As the legislative session wrapped up Gov. John Bel Edwards seemed satisfied with much of what they accomplished and reflected on the compromises they were able to achieve compared to the dysfunction in Washington.
He talked about the money and location of the proposed new Mississippi River Bridge, saying he did not have a preference as to where it should be placed and that he is grateful for the $300 million passed in the budget when he originally asked for $500 million.
Gov. Edwards also talked about the need to raise the minimum wage, which has not been done since 2008. And he spoke about the pay raise for teachers. He asked for a $2000 raise; lawmakers gave him $1500.
Lawmakers may not get too much time off though. While things were wrapping up Monday, a judge ruled the congressional map the legislature passed violated the Voting Rights Act. The governor said he will be calling for a special session to redraw those maps in the next couple of days.
