WEBVTT 00:15.548 --> 00:17.985 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% EXCELLENCE AND LOUISIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING, AND FROM VIEWERS 00:18.152 --> 00:19.720 position:41.61% line:84.67% size:16.79% LIKE YOU. 00:42.275 --> 00:45.145 position:36.17% line:79.33% size:27.66% HELLO AND WELCOME TO "LOUISIANA PUBLIC SQUARE." 00:45.312 --> 00:48.648 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% I'M BETH COURTNEY, PRESIDENT OF LPB, AND JOINING ME TO EXPLORE 00:48.815 --> 00:52.485 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% WAYS TO LIFT UP OUR STATE'S LOW- WAYNE WORKERS IS ONE OF LPB 00:52.653 --> 01:03.430 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% 'S NEWS ANCHOR, DEALERSHIP. WELCOME -- ANDRE' MOREAU. 01:03.663 --> 01:07.133 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% LAST MONTH'S REPORT NOTED TWO -THIRDS OF JOBS IN LOUISIANA 01:07.300 --> 01:11.505 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% PAY LESS THAN $15 AN HOUR. THAT'S A CHALLENGING WAGE FOR A 01:11.672 --> 01:14.007 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% HOUSEHOLD THAT INCLUDES CHILDREN THIS SESSION GOVERNOR JOHN BEL 01:14.173 --> 01:17.778 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% EDWARDS WILL BE PUSHING FOR AN INCREASE TO THE MINIMUM WAGE 01:17.945 --> 01:23.083 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% FROM 7.25 TO 8.50 AN HOUR. ANDRE, RAISING THE MINIMUM 01:23.250 --> 01:26.653 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% WAGE MAY BE THE BEST WAY TO LIFT LOUISIANA RESIDENTS OUT OF 01:26.820 --> 01:29.022 position:47.36% line:79.33% size:5.28% POVERTY, BUT IS IT THE BEST OPTION? 01:29.188 --> 01:33.360 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% MANY HIGH-PAYING JOBS REMAIN UN FILLED IN THE STATE BECAUSE 01:33.527 --> 01:35.128 position:45.5% line:79.33% size:9% EMPLOYERS CAN'T FIND SKILLED WORKERS. 01:35.295 --> 01:38.898 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% TONIGHT WE BRING TOGETHER ANTI POVERTY ADVOCATES AND STATE 01:39.065 --> 01:42.602 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% LEADERS IN BUSINESS, EMPLOYMENT, AND SKILLS TRAINING TO LOOK AT 01:42.737 --> 01:45.438 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% OPPORTUNITIES THAT HELP THE WORK ING POOR MOVE BEYOND THE 01:45.605 --> 01:50.210 position:39.9% line:79.33% size:20.19% MINIMUM WAGE. GRACE BAILEY'S WEEKLY ROUTINE 01:50.377 --> 01:53.647 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% BEGINS WITH A TRIP FROM HER LAFAYETTE HOME TO LSU. 01:53.880 --> 01:56.683 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% TWO DAYS A WEEK I'M IN BATON ROUGE ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY, 8: 01:56.850 --> 02:00.387 position:38.97% line:79.33% size:22.06% 30 TO 3:30. WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY I'M INTERNING 02:00.553 --> 02:03.257 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% AT THE FAMILY TREE AT THE CLINICIANS, SO ALL TAKE-AWAY 02:03.390 --> 02:07.393 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% LONG DOING COUNSELING WORK FROM THERE WE'LL TEACH A YOGA CLASS, 02:07.560 --> 02:12.332 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% AND FRIDAY SAME THING, AND THEN DO MY MEDIATION GROUP SATURDAY. 02:12.565 --> 02:15.568 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% A SINGLE MOTHER RAISING A 9 -YEAR-OLD, BAILEY IS WORKING ON 02:15.735 --> 02:20.073 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% A MASTER'S DEGREE IN SOCIAL WORK DESPITE HOLDING DOWN TWO JOBS, 02:20.240 --> 02:23.310 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% SHE CONSTANTLY FACES FINANCIAL ANXIETY. 02:23.543 --> 02:28.315 position:45.5% line:79.33% size:9% THE COST OF LIVING IS EXTREMELY HIGH. 02:28.482 --> 02:30.417 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% SO PAYING RENT IS ALWAYS, ALWAYS AN ISSUE. 02:30.583 --> 02:35.188 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% AND I TRY TO BUDGET OUT IN ADVANCE, BUT THINGS COME UP. 02:35.355 --> 02:38.458 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% MY CAR BATTERY DIED THE OTHER DAY TRYING TO GET UP AND GO TO 02:38.625 --> 02:40.227 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% BATON ROUGE. I DON'T KNOW HOW I'M GOING TO 02:40.393 --> 02:42.395 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% PAY FOR THAT. BAILEY IS A MEMBER OF THE 02:42.562 --> 02:45.632 position:36.17% line:79.33% size:27.66% STATE'S WORKING POOR. OVERLOOKED BY TRADITIONAL 02:45.798 --> 02:50.203 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% POVERTY CLASSIFICATIONS. UNITED WAY IDENTIFIES THESE 02:50.370 --> 02:54.908 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% INDIVIDUALS AS ALICE. ALICE STANDS FOR ASSET LIMIT 02:55.075 --> 02:57.878 position:48.3% line:79.33% size:3.41% ED INCOME CONSTRAINT AND EMPLOYED. 02:58.045 --> 03:00.680 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% IT COUNTS THE PEOPLE NOT JUST UNDER THE POVERTY LINE, BUT A 03:00.813 --> 03:05.218 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% LITTLE BIT ABOVE THAT LINE WHO ARE STILL WORKING AND HAVING -- 03:05.385 --> 03:08.855 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% BUT STILL HAVING TROUBLE MAKING ENDS MEET. 03:09.088 --> 03:11.258 position:37.1% line:79.33% size:25.79% JAN MOLLER HEADS THE LOUISIANA BUDGET PROJECT. 03:11.425 --> 03:14.662 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% HE NOTES LOUISIANA HAS THE NATION'S SECOND LARGEST POVERTY 03:14.828 --> 03:17.030 position:45.5% line:79.33% size:9% RATE. BUT WHILE 19% OF RESIDENTS LIVE 03:17.197 --> 03:21.468 position:41.77% line:79.33% size:16.47% IN POVERTY, ANOTHER 29% QUALIFY AS ALICE. 03:21.702 --> 03:24.805 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% WHEN WE THINK OF POVERTY IN LOUISIANA, WE REALLY THINK ABOUT 03:24.972 --> 03:29.743 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% HALF THE POPULATION HAS TROUBLE MEETING THEIR BASIC NEEDS ON A 03:29.910 --> 03:31.345 position:47.36% line:79.33% size:5.28% MONTH-TO-MONTH, WEEK-TO-WEEK BASIS. 03:31.478 --> 03:34.815 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% AND THAT PROBABLY NEEDS SOME SORT OF HAND UP IN ORDER TO 03:34.982 --> 03:36.883 position:21.09% line:84.67% size:57.81% SURVIVE. SOME OF THOSE HAND-UPS 03:37.050 --> 03:39.218 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% INCLUDE LOUISIANA'S EXPANSION OF MEDICAID. 