“Tonight I speak to you as no other Louisiana governor has ever spoken to our state, because this is a historic fiscal crisis.”
In an unusual move, Governor John Bel Edwards took to the airwaves last night to address the people of Louisiana. Previous governors have done this in times of imminent danger: for example, to urge evacuation for approaching hurricanes. Edwards made it clear he believes this requires similar urgency.
“This Sunday, state lawmakers will convene in a special legislative session. We have just three weeks to take on the difficult task of correcting the largest budget deficit in our state’s history.”
Acknowledging there is resistance to his plans to raise revenue, the governor then spelled out what will happen without it.
“Safety net hospitals would close. Funding for vital services like hospice care and end-stage kidney dialysis would be impacted. The health care services that are in jeopardy literally mean the difference between life and death,” Edwards said.
He also delineated the effect on higher education.
“The LSU Ag Center and Parish Extension Offices in all parishes, and the Pennington Biomedical Research Center will close April 1st. The LSU main campus in Baton Rouge will run out of money after April 30th.”
He said all colleges in the state will have to cancel classes, leaving students with incomplete grades for their coursework. For student-athletes, it would mean losing eligibility to play.
“That means you can say farewell to college football next fall,” the governor predicted.
Edwards then urged citizens to speak up.
“I need you to call your representatives and your senators,” he said. “Tell your legislators we need a responsible fix for this budget.”
After requesting “equal time,” the LA GOP provided TV stations with access to a response delivered by State Treasurer John Kennedy, who is also a candidate for U.S. Senate.
“We’re not gonna close down LSU. We’re not gonna throw people out of hospitals, okay?” Kennedy said. “I respectfully disagree with the governor. It’s the spending, and it’s time for Louisiana government to live within its means.”