Gov. Edwards Issues Statement on Approval of SB 136 and SB 155

Statement

Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards released the following statement on the approval of Senate Bills 136 by Sen. J.P. Morrell and SB 155 by Sen. Troy Carter.

"I want to thank the members of the Senate Labor Committee for moving Louisiana forward by passing both SB 136 and SB 155," said Gov. Edwards. "Both bills address issues that directly impact the families and individuals of our state and therefore the future of our state. As I've said many times before, it's embarrassing that Louisiana has the highest gender wage gap in the nation year after year. Sen. Morrell's bill is the first step to ending pay secrecy, which we know will help close the gap. And when it comes to establishing a state minimum wage, the most recent LSU Louisiana Survey shows that it's supported by 80 percent of our people. In 2019, $7.25 is not a livable wage. Sen. Carter's bill will give a modest but meaningful increase to $9, which is something the people of Louisiana deserve to be able to vote on. Thank you to Senators Morrell and Carter for their leadership. I look forward to working with all state lawmakers as these bills move through the legislative process."

SB 136 by Sen. J.P. Morrell and Senate Bill 155 by Sen. Troy Carter are both part of the governor's 2019 legislative priorities. SB 136 would eliminate pay secrecy laws and help close the highest gender wage gap in the nation. SB 155 would authorize a constitutional amendment to allow voters an opportunity to increase the minimum wage by establishing a state minimum wage of $9.

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