The Senate Labor Committee approves a proposal to increase the minimum wage to $8.50 over the next two years. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, and this measure would create a state minimum wage at $8.00 by 2018 and increase to $8.50 by 2019. State Director of the National Federation for Independent Business, Dawn Starns opposes the measure because she says it will create uncertainty for small businesses..:
Cut 3 (10) “in their budgeting”
But Carter says the world doesn’t come to an end when you treat people fairly. He says not only will better wages make for better work environments, it will also help the community…:
Cut 6 (10) “about that”
Governor John Bel Edwards issued a statement saying he was pleased the bill advanced, and it’s time to start valuing hard-working families.

The Governor’s monthly call in radio show takes place this afternoon at 2pm on affiliates of the Louisiana Radio Network.

The statue of P.G.T. Beauregard was hauled away in New Orleans by a masked crew last night. Workers took down the monument of the Confederate General as opponents of the removal watched while waving Confederate battle flags and singing the National Anthem…:
Cut 7 (09) “yet wave”
Supporters of the removal threw a party just feet away from the opponents.

A bill by Representative Terry Landry that would eliminate the death penalty for crimes committed on or after August 1st of this year is being heard in the House Criminal Justice committee at this hour. Senator Dan Claitor has the same bill in the Upper chamber that already cleared committee.