>> mr. speaker, and members of the legislature, my fellow louisiana hands, they did is an honor to beho back in this chamr after delivering laster's speech due to covid-19, you do not meet the need me to tell you that we been through a lot of these past few years. .. like you i suspect i cherish the time spent with loved ones even more especially my children, samantha, sara and john miller and my beautiful wife and best friend who hi my beautiful wife and best friend, don who i have enjoyed to be married to for 33 years now. i want to thank you. [applause] why kemeny, i'm sorry like me i know many of you have sacrificed

seeing a loved ones in order to keep them safe. and unfortunately we have always lost people dear to us because of covid-19. we lost people who should be in this room with us right now. it was exactly two years ago today we mark the first death in covid-19 in louisiana. it has been spent over 16800 louisiana to die. more than one point to million cases have been confirmed. but a lot has changed. we have safe and effective vaccines that are savingiv countless lives. where better therapeutic treatments, high-quality masks are now practical options for families and cases and hospitalizations have been steadily dropping since we emerge from this winter. parades were again this mardi gras option that was louisiana hope. march 11, 2020 us on the public health emergency for covid-19. while change over time to

reflect the ebb and flow of the pandemic, i has remained in effect since then. this wednesday, two days from now, the order expires. after 24 months i will not be renewing it. [applause] this decision was certainly not made lightly. i'm of the division of administration, the department of health of the wheezing on a national guard to ensure there will be no federal aid repercussions or other adverse consequences for not renewing the proclamation purchase because the proclamation does not mean covid is over and if the circumstances a worsening call for, i will not hesitate to declare another emergency. but god willing we will never have to see such difficult mitigation measures in the state again. i do not doubt the future holds

we were two years ago. i will also tell you that is due in large part to healthcare heroes around the state of louisiana. when also the louisiana department of health and doctor courtney phillips we may be wary. [applause] they may be weary but they never wavered in their efforts to save lives. ii will also tell you what we earn a much better place today that we were six years ago. my first state of the state i just inherited billion-dollar budget deficit to close out that year end a 2 billion-dollar deficit. today as i stand here before you we have hundreds of millions in surplus, even more in current year access and billions in federal funds to the

infrastructure investment and jobs act. it all adds up to historic opportunity to transform our state through pivotal investments in every level of education infrastructure projects i have been pipedreams long overdue pay raises for some of our most dedicated workers, and combating the effects of climate change. it allll adds up to once in a generation opportunity to shape our future and we w must take advantage of it. it's not an exaggeration to say the choices that will made this session over these next three months will have a lasting legacy for the state. we have to get this right. shaping the future always always begins with education.

$31.7 million the promise fund just last year. ninety-seven-point to for higher education. their title ix across the state $50 million increase in for early childhood education, and additional investment $43.4 million including where than 17 for the early childhood program. and $148.4 million for teacher and support staff pay rages which is at least aai $1500 pay raise for teachers and for support s staff. [applause] we have not done all that we would have liked. but this'll be the fifth teacher pay raise since i've been governor. however i believe working together during the session we can do even better.

that is one recommend the first $50 million of any increase in revenue forecast that was recognized before the budget was passed go to increasing future rages to $2000. it is the least that we can do for the people who never gave up on our students despite unprecedented circumstances. and it continues our goal of getting teacher pay up to at least the southern regional average. my budget also is a 12-dollar perdiem increase for care facilities are people living with intellectual disabilities. the funding will be a superb ride in the medical field. unfortunately turnover in this field is high especially over the past two years because of covid. the pay isid unacceptably low in the work it's very difficult. but that has not stopped harvey who is a certified health manager direct service workers.

she is here with us today, she helped take care of six women cooking, cleaning, making sure they take the prescribed medication providing companionship which can be just as important as medical assistance. she cares for the residents as if they are her own family. when seeing them smile makes her day. so please stand so the chamber cannot welcome you. and now you should direct your attention to the balcony. [applause] [applause] there are many other direct support workers who understand how important their jobs are and they want to stay in those jobs. but at the end of the day they have to be able to pay their bills. they deserve so much more than the modest raise but i hope it can be a step towards change.

