John Bel Edwards in 2021 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Civil Rights: Pandemic highlighted inequities in our communities

The pandemic has highlighted inequities that persist in our communities--especially when it comes to health outcomes. That is why early on I established the Health Equity Task Force. It's why we rolled out the Bring Back Louisiana campaign and are working to ensure all communities have access to the vaccine. It's why I created the Resilient Louisiana Commission to ensure that small businesses that have been devastated by this pandemic have a seat at the table and a path forward. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Louisiana legislature Apr 12, 2021

On Crime: Create an Office of Human Trafficking Prevention

We will create an Office of Human Trafficking Prevention within the Office of the Governor. Ending human trafficking is an issue that both my wife Donna and I are very passionate about. We have certainly made progress when it comes to identifying trafficking cases and supporting survivors. But creating a designated office will allow us to place an even more concentrated effort on ending these horrific crimes that are tantamount to modern day slavery. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Louisiana legislature Apr 12, 2021

On Education: Increase in teacher pay isn't enough, hope to do more

Economic diversification and access to opportunity starts with education.The budget that I have presented includes another pay increase for K-12 teachers and support staff. It's not enough. I know that. But it is one step closer to bringing teacher pay back to the Southern Regional Average. And, I hope that in a few weeks, our revenue estimate will look even better and we will be able to increase that investment. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Louisiana legislature Apr 12, 2021

On Education: Invest in higher education for student success in workplace

This budget includes a historic $11 million increase in funding for Go Grants. By increasing funding for Go Grants, we can help even more students achieve their goals. Let's give him a round of applause! I want every student who walks on any campus in this state to have the opportunity to thrive. I also want them to go on to succeed in the workplace. And simply put, we can't accomplish this if we aren't investing in higher education. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Louisiana legislature Apr 12, 2021

On Energy & Oil: Reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050

Another way we've established groundwork for a more resilient Louisiana is through the creation of a Climate Initiatives Task Force last year. No state is more adversely impacted by climate change than Louisiana. But at the same time, no state is better positioned to be a leader in reducing carbon emissions and bolstering coastal resiliency. By 2050, our goal is to reduce carbon emissions to net zero and to have invested $50 billion in rebuilding Louisiana's coast. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Louisiana legislature Apr 12, 2021

On Energy & Oil: Work with--not against--oil & gas companies on solutions

The reason I know we can get there is because we are working with--not against--the energy sector that sustains so much of Louisiana's economy. Oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico continues to be important to Louisiana's success. By working with these companies on forward thinking solutions, like carbon capture, we are going to make Louisiana more sustainable while also unlocking a whole new sector of economic and job opportunities. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Louisiana legislature Apr 12, 2021

On Families & Children: Reasonable accommodations for health of mom and baby

We're introducing legislation to ensure that pregnant or post-partum workers have reasonable accommodations that promote the health of both mom and baby. Louisiana continues to be one of the worst states in the nation for maternal and newborn health outcomes. Last year, we met our goal of reducing maternal mortality related to hemorrhaging and hypertension by 20%. I am confident that working with both healthcare partners and employers we can reduce even more preventable complications. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Louisiana legislature Apr 12, 2021

On Health Care: COVID: Relying on doctors and scientists and epidemiologists

I know some of you have questions about the vaccines. That's ok. Most of us, myself included, didn't go to medical school. That's why I have Dr. Joe Kanter with me at every COVID press conference. That's why you see doctors and nurses on the news reaching out to the public. So when you hear me say the shots are safe and effective, that's not coming from me. That's coming from doctors and scientists and epidemiologists. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Louisiana legislature Apr 12, 2021

On Health Care: Medicaid expansion saved lives

It's why 5 years ago I expanded Medicaid to the working poor in Louisiana. Because of that decision, many more people have had access to a primary care physician and the ability to afford prescription medication in order to treat or control underlying conditions that make them more susceptible to COVID. I know that we still have a lot of work to do in order to improve health outcomes, but I can't imagine how many more people would have died this past year if not for Medicaid expansion. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Louisiana legislature Apr 12, 2021

On Jobs: Pass a minimum wage bill, get it on my desk, I'll sign it

I am one of the overwhelming majority of Louisianans who want a meaningful increase to the minimum wage that will help workers support their families and enjoy a better quality of life. This year, instead of including a specific minimum wage bill in my package, I am supporting any and all efforts to raise the minimum wage. So my message to the Legislature is simple: pass a bill. Get it on my desk. I'll sign it. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Louisiana legislature Apr 12, 2021

On Tax Reform: We can make tax reforms but they must be revenue neutral

Since 2016, we have made great strides in stabilizing Louisiana's budget, and our efforts are paying off. But remember, in four years--two more fiscal sessions from now--the .45 percent of sales tax rolls off. We already have one of the lowest combined tax burdens in the country. So while we can and should make reforms, they must be revenue neutral. No one wants to go back to the fiscal mess that I inherited. And I won't let that happen. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Louisiana legislature Apr 12, 2021

On Technology: Fund high speed, afford broadband for everyone in Louisiana

I want to make sure that we are maximizing federal dollars to serve as many people as possible. That includes capitalizing on funding for high speed, affordable broadband for every single person in Louisiana. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Louisiana legislature Apr 12, 2021

The above quotations are from 2021 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts from 2021 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts by John Bel Edwards. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
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Page last updated: Feb 24, 2022