03:39.385 --> 03:42.823 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% AND THE RECENT INCREASE OF THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR LOW 03:42.990 --> 03:45.725 position:38.04% line:79.33% size:23.92% -WAYNE EARNERS. ANOTHER BOOST FOR THE WORKING 03:45.858 --> 03:49.195 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% POOR, MOLLER SAYS, WOULD BE TO RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE. 03:49.362 --> 03:52.698 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% THIS SESSION GOVERNOR JOHN BEL EDWARDS WILL BE PUSHING FOR A 03:52.867 --> 03:56.703 position:36.17% line:79.33% size:27.66% DOLLAR $1.25 INCREASE PHASED IN OVER TWO YEARS. 03:56.937 --> 04:02.208 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% THE FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE HAS BEEN STUCK AT $7.25 SINCE 2009. 04:02.375 --> 04:05.645 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% AND IT HAS LOST A LOT OF ITS PURCHASING POWER IN THOSE YEARS. 04:05.812 --> 04:09.115 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% SO RAISING IT TO $8.50 AN HOUR IS ONLY GOING TO RECOVER A 04:09.248 --> 04:12.285 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% LITTLE BIT OF WHAT WE'VE LOST OVER THE PAST DECADE, AND WE 04:12.452 --> 04:14.455 position:47.36% line:79.33% size:5.28% THINK IT NEEDS TO GO A HOT HIGH ER. 04:14.688 --> 04:18.125 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS INDICATE THAT ONLY 40,000 04:18.258 --> 04:21.795 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% LOUISIANA WORKERS EARN AT OR BELOW THE MINIMUM WAGE. 04:21.962 --> 04:26.800 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% BUT A BUTCH FOR THEM WILL LIKELY MEAN RAISING OTHER WORKERS' PAY. 04:26.967 --> 04:30.703 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS WORRY HOW TO AFFORD THAT, SAYS RENEE AMAR, 04:30.870 --> 04:33.707 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% WITH THE LOUISIANA ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY. 04:33.907 --> 04:37.677 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% IF I'M MAKING NINE, AND NOW I'VE BEEN AT THE BUSINESS FOR 04:37.845 --> 04:40.980 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% SIX MONTHS OR A YEAR AND THE PERSON NEXT TO ME JUST GOT A 04:41.148 --> 04:44.952 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% RAISE NOT BY DOING ANYTHING MATERIALLY, RIGHT, THERAPY NOT 04:45.118 --> 04:49.222 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% BEING MORE PRODUCTIVE, NOTHING IS REALLY CHANGED, I'M PROBABLY 04:49.388 --> 04:52.893 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% GOING TO WANT A RAISE TOO. SO IT'S -- THIS UPWARD PRESSURE 04:53.060 --> 04:56.963 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% OF WAGES IS WHAT IT CAUSES. AMAR SAYS COMPANIES ARE LEERY 04:57.130 --> 05:01.202 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% OF AN ACROSS THE BOARD WAGE INCREASE THAT APPLIES TO EVERY 05:01.368 --> 05:03.870 position:37.1% line:79.33% size:25.79% TYPE EMPLOYER. THAT SITUATION MOLLER SAYS, CAN 05:04.037 --> 05:06.940 position:38.97% line:79.33% size:22.06% BE EASILY RESOLVED. LOUISIANA WAS ONE OF THE 05:07.107 --> 05:11.645 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% FIRST STATES IN THE COUNTRY IN THE 1990s TO PASS A STATE LAW 05:11.812 --> 05:14.848 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% THAT FORBIDS CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES FROM DECIDING ON 05:15.015 --> 05:17.150 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% THEIR OWN WHAT THE MINIMUM WAGE SHOULD BE. 05:17.317 --> 05:20.553 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% SO IF WE LIFTED THAT PREEMPTION LAW, EVERY CITY IN THE STATE 05:20.720 --> 05:23.790 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% COULD DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES IF THEY WANT A MINIMUM WAGE, 05:23.957 --> 05:27.862 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% BECAUSE IT MAY NOT BE A CASE WHERE ONE SIZE FITS ALL. 05:28.095 --> 05:30.697 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% ARKANSAS, A STATE WITH A POVERTY LEVEL CLOSE TO LOUISIANA 05:30.863 --> 05:33.933 position:35.24% line:79.33% size:29.52% 'S, HAS SEEN TWO MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES APPROVED 05:34.100 --> 05:38.472 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% BY VOTERS SINCE 2014. WHILE AMAR ADMITS A SMALL BUMP 05:38.605 --> 05:42.342 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% WON'T BREAK LOUISIANA'S ECONOMY, THE MEASURE OVERLOOKS A BETTER 05:42.508 --> 05:45.812 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% REMEDY FOR THE WORKING POOR. HOW DO WE TRANSITION THESE 05:45.978 --> 05:48.282 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% PEOPLE FROM THESE MINIMUM WAGE JOBS? 05:48.448 --> 05:50.683 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% GET THEM THE TRAINING THAT REAL LY IS GOING TO LIFT THEM OUT 05:50.850 --> 05:54.420 position:41.77% line:79.33% size:16.47% OF POVERTY? GIVING ME PROBABLY $40 A WEEK 05:54.588 --> 05:59.225 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% IS PROBABLY DOING TO BE HELPFUL, BUT IF I COULD MAKE ANOTHER $200 05:59.358 --> 06:03.263 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% , 300, 500 A WEEK RATHER THAN $40, THAT'S LIFE-CHANGING 06:03.430 --> 06:06.065 position:47.36% line:79.33% size:5.28% FOR ME. LOUISIANA BY THE YEAR 2020, 06:06.233 --> 06:10.070 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% WHICH IS UPON US, 53% OF THE JOBS THAT ARE OUT THERE ARE 06:10.237 --> 06:13.307 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% GOING TO NEED SOME KIND OF POST- SECONDARY DEGREE, A 06:13.473 --> 06:15.275 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% CREDENTIAL, REGULAR COLLEGE DEGREE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. 06:15.442 --> 06:19.378 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% THE PROBLEM WE HAVE IN LOUISIANA IS THAT ONLY ABOUT 45% OF OUR 06:19.545 --> 06:22.815 position:41.77% line:79.33% size:16.47% POPULATION HAS THAT DEGREE OR CREDENTIAL. 06:23.017 --> 06:26.353 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% BARRY ERWIN HEADS THE COUNCIL FOR A BETTER LOUISIANA. 06:26.520 --> 06:29.555 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% HE SAYS THE LOUISIANA COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM IS 06:29.723 --> 06:34.260 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% COMBATING THE STATE'S EDUCATION GAP THROUGH PROGRAMS LIKE WORK 06:34.393 --> 06:38.532 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% READY U, THAT PUTS ADULTS RE ENTERING SCHOOL ON TRACK TO A 06:38.665 --> 06:40.633 position:47.36% line:79.33% size:5.28% CAREER. AND JUMP START, WHICH HELPS 06:40.800 --> 06:43.303 position:48.3% line:79.33% size:3.41% STUDENTS GET CERTIFIED IN A TRADE. 