we are also including the $100 per month supplemental pay increase for eligible first responders which includes law enforcement officers, andw firefighters. here in louisiana we need to put an endg to this talk about defunding the police. [applause] we can never adequately compensate the men and women who put their lives on the line for public safety.te however it is important we have the ability to recruit, the best of the best in law enforcement. they deserve it, and the public deserves it. all the items i mentioned so far are recurring expenditures. thus, no one-time dollars dollars to propose to fund these investments. but we do have a momentous opportunity this year to commit one time dollars to one-time

expenditures. most notably, we are going to invest in infrastructure unlike any time in our history. roads, bridges, ports, railways, water and sewage systems, broad man in so much more. they all need our attention. with the funds from the infrastructure investment jobs act the rescue plan and the normal program we will make meaningful progress on megaprojects that have been sitting on the sell for decades. the longer it takes, the more extensive they come and more confidence and elected leadership. proposal also includes more than $1.1 billion in funding for critical infrastructure such as $500 million for it new river bridge here in baton rouge. glad you like that. an additional $100 million for the bridge in lake charles and

five at her million dollars more for water and sewage improvements across her state. these and dollars are being strategically placed the best leverage federal dollars for louisiana. i know that we are all tired of the jokes about knowing you are in louisiana when the roads get bad. every state is struggling to update the infrastructure. i can say you here in louisiana since becoming governor when investing a $4.7 billion in projects including the 600,012 miles of our highways in order to change that narrative. we have made significant progress. but the funds are received from the federal comparable out allow us from talk to action. my budget proposal also dedicates five or $50 million in american rescue plan to replenish unemployment. which have been funded historically high levels for the pandemic. we cannot just pull this number

out of the air, that's what's going to be required to meet that m solvency goal we have by state law. some ask why this is a priority. wewe don't punish the trust fund will automatically trigger an increase in taxes on all businesses inn the state big and small which pay into the trust fund that is the last thing that they need right now. the american rescue plan funds were given to us for this very purposee. to take care of those expenditures that were caused by the pandemic in the first place. so altogether that this is a balanced budget. it is responsible, transformational, and it continues my administration practice of using only one time dollars from one-time expenditures. it is a promise i made six years ago and one i have not deviated from. simply put we are not going back

to the days of deficits, and one time dollars recurring expenditures. empowering families and communities for the future. it is also with a focus on the future that we are working to eliminate the digital divide. a goal i have set to accomplish by 2029. in a this day in age internet is something most of us take for granted. there are far too louisiana and's, especially in rural communities to still do not have access, can't afford it, or lack digital literacy. a strong internet structure is essential to economic competitiveness, access to healthcare, educational opportunities and an overall better quality off life. that iss why my administration work so close with representative, just last year to create the municipalities broadband opportunities grant

program. or the gumbo program for short. that is much easier to say i think we all like gumbo. but you are going to like this program too. because hundreds of millions of dollars. it will provide grants to facilitate the deployment of broadband infrastructure, connecting more than 471,000 unserved residents in our state. and i will tell you, we are just getting started. the rest of my legislative package all about transforming our future for the people of our state. and that includes ensuring the citizens of the state are fairly represented. it's you all know we just entered i'm sorry we just ended the redistricting session and opportunity that only comes once every decade.he as i have often said the voters should be choosing their leaders, leaders should not be picking and choosing the voters. they cannot rule the day. voting is one of the most

important and cherished rights and responsibilities of all americans. [applause] it is a disappointing and unfortunate in my view the end result of the special session did not reflect what is right and fair and what is required by the voting rights act. the current demographic makeup of our state shows the percentage of african-american population has grown over the last ten years. and yet all members reflect the growth, none of these made it to my desk. in my view the most agree just case is the congressional map because they're half as many majority minority districts as fairness and i believe basic math require. therefore as you know i vetoed the congressional bill. the legislature under the five separate redistricting efforts, a total of 163 districts acrossi

the five bills 163 districts there is not one district anywhere. the african-american voting population is 31-point to percent. basically one third of our population. and it ise likely more because according to recent were support from the u.s. census bureau, the black population was't undercounted. i do not believe we shouldie ned a court to tell us to do basic math. one third of six is two. [applause] [applause] our children are watching us. in fact took part of the process to make their voices heard. pleading the right thing to be done. we must think beyond ourselves and focus on their future. the future of our state. and the place they want to continue to call home.

