how much business owners should pay their employees.

Cut 28 (06) “…type of business.”

The House Labor Committee passes legislation that would prohibit a private or public employer from firing or taking retaliatory action against an employee for misgendering. Chairman Raymond Crews of Bossier City is the author of the legislation.

Cut 10 (09) “…is that proper?”

Crews is referring to Luke Ash, who was let go of his job last July after he refused to use someone’s preferred pronouns.

Peyton Rose Michelle, with Louisiana Trans Advocates, believes the legislation is unfair, because state law does not protect trans people from discrimination, yet this bill would protect someone who intentionally tries to disrespect a transgender individual.

Cut 12 (10) “…and be disrespectful.”

The measure is heading to the House floor after a six-to-four vote along party lines.