06:43.537 --> 06:45.905 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% WHAT WE'RE REALLY TRYING TO FOCUS ON WITH THE JUMP START 06:46.038 --> 06:47.942 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% PROGRAM IS GETTING KIDS WHILE THEY'RE STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL TO 06:48.108 --> 06:51.845 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% GET A CREDENTIAL THAT'S LEADING TO A HIGH-DEMAND JOB, A HIGH- 06:52.012 --> 06:54.582 position:36.17% line:79.33% size:27.66% QUALITY JOB, AND A JOB THAT PAYS A GOOD SALARY. 06:54.815 --> 06:58.352 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% THERE ARE ALSO CHALLENGES ON THE EMPLOYMENT SIDE. 06:58.518 --> 07:01.455 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% A LOUISIANA BUDGET PROJECT REPORT INDICATES THAT OF THE 07:01.622 --> 07:05.858 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% STATE'S TOP 10 JOB GROWTH OCCUPATIONS, HALF PAY BELOW THE 07:06.025 --> 07:09.395 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% POVERTY LEVELS FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR. 07:09.562 --> 07:11.832 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% IN THE SPRING, BAILEY WILL GRADUATE. 07:11.998 --> 07:16.537 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% SHE PLANS TO HELP OTHERS LIKE HERSELF WHO FACE FINANCIAL UN 07:16.703 --> 07:19.907 position:47.36% line:79.33% size:5.28% CERTAINTY. WHEN YOU'RE IMPOVERISHED 07:20.073 --> 07:22.942 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% THERE'S ALMOST MORE EXPENSES. APPLYING FOR A CREDIT CARD, 07:23.077 --> 07:25.945 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% INTEREST IS GOING TO BE HIGHER. YOU'RE DRIVING A CAR THAT HAS A 07:26.078 --> 07:31.083 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% LOT OF MILABLE ON IT. AND SO -- A LOT OF MILEAGE ON IT 07:31.250 --> 07:33.387 position:39.9% line:79.33% size:20.19% SO HAVING TO REPAIR THOSE PARTS CONSTANTLY. 07:33.553 --> 07:37.223 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% THERE'S SO MANY THINGS ABOUT BEING IMPOFER IRISHED THAT ARE 07:37.357 --> 07:41.428 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% MORE COSTLY IN THE LONG RUN. IT'S EXPENSIVE TO BE POOR. 07:41.662 --> 07:45.132 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% HELPING US NOW TO EXPLORE THOSE COSTS OF POVERTY AND NOW 07:45.298 --> 07:47.833 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% TO OVERCOME THEM IS OUR STUDIO AUDIENCE. 07:48.002 --> 07:51.070 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% IT INCLUDES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE UNITED WAY, LOUISIANA BUDGET 07:51.237 --> 07:53.873 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% PROJECT, AND THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT 07:54.040 --> 07:56.743 position:38.97% line:79.33% size:22.06% BUSINESSES. WE ALSO HAVE A GRADUATE FROM THE 07:56.910 --> 07:59.947 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACT ORS, PLUS TWO COLLEGE 08:00.113 --> 08:04.685 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% STUDENTS AND LEGISLATIVE YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS. 08:04.852 --> 08:08.322 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% EACH YEAR LSU'S PUBLIC POLICY RE SEARCH LAB SURVEYS RESIDENTS A 08:08.488 --> 08:11.392 position:38.97% line:79.33% size:22.06% ROUND THE STATE. IN 2016, IT ASKED QUESTIONS 08:11.558 --> 08:14.728 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% CONCERNING REDUCING POVERTY. AND AMONG ITS FINDINGS, WHEN 08:14.895 --> 08:18.432 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% ASKED WHICH IS GENERALLY MORE OFTEN TO BLAME IF A PERSON IS 08:18.598 --> 08:23.470 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% POOR, 49% OF THE RESPONDENTS SAID LACK OF EFFORT ON THEIR 08:23.637 --> 08:27.340 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% PART, 43% SAID CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND THEIR CONTROL. 08:27.507 --> 08:31.110 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% ON THE WEALTH SIDE, 50% OF THOSE SURVEYED SAID THE RICH GOT THAT 08:31.277 --> 08:34.680 position:38.04% line:79.33% size:23.92% WAY BECAUSE THEY HAD MORE ADVANTAGES IN LIFE. 08:34.848 --> 08:38.518 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% 41% FEEL IT'S BECAUSE THEY WORK ED HARDER THAN THOSE PEOPLE. 08:38.685 --> 08:41.220 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% WHEN ASKED THEIR OPINION ON RAISING THE MINIMUM WAGE IN 08:41.388 --> 08:47.493 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% LOUISIANA FROM $7.25 TO $8.50 AN HOUR, 76% OF THOSE RESPONDING 08:47.660 --> 08:50.430 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% FAVOR THE MOVE, WHILE 22% OPPOSE IT. 08:50.597 --> 08:54.167 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% AND WHEN ASKED ABOUT REQUIRING EMPLOYERS IN LOUISIANA TO PAY 08:54.333 --> 08:57.570 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% MEN AND WOMEN THE SAME AMOUNT FOR THE SAME JOB, THAT'S A 08:57.737 --> 09:01.273 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% MEASURE THAT THE GOVERNOR MAY PROPOSE THIS SESSION, 91% 09:01.442 --> 09:05.645 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% SUPPORT THE IDEA, JUST 7% OPPOSE IT. 09:05.812 --> 09:09.115 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% LET'S NOW START WITH YOUR THOUGHTS AND WHAT YOU'RE 09:09.282 --> 09:12.452 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% THINKING TO HELP LOUISIANA'S WORKING POOR, AND THIS OF COURSE 09:12.618 --> 09:15.122 position:38.04% line:79.33% size:23.92% IS FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE AND YOUR PERSPECTIVE. 09:15.288 --> 09:16.890 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST SOLUTION? 09:17.057 --> 09:20.693 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% LET'S START WITH DANNY. INTRODUCE YOURSELF, TELL US 09:20.827 --> 09:22.895 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% WHERE YOU'RE FROM AND WHICH ORGANIZATION YOU'RE WITH. 09:23.130 --> 09:24.932 position:48.3% line:79.33% size:3.41% SURE. I'M DANNY WITH THE LOUISIANA 09:25.098 --> 09:29.970 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% BUDGET PROJECT. I'M UP FROM NEW ORLEANS. 