John Bel Edwards on Government Reform

Vetoed Congressional redistricting for racial imbalance

Having personally witnessed redistricting twice now, I can say that the current process is not working. That is why I am supporting legislation to establish an independent redistricting commission to support the Legislature in reapportionment for future redistricting. 18 other states have some type of commission, and I think we should be the 19th.

Favored sweeping tort reform making it harder to sue

• reduces the threshold for a jury trial,
• transfers cases to district courts,
• provides for evidence of medical expense payments, and
• repeals the limitation on presenting evidence of the failure to wear a safety belt.

Analysis by the Baton Rouge Advocate (Jun 30, 2020):Business and insurance interests and their mostly Republican supporters supported sweeping changes to evidence laws that would reduce the number of court cases and limit the awards of people who seek compensation for injuries caused by someone else. Lawyers, healthcare providers and their mostly Democratic allies who opposed sweeping tort reform counter that the changes would make court cases so difficult that injured people will be more likely to accept insurance companies' offers.

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 78-22-4 on Jun/15/20; Passed Senate 29-9-1 on Jun/22/20; Signed by Governor Jul/13/20

Require voter ID; require proof of citizenship

Abraham: Probable yes. Voted against Democratic HR 1 Act that would expand voter registration & votin

Public funding for campaigns, but deregulate soft money

Edwards indicated support for the following principles regarding campaign finance and government reform.
• Support public taxpayer funding for federal candidates who comply with campaign spending limits.
• Increase the amount individuals are permitted to contribute to federal campaigns.
• Allow unregulated soft money campaign contributions to political parties or committees.
• Should Election Day be a national holiday?
  A: Yes.