having personally witnessed the redistricting process twice now, i can say the process is not working. that is why i am supporting legislation to establish an independent redistricting condition just support the legislature in reapportionment for futurere redistricting. eighteen other states have some type of commission. i really believe we should be the 19th. and now, if you don't agree with me. if you think the current process is sufficient i invite you to prove me wrong. pass a map this session that actually reflects the current demographic makeup of our state for congress. i mentioned earlier at the proposed increase for supplemental pay for law enforcement officers. something i believe is important to attract and retain the people who are keeping uso safe. then he should be ensuring the nhb true partners for our communities and have the trust of the public. and let me be clear, the

overwhelming majority of our law enforcement officers are professionals and they are excellent public servants who work hard every day to protect and serve. but we know that we need to do more to hold the very few officers who violate the trust accountable. i intend to support several bills in the session that will do just that for including the package bill that would clarify the criminal law of malfeasance in office constitutional civil rights and provide theti revocation officers committed such an offense. i note these discussions will be difficult. but i also know they are absolutely necessary. another system that is broken it is the way our citizens are treated in the aftermath of a natural disaster. which happens way too often. the federal government has not administered funds from lahr, delta and i do.

remember two of those hurricanes were in 2020. we shouldn't say this, because mama is watching. but is a damn shame they have it protect people and do you say they say more aid is coming. i believe it will. but i don't blame folks or feel it they have been left behind. let's be clear though, it is not just a federal problem. recent disasters haven't unclipped the ways our neighbors are being taken advantage of when they are at their most vulnerable. image detroit look this life altering and yet there aren't landlords who use it as an opportunity for cash grab its bipartisan support in other conservative states that will strengthenen protections in the aftermath of a disaster. many of the reported evictions were illegal. there's no meaningful

reproduction for landlords to pursue with it convict its note it's like when you make that difficult decision to temporary leave our homes because of a storm. imagine beingng evicted simply because you chose to keep your family safe. it is also unacceptable many residents are more scared their insurance company of the storm itself. kerri anderson has a beautiful historic home that was destroyed by hurricanes laura and delta. after 18 months, she is still battling her insurance company to force them to pay even a fraction of what she is owed. and by the way comic kerri is also a breast cancer patient. her sole focus right now should be on fighting cancer. not fighting with her insurance company. [applause] in southeast louisiana, peggy

teaches at lsu school of public health had five insurance adjusters in the first 12 weeks after i did destroyed her home. how is that even remotely possible or acceptable? unfortunately kerri and peggy are far from the only ones left in the insurance purgatory. there are thousands of other families across south louisiana and business owners as well who have been left in the lurch. henderson is an iconic seeking a restaurant that opened its door lake charles in 1977. i can tell you from personal experience the food there is exceptional. the day after hurricane laura made landfall, owner nick hired a contractor so that he could get the restaurant back up and running as soon as possible. instead, he struggled with his insurance company until november of last year, had his payments been made on time at a

restaurant have reopened by the end of 2020. instead, it is slated to reopen this june, close to two years after the storm. and i cannot wait to go back and eat there again when it does open. christian fellowship church of similar storyas a was not able to get the insurance the church was entitled too until last summer. in the meantime a worship service was held at their pavilion in the sweltering louisiana heat. the church facility still are not back to one 100%. these stories have happened too often to too many people all across south louisiana. so kerri, peggy, nick, pastor george, on behalf of all similarly situated louisiana and's, would you please stand and be recognized.

[applause] [applause] ladies and gentlemen we have to hold insurance companies more accountable paid my legislative package includes a number bill focus on hurricane deductible, claims transparency enforcing fraud laws against bad actors. the registry so policyholders can verify their adjusters and stopping mortgage companies from withholding insurance money from homeowners without good reason. [applause] i am not living limiting my support to the bills in my own package. many bills of a similar nature have been filed the session. which signals how much of a problem this really is across our state. i look forward to working with all of you on what should be a very bipartisan issue.