09:30.137 --> 09:35.408 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% I THINK THE PROBLEMS FACING THE STATE'S WORKING POOR HAVE 09:35.575 --> 09:38.312 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE WAGES THAT PEOPLE ARE PAID AT THE LOW 09:38.478 --> 09:43.750 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% ER END OF THE WAGE SCALE. I'M AN ANTIHUNGER POLICY 09:43.917 --> 09:46.887 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% ADVOCATE WITH THE BUDGET PROJECT , AND ONE THING THAT WE 09:47.053 --> 09:50.557 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% KNOW ABOUT THE POPULATION ON FOOD ASSISTANCE IS THAT TWO- 09:50.723 --> 09:54.828 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% THIRDS OF PEOPLE RECEIVING FOOD STARCHES ARE EITHER 09:54.995 --> 09:58.765 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% DISABLED, ELDERLY, OR CHILDREN, AND OF THE REMAINING THIRD, MOST 09:58.932 --> 10:01.435 position:36.17% line:79.33% size:27.66% PEOPLE DO WORK. AND WHAT THAT MEANS IS THAT THE 10:01.602 --> 10:04.838 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% WAGES THEY HAVE AREN'T ENOUGH TO SUPPORT THEM OR THEIR FAMILIES. 10:05.005 --> 10:07.907 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% SO I THINK THE REASON THAT THERE'S SUCH OVERWHELMING 10:08.073 --> 10:11.010 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% SUPPORT FOR AN UP CREASE IN THE WAGE IS THAT PEOPLE REALIZE $7. 10:11.177 --> 10:15.815 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% 25 AN HOUR SIMPLY ISN'T ENOUGH TO SUPPORT ONE SELF OR 10:15.982 --> 10:18.385 position:48.3% line:79.33% size:3.41% ONE'S FAMILY IN TODAY'S LOUISIANA. 10:18.618 --> 10:21.488 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% THAT'S CERTAINLY THE CRUX OF THE WORK AMONG OTHER THINGS THAT 10:21.622 --> 10:25.025 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% LOUISIANA BUDGET PROJECT DOES. IT KEEPS YOU BUSY, I'M SURE. 10:25.192 --> 10:26.627 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% TALKING WITH PEOPLE ALL OVER THE PLACE. 10:26.793 --> 10:30.430 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% LET'S GO TO JOSH NOW, JOSH, TELL US YOUR FULL NAME, WHERE YOU'RE 10:30.597 --> 10:35.735 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% FROM, AND WHO YOU REPRESENT. MY NAME IS JOSH LASHAVERS, 10:35.902 --> 10:39.438 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% I'M FROM DENIM SPRINGS, LOUISIANA, AND I'M HERE ON 10:39.605 --> 10:43.843 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% BEHALF OF EXCEL INSTRUCTION AND ABC, ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND 10:44.010 --> 10:45.812 position:47.36% line:79.33% size:5.28% CONTRACTORS, THEIR PELICAN CHAPTER. 10:46.045 --> 10:48.948 position:41.77% line:79.33% size:16.47% WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS SITUATION? 10:49.182 --> 10:52.618 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% COMING OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE WASN'T THE ROUTE FOR ME. 10:52.785 --> 10:54.153 position:23.89% line:84.67% size:52.22% DO I SUPPORT IT? ABSOLUTELY. 10:54.287 --> 10:57.923 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% IF THAT'S THE ROUTE FOR SOMEBODY BUT NOT EVERYBODY HAS THAT 10:58.090 --> 11:00.927 position:41.77% line:79.33% size:16.47% OPPORTUNITY. ABC OFFERS A HIGH SCHOOL OUT 11:01.093 --> 11:04.730 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% REACH, AND SO THEY SPONSOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO GET 11:04.898 --> 11:07.333 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% INVOLVED, SOMETHING FOR THEM TO DO TO LEARN A TRADE. 11:07.500 --> 11:11.037 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% BECAUSE A LOT OF TIMES IN HIGH SCHOOL EITHER THEY'RE THINKING, 11:11.203 --> 11:13.907 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% I'M GOING TO COLLEGE, OR I'M NOT THEY THINK IF THEY'RE NOT GOING 11:14.073 --> 11:15.375 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% TO COLLEGE, THAT'S THE END OF THE ROUTE. 11:15.542 --> 11:19.245 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% AND THAT'S NOT THE CASE. WHAT ABC OFFERED THROUGH 11:19.412 --> 11:24.717 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% CONTRACTORS BEING ABLE TO SPONSOR THAT INDIVIDUAL IS THEY 11:24.885 --> 11:26.953 position:38.04% line:79.33% size:23.92% OFFERED OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO LEARN A TRADE. 11:27.120 --> 11:31.490 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% I GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL, THE COOL THING ABOUT THE ROUTE I 11:31.658 --> 11:34.360 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% WENT AFTER HIGH SCHOOL WAS, I DIDN'T HAVE TO PAY A PENNY FOR 11:34.527 --> 11:37.130 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% ANY OF MY TRAINING, BECAUSE I HAVE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES THAT 11:37.297 --> 11:41.668 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% ARE OUT THERE THAT SPONSOR YOU TO BE ABLE TO -- IF YOU HAVE THE 11:41.835 --> 11:46.272 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% WANT TO, THEY'LL SPONSOR YOU TO GO THROUGH A TRAINING -- THROUGH 11:46.438 --> 11:48.942 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% ABCS IS WHERE I WENT. I NEVER PAID A PENNY FOR ANY OF 11:49.108 --> 11:52.412 position:38.04% line:79.33% size:23.92% MY TRAINING. BUT I GOT A TRADE BEHIND ME THAT 11:52.578 --> 11:56.248 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% NOBODY WILL EVER BE ABLE TO TAKE AWAY, AND FROM THAT, YOU CAN 11:56.415 --> 12:00.220 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% PROGRESS AND GROW AND IT OPENS UP A WHOLE NEW LADDER FOR YOU 12:00.353 --> 12:03.390 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% AND YOUR FAMILY, FOR YOUR FINANCES, AND THE GOOD PART 12:03.557 --> 12:06.927 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% ABOUT IT IS, ONCE I'M ACTUALLY IN THAT INDUSTRY, I'M CREATING 12:07.093 --> 12:09.997 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% AN INCOME TO SUPPORT MY FAMILY, I DON'T OWE ANYBODY ANY MONEY 12:10.163 --> 12:11.732 position:22.02% line:84.67% size:55.95% EITHER. LET'S TALK TO MICHAEL. 