Edwards announced he will let to COVID-19 Public Health Emergency expire on March 16, nearly two years after it was enacted.
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards delivered his State of the State Address at the State Capitol on March 14.
Edwards began his speech by recognizing Ukrainian Honorary Consul Eddy Hayes and reaffirming the state’s support to the people of Ukraine.
The governor also announced he would allow the state’s COVID-19 Public Health Emergency to expire on March 16.
“This Wednesday, two days from now, and after 24 months, I will not be renewing it,” Edwards explained.
The decision comes two years to the day after Louisiana announced its first COVID-19 death. Representative Michael Echols of Monroe says it’s long overdue.
“Most of Louisiana has tried to get back to business,” Echols told KNOE. “Those that could. Businesses that are still alive. I think this is way too little too late. We should have done this over a year ago.”
Meanwhile, the governor slammed lawmakers for failing to draw equitable maps during last month’s redistricting session.
“Across those five bills and 163 districts, there is not one net new majority-black district anywhere,” Edwards told legislators. “I don’t think we need to have a court tell us how to do basic math. One-third of six is two.”
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