A new era begins

BATON ROUGE — Thousands of Louisianians watched as a new chapter in Louisiana’s history began to be written on Monday, January 11, 2016.
John Bel Edwards approached a white podium on the steps of Louisiana’s State Capitol that donned only the state seal in the center. It was in that spot that Edwards placed his left hand on the Holy Bible, and raised his right to be sworn in as the state’s new governor.
After taking the oath of office and becoming the 56th governor of Louisiana, Edwards remained at the podium surrounded by an array of greenery and red roses. It was in that moment, after being sworn in, that Edwards began his first address as governor to the people who chose to make him head of the state during the November election.
With former governor Bobby Jindal and his wife sitting to Edwards’ right the new governor began his speech by thanking the Jindals for making the transition into his new position a smooth one.
Then, Edwards, a Democrat, dove right into informing Louisiana’s people of his goals for the state. Edwards’ entire campaign was centered around the idea of “Putting Louisiana First,” and his address on Monday was no different.
Edwards’ speech was one that Evangeline Parish Tax Assessor Dirk Deville, who was in attendance at the inauguration, called a “positive and inspirational message concerning Louisiana’s future and our need to work together for the betterment of our state and its citizens.”
Edwards, who has a goal of uniting the state, said, “Louisiana has the most diverse land and people. Our state’s culture has been influenced from almost every nation. The diversity here is a source of strength, not weakness or division. Regardless of party we can still come together to utilize our source of strength.”
Edwards showcased Louisiana’s source of strength by featuring entertainment from across the state, such as: Centenary College’s choir out of Shreveport; Mickey Mangun, from the Pentecostals of Alexandria; and a junior high band out of New Orleans. Having singers from across the state perform at the inauguration, could be viewed as a way of Edwards showing his desire to bring together what the former State Representative called “a divided state.”
Speakers at the inauguration also showcased the unique diversity Louisiana possesses.
From a baptist preacher to a catholic priest, Edwards, who is Catholic, was sure to bring in speakers who could appeal to the masses, proving that differences in religion, race, sex, and party between people do not have to cause a divide in the state.
During his speech, Edwards also filled in Louisiana’s people on other issues he plans to immediately address as governor.
Becoming one of the only southern states to have a Democrat governor, Edwards’ ideas for education, minimum wage, and medicaid expansion lined up with that of many Democrats.
For higher education, Edwards said, “Tuition increases have priced many students out of their dreams and are making TOPS unsustainable.”
The former way of fixing the education problems in Louisiana by cutting funding, according to Edwards have been “temporary fixes” that will not happen during his term as governor.
Edwards said, “We can no longer afford to lurch from year to year, cobbling together temporary fixes and expecting to realize permanent sustainability.”
The governor then transitioned to the topic of Medicaid, where the governor said, “As promised, tomorrow I am going to accept the federal funding to expand Medicaid so that working families in Louisiana can get access to healthcare.”
Accepting funding for Medicaid, according to Edwards will bring the taxes Louisiana people are paying for Medicaid back to the state. “Your tax dollars should not be going to one of the 30 other states that have expanded Medicaid when we are one of the states that expansion will help the most.”
When it comes to minimum wage, which has been set by the federal government at $7.25, Edwards believes that Louisiana’s people deserve more. If congress is not going to raise minimum wage, then Edwards is ready to step in and make it happen for the people in his state.
Edwards stated, “I pledge to acknowledge the harsh truths about poverty in our state. I have met countless single mothers working for minimum wage behind a cash register at gas stations. I want to call for a modest but meaningful increase of minimum wage.”
As Edwards closed out his speech, the crowd cheered on the new governor that is restoring hope for Louisiana’s people. Deville said, “I don’t recall a gesture by a governor in recent history extending the proverbial olive branch over to the other party as Governor John Bel Edwards has. It makes me hopeful that a strong non-partisan effort may be able to deliver us from the financial turmoil our state unfortunately faces.”