12:11.898 --> 12:15.302 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% TELL US YOUR FUNDAMENTAL NAIL, WHERE YOU'RE FROM, WHO YOU'RE 12:15.468 --> 12:19.005 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% REPRESENTING. MICHAEL WILLIAMSON, UNITED 12:19.172 --> 12:21.440 position:20.16% line:84.67% size:59.68% WAY. WHAT ARE YOUR SOLUTIONS FOR 12:21.608 --> 12:24.143 position:41.77% line:79.33% size:16.47% THIS PROBLEM? I THINK IT'S AN INTERESTING 12:24.310 --> 12:25.945 position:47.36% line:79.33% size:5.28% DEBATE. WHILE WE CAN DISCUSS HOW WE 12:26.112 --> 12:29.382 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% RAISE THE WAGES, UNITED WAY HAS BEEN SUPPORTIVE OF SOME MINIMUM 12:29.548 --> 12:34.320 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% WAGE INCREASES, WE ALSO BELIEVE STRONGLY IN INNOVATIVE 12:34.487 --> 12:38.725 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% APPROACHES TO CREATING PATHWAYS TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, TO 12:38.892 --> 12:44.630 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% ALLOW FOLKS TO SPHP GET THE JOBS BEING CREATED IN OUR COMMUNITIES 12:44.763 --> 12:47.433 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% THINGS LIKE SNAP EMPLOYMENT TRAINING, MORE EFFECTIVE WAYS TO 12:47.600 --> 12:49.768 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% ADDRESS RETURNING CITIZENS COM ING OUT OF PRISON, THEY HAVE 12:49.935 --> 12:52.838 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% SKILLS BUT THERE ARE BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT, BUT IF YOU HELP THEM 12:53.005 --> 12:56.275 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% OVERCOME THOSE BARRIERS, THEY CAN GET THOSE HIGHER WAYNE JOBS 12:56.408 --> 12:58.277 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% AND EARN ENOUGH TO SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES. 12:58.512 --> 13:02.015 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% VERY GOOD. LET'S GO TO KEISHA, YOUR FULL 13:02.182 --> 13:04.183 position:39.9% line:79.33% size:20.19% NAME, WHERE YOU'RE FROM, WHO YOU REPRESENT. 13:04.417 --> 13:06.753 position:35.24% line:79.33% size:29.52% KEISHA WILLIAMS, I'M ORIGINAL LY FROM LAFAYETTE, 13:06.920 --> 13:11.190 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% LOUISIANA, I REPRESENT TEACH AND CARE, MY OWN BUSINESS. 13:11.423 --> 13:15.395 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% SO WITH TEACHERS, THEY'RE CONSTANTLY STRUGGLING FOR MORE 13:15.562 --> 13:17.163 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% PAY, ETC. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SOLUTIONS 13:17.330 --> 13:20.167 position:20.16% line:84.67% size:59.68% -- ACTUALLY, I'M IN HEALTH CARE. 13:20.333 --> 13:23.970 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% THE CONCEPT I CAME UP WITH TEACH IN CARE IS BECAUSE THERE'S NO 13:24.137 --> 13:27.140 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% CARE IN HEALTH CARE. AS A BUSINESS OWNER, WHAT ARE 13:27.307 --> 13:28.942 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% YOUR THOUGHTS ON RAISING THE MINIMUM WAGE? 13:29.175 --> 13:33.145 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% I THINK IT'S A GOOD IDEA. BEING A PERSON THAT STARTED OUT 13:33.312 --> 13:36.648 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% IN HIGH SCHOOL AS A CNA, A NURS ING ASSISTANT, AND WORKING 13:36.817 --> 13:40.387 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% MY WAY THROUGH DOING THE TECHNICAL COLLEGE, THE LPN, I 13:40.553 --> 13:41.988 position:47.36% line:79.33% size:5.28% DIDN'T HAVE A LOT OF STUDENT LOANS. 13:42.155 --> 13:45.825 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% SO I FIGURED OUT A WAY TO ACTUALLY GO BACK INTO THE 13:45.992 --> 13:48.862 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% TECHNICAL COLLEGE AND GET THE NURSING DEGREE, WENT BACK TO 13:49.028 --> 13:51.230 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% SCHOOL AND GOT MY REGISTERED NURSE DEGREE. 13:51.463 --> 13:54.167 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% VERY GOOD. SO ONCE I WAS ABLE TO DO THAT 13:54.333 --> 13:57.303 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% I WAS ABLE TO START A BUSINESS AND HELP OTHER NURSES START 13:57.470 --> 14:00.773 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% BUSINESSES AS WELL AS NURSING ASSISTANTS AS WELL THAT DO SIT 14:00.940 --> 14:03.610 position:35.24% line:79.33% size:29.52% TING BUSINESSES. ALSO SHOWED THEM HOW TO BUDGET. 14:03.743 --> 14:06.512 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% BECAUSE THE BIGGEST THING IS TO HAVE THE OVERHEAD TO ALSO PAY 14:06.678 --> 14:10.015 position:44.56% line:79.33% size:10.87% YOURSELF AND HAVE YOUR STAFF PAID FOR. 14:10.183 --> 14:15.355 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% FOR ME, THE WAGE INCREASE START ING OUT AS A $4.25 WORKER 14:15.488 --> 14:20.527 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% IN 1998, NOW WE'RE IN 2019 AND WE'RE AT $7.25, THAT'S A PROBLEM 14:20.760 --> 14:23.363 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% LET'S GO TO BENJAMIN. TELL US WHERE YOU'RE FROM, WHO 14:23.497 --> 14:27.467 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% YOU REPRESENT. I'M BEN, WITH STEP UP 14:27.633 --> 14:29.135 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% LOUISIANA. YOUR SOLUTION, YOUR THOUGHTS 14:29.302 --> 14:32.005 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% ABOUT THIS? WE GOT A RAISE -- WE'VE GOT 14:32.138 --> 14:35.575 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% TO RAISE TO MINIMUM WAGE. $7.25 AN HOUR IS NOT ENOUGH FOR 14:35.742 --> 14:38.712 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% ANYONE TO MAKE ENDS MEET. WHEN WE'RE TALKING ABOUT BUYING 14:38.878 --> 14:41.782 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% FOOD, AND PAYING RENT, PAYING FOR CHILD CARE, AND 14:41.948 --> 14:43.550 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% TRANSPORTATION, IT JUST DOESN'T ADD UP. 14:43.717 --> 14:46.618 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% AND THE STATE OF LOUISIANA HAS THE POWER TO BE ABLE TO REALLY 14:46.787 --> 14:48.822 position:44.56% line:79.33% size:10.87% IMPROVE THE LIVES FOR SO MANY WORKERS. 