Yesterday Gov. John Bel Edwards held a media briefing about the 2021 Legislative Session shortly after it adjourned.
Edwards said he has already signed the budget that was approved by legislators. He added it includes critical investments to improve life for Louisiana citizens. He pointed out raises for teachers and support staff. Teachers will receive an $800 raise, while support staff will get $400. He said this still is not enough because teachers in Louisiana are not at the Southern Regional Average.
Edwards said he signed one sports betting bill and two more are headed to his desk. He said the one that has been signed will go toward education. He added this is the best budget for higher education in at least 15 years as TOPS is fully funded, and there is more money for GoGrants.
Edwards also said he is interested in signing the bill that would eliminate jail time for possessing small amounts of marijuana.
Talking about the additional federal unemployment benefits, the governor said he is still waiting on the results of a study by economist Dr. Jim Richardson before making a decision on when to end them. He mentioned several other bills but could not say whether or not he would sign them because there were last-minute changes he wanted to look over.
