Governor John Bel Edwards: Minimum wage, equal pay, early education top priorities

Gov. John Bel Edwards said increasing funding for early childhood education will be his top priority during a second term and he will double down on efforts to increase the minimum wage and reduce the gender wage gap in Louisiana.

Edwards and First Lady Donna Edwards held their first press conference since the Democratic governor beat Republican businessman Eddie Rispone in Saturday's runoff election 51% to 49%.

"It's time to get back to governing," Edwards said from the Governor's Mansion. "I've reestablished good communications with (President Donald Trump) and am reaching out to legislators."

Trump headlined three Louisiana rallies during the campaign to oust Edwards, the only Democratic governor in the Deep South, but the president called Edwards Monday to congratulate him on his victory and pledge to work with Edwards for the state.

Read more: https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2019/11/21/louisiana-governor-john-bel-edwards-top-priorities-minimum-wage-equal-pay/4259028002/