14:48.988 --> 14:52.492 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% WE CAN TALK A LOT ABOUT ON THE JOB TRAINING AND TRY TO MOVE 14:52.658 --> 14:56.028 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% PEOPLE OUT OF MINIMUM WAGE JOBS, BUT THE REALITY IS THAT MOST 14:56.162 --> 15:00.100 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% MINIMUM WAGE WORKERS ARE ADULTS WITH KIDS OF THEIR OWN, AND THEN 15:00.267 --> 15:02.835 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% EVEN IF SOME FOLKS ARE ABLE TO MOVE OUT OF THOSE JOBS INTO 15:03.002 --> 15:05.838 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% BETTER CAREERS, AND I HOPE WE'RE ABLE TO FIND WAYS FOR PEOPLE TO 15:06.005 --> 15:09.208 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% DO THAT, THOSE WORKERS ARE NOT -- ARE STILL WORKING THOSE 15:09.375 --> 15:15.182 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% MINIMUM WAGE JOBS, AND IT'S -- OUR MEMBERS ARE PARENTS, AND LOW 15:15.348 --> 15:18.652 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% -WAYNE WORKERS, AND -- LOW- WAGE WORKERS, AND THEY 15:18.818 --> 15:21.922 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% BELIEVE IF WE CAN STICK TOGETHER , WE CAN WORK WITH FOLKS 15:22.088 --> 15:25.725 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% IN OUR GOVERNMENT TO BE ABLE TO REDUCE POVERTY AND HELP OUR 15:25.892 --> 15:26.658 position:35.08% line:84.67% size:29.84% COMMUNITY. OKAY. 15:26.827 --> 15:30.197 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% TALK TO ME ABOUT LOOKING FOR SOLUTIONS, IDEAS TO HELP THOSE 15:30.363 --> 15:34.633 position:49.23% line:79.33% size:1.55% WHO NEED HELP. LET'S GO TO NADIA. 15:34.800 --> 15:37.003 position:38.97% line:79.33% size:22.06% WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHO DO YOU REPRESENT? 15:37.203 --> 15:42.275 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% I'M NADIA COOPER, FROM ST. JAMES PARISH AND I REPRESENT 15:42.442 --> 15:44.777 position:47.36% line:79.33% size:5.28% LEGISLATIVE YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL. 15:44.943 --> 15:51.417 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% I THINK THAT MINIMUM WAGE SHOULD BE RAISED, I ALSO THINK WE 15:51.583 --> 15:56.455 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% SHOULD HELP PEOPLE FIND BETTER WAYS TO GET BETTER JOBS. 15:56.588 --> 16:01.027 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% BECAUSE COMING FROM MY PERSONAL STANDPOINT, I WORK IN A MINIMUM 16:01.193 --> 16:05.232 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% WAGE JOB, AND IT DOESN'T COVER EVERYTHING I NEED, BECAUSE MY 16:05.398 --> 16:08.502 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% MOM IS WORKING, BUT I'M ALSO WORKING, BUT WE CAN'T ALSO PAY 16:08.668 --> 16:14.140 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% FOR EVERYTHING THAT IS OUT THERE IN HIGH SCHOOL YOU CAN'T EXPECT 16:14.307 --> 16:17.643 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% TO GET A JOB IN A CHEMICAL PLANT OR SOMETHING HIGH. 16:17.810 --> 16:20.547 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% YOU HAVE TO START FROM A MINIMUM WAGE JOB. 16:20.713 --> 16:25.518 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% SO THEREFORE, YOU HAVE TO -- YOU HAVE TO ACCOMMODATE EVERYBODY 16:25.685 --> 16:31.523 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% WHEN IT COMES TO MINIMUM WAGE. AND ALSO HELPING PEOPLE TO GET 16:31.690 --> 16:36.128 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% BETTER JOBS, FROM HIGH SCHOOL, YOU NEED TO GET PROGRAMS TO HELP 16:36.262 --> 16:39.098 position:48.3% line:79.33% size:3.41% THOSE PEOPLE AND ALSO WITH ADULTS. 16:39.265 --> 16:42.368 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% COMING FROM MY EXPERIENCE, MINIMUM WAGE SHOULD BE RAISED. 16:42.602 --> 16:43.703 position:21.09% line:84.67% size:57.81% OKAY. WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT 16:43.870 --> 16:48.542 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% REMINDS ME OF SOMETHING THAT UNITED WAY WORKS WITH SO MUCH, 16:48.708 --> 16:52.978 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% AND THE ALICE PROJECT, SO WE KNOW YOU, SARA, AND WHAT IS ON 16:53.145 --> 16:56.315 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% YOUR HEART THIS EVENING? WELL, I THINK WE HAD SOME 16:56.482 --> 16:58.518 position:48.3% line:79.33% size:3.41% REALLY GOOD COMMENTS HERE TONIGHT. 16:58.652 --> 17:02.222 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% ONE THING THAT IS ON MY MIND IS THE NEED FOR PARENTS TO ACCESS 17:02.388 --> 17:06.525 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% QUALITY CHILD CARE. QUALITY -- AFFORDABLE CHILD CARE 17:06.658 --> 17:11.763 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% IS OFTEN TIMES THE PATHWAY FOR A PARENT TO WORK TO CONTINUE 17:11.932 --> 17:16.835 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% SCHOOL, TO ACCESS TRAINING, SO THEY CAN POSITION THEMSELVES 17:17.003 --> 17:22.308 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% BETTER AND FOR A LIVING WAGE JOB WE -- TWO OUT OF EVERY THREE 17:22.475 --> 17:28.047 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% CHILDREN IN OUR STATE HAVE EITHER BOTH PARENTS OR THEY'RE 17:28.213 --> 17:30.617 position:38.97% line:79.33% size:22.06% SINGLE PARENT IN THE WORKFORCE OR IN SCHOOL. 17:30.783 --> 17:35.755 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% THE SO, SO MANY PARENTS ARE NEED ING TO HAVE SOUND, RELIABLE, 17:35.922 --> 17:42.362 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% QUALITY CARE, NOT ONLY TO GIVE THEIR KIDS A GREAT START AND 17:42.528 --> 17:45.365 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% SUCH AN DEVELOPMENTAL TIME OF THEIR LIVES, BUT IT HELPS THEM 17:45.532 --> 17:48.935 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% TO HAVE WHAT THEY NEED AS A FAMILY TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE 17:49.068 --> 17:52.805 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% WORKFORCE. PROGRAMS LIKE THE CHILD CARE 17:52.972 --> 17:56.508 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, WHICH IS THE STATE FUNDED PROGRAM THAT 17:56.675 --> 18:00.247 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% PROVIDES SUPPORTS TO WORKING PARENTS IN AFFORDING AND 18:00.413 --> 18:06.218 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% ACCESSING QUALITY CARE, THAT PARTICULAR PROGRAM HAS 18:06.352 --> 18:10.957 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% EXPERIENCED CUTS, DRAMATIC CUTS OVER THE PAST COUPLE YEARS, ONCE 18:11.090 --> 18:16.395 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% SERVING 40,000 KIDS, YOUNG CHILDREN, TO LESS THAN 20,000 18:16.562 --> 18:21.267 position:36.17% line:79.33% size:27.66% YOUNG CHILDREN. SO THESE CHANGES, THE REDUCTION 18:21.433 --> 18:25.738 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% OF FUNDING TO PROGRAMS LIKE THE CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, 18:25.905 --> 18:30.977 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% IS ABSOLUTELY HAVING AN EFFECT ON PARENTS IN THE WORKFORCE, 18:31.110 --> 18:35.482 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% PARENTS ACCESSING TRAINING, AND CONTINUING EDUCATION IN ORDER TO 18:35.648 --> 18:38.050 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% WETTER POSITION THEM SELVES TO HIGHER-PAYING JOBS. 18:38.283 --> 18:40.487 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% THOSE REDUCTIONS, THAT'S SOMETHING LOUISIANA SUFFERED 18:40.653 --> 18:42.788 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% WITH ON MANY FRONTS FOR YEARS AND YEARS AND YEARS. 