insurance is a wonderful thing when it functions as intended. unfortunately, companies always -- don't always work in good faith with homeowners. and all we are asking as those homeowners and business owners get the benefit of the premium dollars paid in the insurance companies play by the rules. [applause] will have to adapt to it and of our more storms are stronger and more frequent. we do not get to dictate when the next storm hits or how about it's going to be. but we can work to mitigate the impactct of climate change. that is why i established a climate initiative task forces set a goal of reaching that zero by 2050. this task force which includes scientists, academics, industry leaders a environmentalists has adopted a state wide climate action plan, what makes our plan special and the most attainable in my opinion, is instead of

working as oil and gas companies we are working with them. in the state that will look like offshore oil oil platforms and wind turbines side-by-side. in fact many oil companies have already pledged to reach similar net zero goals. additionally, combating climate change is just as much about economic development as it is about anything else. some of our biggest economic development projects recently have both companies focus on clean energy. growing fuels here in baton rouge is nine-point to billion dollar renewable fuel investment at the port. air products points about four and half billion dollar in ascension parish. the expansion agreement diesel plants and in that refinery too, it may get a life making low carbon fuels. and in north louisiana we announced plans for louisiana green fuels of some at her

billion dollar renewable diesel refinery. these are just a few. just these are projects alone at up to more than 1000 permanent jobs and many thousands of construction jobs. if you think the clean energy does not equal jobs you just could not be more wrong. just two weeks ago the firstgh offshore sailed and new york brought in more than $4.3 billion. that is a billion with a b. the wind at least there's willpower millions of home. we are scouts of the first ever in the gulf coast early next year end as we can see from legislation filed by representatives their strong interest in women wind energy development here in louisiana on both sides of the aisle. there is also strong interest in wind energy from stakeholders, our state waters. this is the future would have to harness it and we can either get on board or get left behind.

ultimately our motivation for advancing clean energy should be preserving the land we are so very blessed to call home. and also so that we can make sure louisiana will not be washed away. finally, i cannot leave this podium without yet leaving a plea to the right thing it raise the minimum wage and reduce the gender payen gap. [applause] and i really believe this but this not a person's term that can tell me that the straight faces $7 and a quarter an hour, the minimum wage from 13 years ago is fair or acceptable. especially given the current rate of inflation. twenty-one other states havee increased their minimum wage including arkansas and florida. and yet every year, efforts to raise the minimum wage here in louisiana, even very modestly or gradually fail. as a result, we are failing our

workers and families who deserve better. so do women. as i'm supporting legislation for pate transparency. some simple bullet solution and is a simple measure that can make it meaningful difference in reducing the gender pay gap. that too will benefit families who need it most across louisiana. so, let's make this the session we finally take action on the issues that matter most to the people of louisiana. some of the bills are being brought up this session, they really do not do anything to make lives better. they do not continue to move us forward for they do however serve. and frankly some are reminiscent of a dark past that we should have learned from and not relive you know the old saying of these walls could talk. while these walls do talk dismember t what happens in this

building is the issues we spend the most time on sync up to the we value the most. so i asked simply, what do you value most? perhaps more importantly, who do you value most? as i think all of you know my faith is very important to me. it is the foundation that god's that i strive every day to be a better leader and a better person. i was fortunate enough when i was growing up to have the hardest catechism teacher there was. my mom. and those lessons have stayed with me. as ime contemplate the work thai want us to accomplish together in the last two years of this term, i am drawn to christ's sermon on that mount in the beatitudes, you all know them. here are just a few of my favorites. blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom ofri heaven.

esblessed are those who mourn, r they shall be comforted. blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see god. as we entered this session, as you consider the many issues that will be discussed from this very spot, i want you to really reflect on the people of this great state, our neighbors, as their spirits are broken, as they mourn two years of loss and hardship. our children with their meek and pure hearts. our moms, the most merciful and blessed of all. our time in office is fleeting but the decisions we make while here will last generations. i am asking that we use this time wisely. and i leave you with my

favorite. blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of god appeared in a world with too much hatred, strife and currently work, let us be bold enough to be peacemakers. may god bless you, and may god bless the great state of louisiana. thank you. [applause] >> coming up tonight on cspan2, next the senate health, education, labor and pensions committee holds a hearing focusing on childcare and school costs. then, national security adviser jake sullivan provides an update on the russian invasion of ukraine and previous president biden's trip to europe. after that, arkansas republican senator tom cotton delivers the keynote speech at the lincoln day dinner in pittsburgh. ♪ see spent is your unfiltered view of government we are funded

by these television companies and more. including comcast. >> do you think this is just a community center? you know it's way more than that read comcast's party with one community centers to create wi-fi enabled the students from low income families can get the tools they need to be ready for anything. comcast support c-span as a public service log these other television providers giving it a front row seat to democracy. >> at next the senate health education labor and pensions committee holds a hearing focusing on childcare and preschool programs. this is two hours and ten minutes. [inaudible]