Governor John Bel Edwards has been in office 100 days today. Edwards’ numerous accomplishments in the first hundred days, includes banning discrimination against the LGBT community in state offices and raising over $1 billion in revenue during the special session. Edwards says he is most proud of the healthcare coverage that over 300,000 people in the state will receive as a result of Medicaid expansion.
cut 10 (07) “Medicaid program”
Edwards says his biggest immediate goals are resolving the state’s budget problems and getting equal pay for men and women. He says one of the most important bills he is pushing seeks to raise the state’s minimum wage.
Edwards has also installed a chicken coop at the Governor’s Mansion that is home to 16 hens.
Legislation that would expand the number of diseases that medical marijuana can be used to treat failed to get enough votes to pass out of the Senate. Under current law, once medical cannabis becomes available in Louisiana, it can only be used for three different diseases. St. Martin Parish senator Fred Mills says he wants to give cancer and AIDS patients the ability to use it…
Cut 28 (11) “…AIDS 22 states”
But several senators expressed concerns with the legislation. Delhi Senator Francis Thompson says passing this bill could lead to other legislation that will legalize marijuana…
Cut 29 (15) “…gateway”
The vote on the bill was 19 yes, 16 nays. But a bill needs 20 votes to pass the senate. It can be brought up again.