18:43.022 --> 18:44.790 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% THAT'S RIGHT. THAT IS ALL THE TIME WE HAVE 18:44.957 --> 18:47.560 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% FOR THIS PORTION OF OUR SHOW. BUT WHEN WE COME BACK, WE'RE 18:47.727 --> 18:51.363 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% GOING TO BE JOINED BY OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS AS WE LOOK BEYOND THE 18:51.530 --> 19:02.575 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% MINIMUM WAGE. WELCOME BACK TO "LOUISIANA 19:02.742 --> 19:04.643 position:38.97% line:79.33% size:22.06% PUBLIC SQUARE." TONIGHT WE ARE EXPLORING THE 19:04.777 --> 19:08.180 position:39.9% line:79.33% size:20.19% EFFORTS TO ASSIST THE STATE'S WORKING POOR. 19:08.347 --> 19:11.083 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% JOINING US NOW IS OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS. 19:11.250 --> 19:13.987 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% SENATOR TROY CARTER IS A DEMOCRAT FROM NEW ORLEANS, WHO 19:14.153 --> 19:16.788 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% SERVES AS VICE CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND 19:16.955 --> 19:19.658 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS. HE IS SPONSORED BILLS TO RAISE 19:19.792 --> 19:23.395 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% THE MINIMUM WAGE FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS, AND PLANS TO DO SO 19:23.562 --> 19:26.865 position:36.17% line:79.33% size:27.66% AGAIN THIS YEAR. ALSO WITH US, DAWN STARNS, SHE 19:27.033 --> 19:29.735 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% HAS SERVED AS STATE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF 19:29.902 --> 19:34.440 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% INDEPENDENT BUSINESS, OR NFIB, SINCE 2014. 19:34.607 --> 19:38.778 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% SHE LEADS LOBBYING EFFORTS ON BEHALF OF NFIB'S 4,000 SMALL 19:38.945 --> 19:42.682 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% BUSINESSES, THEY REPRESENT EVERY SECTOR OF LOUISIANA'S ECONOMY. 19:42.815 --> 19:45.385 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% AVA DEJOIE WAS APPOINTED SECRETARY OF THE LOUISIANA 19:45.552 --> 19:49.955 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% WORKFORCE COMMISSION BY GOVERNOR JOHN BEL EDWARDS IN 2016, AS 19:50.088 --> 19:53.692 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% SECRETARY, SHE'S RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING THE STRATEGIC VISION 19:53.827 --> 19:57.597 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% TO BOOST THE GROWTH OF LOUISIANA 'S ECONOMY AND ITS 19:57.763 --> 19:59.398 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% WORKFORCE. AND DR. MONTY SULLIVAN IS 19:59.565 --> 20:02.868 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% PRESIDENT OF THE LOUISIANA TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE 20:03.035 --> 20:08.273 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% SYSTEM, AND OVERSEES THE 13 INSTITUTIONS THAT IT CARES FOR A 20:08.440 --> 20:10.142 position:35.24% line:79.33% size:29.52% ROUND THE STATE. HE HAS BEEN NATIONALLY RECOGNIZ 20:10.308 --> 20:13.813 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% ED FOR THE GROWTH OF STUDENT ENROLLMENT AT RECORD 20:13.980 --> 20:18.752 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% NUMBERS, AND ALSO A OF GRADUATES BEFORE WE GO TO OUR AUDIENCE FOR 20:18.918 --> 20:22.788 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% QUESTIONS, I WANT TO ASK EACH OF OUR PANELISTS FROM YOUR 20:22.955 --> 20:27.025 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% PERSPECTIVE, WHAT LETTER GRADE WOULD YOU GIVE THE STATE FOR 20:27.193 --> 20:32.698 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% ASSISTING ITS WORKING POOR? MR. CARTER, LET'S BEGIN 20:32.865 --> 20:35.568 position:48.3% line:79.33% size:3.41% WITH YOU. I WOULD SAY WE GIVE IT A 20:35.735 --> 20:38.303 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% STRONG C. I SAY C BECAUSE I THINK WE 20:38.470 --> 20:43.675 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% CERTAINLY HAVE MADE STRIDES IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, WE'RE FAR 20:43.843 --> 20:46.745 position:39.9% line:79.33% size:20.19% FROM HAVING AN A, WHICH DENOTES EXCELLENCE. 20:46.878 --> 20:49.615 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% I THINK OUR INTENT IS GOOD. WE'RE GOOD STUDENTS, BUT WE NEED 20:49.782 --> 20:53.518 position:36.17% line:79.33% size:27.66% TO WORK HARDER. THE WILL IS THERE, THE GOVERNOR 20:53.685 --> 20:56.955 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% CERTAINLY HAS STOOD STRONG. LOTS OF MEMBERS OF THE 20:57.123 --> 21:00.860 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% LEGISLATURE HAS, BUT NOT ENOUGH TO GET IT OVER THE GOALPOST. 21:01.093 --> 21:03.262 position:49.23% line:79.33% size:1.55% THANK YOU VERY MUCH. DAWN STARNS? 21:03.495 --> 21:05.532 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% HI, THANKS. YOU KNOW, I WOULD PROBABLY SAY 21:05.698 --> 21:08.533 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% MAYBE AN INCOMPLETE. I THINK THERE'S A LOT OF WORK 21:08.700 --> 21:12.672 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE. I THINK AS SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS 21:12.838 --> 21:15.240 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% ACROSS THE STATE THAT WE REPRESENT, WE'RE OUT THERE 21:15.407 --> 21:17.443 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% TRYING TO CREATE JOBS AND BE THERE FOR THE PEOPLE WHO WORK 21:17.610 --> 21:21.247 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% FOR US. MOST FAMILY -- SMALL BUSINESSES 21:21.413 --> 21:24.850 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% ARE FAMILY OWNED BUSINESSES AND BEEN AROUND FOR YEARS, AND THEY 21:25.017 --> 21:26.452 position:48.3% line:79.33% size:3.41% TREAT THEIR EMPLOYEES LIKE FAMILY. 21:26.618 --> 21:29.355 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% SO EVERYBODY IS TRYING TO DO THEIR PART TO BE DOING THE RIGHT 21:29.522 --> 21:33.458 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% THING AND TO BE INVOLVED. BUT THERE'S CERTAINLY EFFORTS 21:33.625 --> 21:37.897 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% THAT COULD BE BE PUT FORTH, BUT AT THE STATE LEVEL AND ON THE 21:38.063 --> 21:40.867 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% PERM SIDE, AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY SIDE THAT COULD 21:41.033 --> 21:43.068 position:44.56% line:79.33% size:10.87% HELP THINGS MOVE FORWARD IN THE STATE. 21:43.302 --> 21:44.870 position:20.16% line:84.67% size:59.68% THE SAME QUESTION TO AVA DEJOIE. 21:45.103 --> 21:48.073 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% I WOULD SAY TO BE DETERMINED. I THINK WE HAVE A LOT MORE WORK 21:48.207 --> 21:50.777 position:44.56% line:79.33% size:10.87% TO DO. WE'RE ON OUR WAY, BUT CERTAINLY 21:50.943 --> 21:54.780 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% THERE ARE MORE THINGS THAT WE CAN DO INVESTING IN EDUCATION, 21:54.947 --> 21:58.450 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% WHICH HAS HAPPENED FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER MANY YEARS UNDER 21:58.583 --> 22:01.153 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% GOVERNOR EDWARDS THAT DID NOT TAKE PLACE IN THE PREVIOUS 22:01.320 --> 22:03.255 position:36.17% line:79.33% size:27.66% ADMINISTRATION. ALSO WHEN WE LOOK AT WORKFORCE, 22:03.422 --> 22:06.692 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% LOUISIANA IS ONE OF THE FEW STATES THAT DOES NOT HAVE A 22:06.858 --> 22:08.995 position:38.04% line:79.33% size:23.92% STATE DEDICATED REVENUE STREAM FOR WORKFORCE. 22:09.162 --> 22:13.765 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% WE DEPEND ON FEDERAL DOLLARS. WE CERTAINLY CAN DO MORE FOR THE 22:13.933 --> 22:18.470 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% WORKING PEOPLE OF LOUISIANA, BUT WE'RE HEADED IN THE RIGHT 22:18.603 --> 22:20.238 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% DIRECTION. AFTER MANY YEARS OF NOT HEADING 22:20.405 --> 22:24.677 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% THAT WAY, THERE'S A RESURGENCE OF APPRENTICESHIP, AND ALL OF 22:24.843 --> 22:28.247 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% THOSE TOOLS COMBINED WILL GET US TO WHERE WE NEED TO BE. 22:28.480 --> 22:31.317 position:28.55% line:84.67% size:42.9% ALL RIGHT. AND YOU SIR? 22:31.483 --> 22:37.155 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% FIRST, THANK YOU TO -- FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU TO 22:37.323 --> 22:40.560 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% LPB FOR HOSTING THIS DISCUSSION. WE'VE MADE TREMENDOUS PROGRESS. 22:40.727 --> 22:43.262 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% OUR CHALLENGE FOR MANY YEARS HAS BEEN THAT WE STARTED FROM A VERY 22:43.428 --> 22:45.732 position:35.24% line:79.33% size:29.52% DIFFICULT PLACE. WE HAVE SO MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE 22:45.898 --> 22:48.400 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% BEEN IMPOVERISHED OVER THE YEARS , THAT THE EDUCATION AND 22:48.567 --> 22:51.670 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% TRAINING EFFORTS THAT WE'VE HAD IN PLACE, THE EFFORTS TO LIFT 22:51.837 --> 22:53.907 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% PEOPLE OUT OF POVERTY I THINK HAVE BEEN EXCELLENT. 22:54.073 --> 22:57.343 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% SO THE WORK OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS I WOULD CERTAINLY SAY IS A 22:57.510 --> 22:59.978 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% SOLID B. BUT WE STARTED FROM A DEFICIT, 23:00.145 --> 23:03.182 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% SO ONE OF THOSE EXAMPLES IS OUR COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE 23:03.348 --> 23:05.852 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% SYSTEM. SO WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT WHERE WE 23:06.018 --> 23:08.587 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% ARE TODAY AND THE PROGRESS THAT'S BEEN MADE, BUT WE HAVE A 23:08.753 --> 23:11.157 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% GREAT DEAL OF WORK TO DO. THANK YOU DR. MONTY SULLIVAN. 23:11.290 --> 23:15.227 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% LET'S DO TO OUR AUDIENCE. -- LET'S GO TO OUR AUDIENCE. 23:15.393 --> 23:18.697 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% LET ME BEGIN WITH DEVONTE. TELL US, WHERE YOU'RE FROM AND 23:18.863 --> 23:21.867 position:37.1% line:79.33% size:25.79% WHO YOU REPRESENT. I'M DEVONTE LEWIS FROM LAKE 23:22.033 --> 23:24.970 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% CHARLES, LOUISIANA, AND I WORK AT LOUISIANA BUDGET PROJECT. 23:25.137 --> 23:29.142 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% WE KNOW $1.5 MILLION -- 1.5 MILLION WORKING ADULTS HAVE 23:29.308 --> 23:31.310 position:38.97% line:79.33% size:22.06% A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR LESS IN THIS STATE. 23:31.477 --> 23:34.347 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% WE KNOW THE RISING COST OF COLLEGE, THE RISING COST OF 23:34.513 --> 23:37.383 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% COMMUNITY COLLEGE, THE MORE STUDENT LOAN DEBT THAT IS 23:37.550 --> 23:39.485 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% INCREASING, PEOPLE JUST CANNOT WORK THEIR WAY THROUGH COLLEGE 23:39.652 --> 23:42.087 position:44.56% line:79.33% size:10.87% THE WAY THEY DID IN THE '70s AND '80s. 23:42.253 --> 23:46.858 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% AND SO WHEN WE ARE TALKING ABOUT CREATING MORE JOBS AND CREATING 23:47.025 --> 23:50.763 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% A BUSINESS CLIMATE THAT MAKES OUR COMMUNITIES THRIVE, WE KNOW 23:50.930 --> 23:53.967 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% IT'S WITH AN EDUCATED WORKFORCE. HOW DO WE NOT PIT OUR CITIZENS 23:54.133 --> 23:58.003 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% FROM HAVING TO CHOOSE BETWEEN MAKING ENDS MEET BY WORKING TWO 23:58.170 --> 24:02.040 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% MINIMUM WAGE JOBS, OR THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADVANCE THEIR 24:02.207 --> 24:05.277 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% LIVES BY GOING AND GETTING AN EDUCATION OR CERTIFICATE PROGRAM 24:05.443 --> 24:07.012 position:24.82% line:84.67% size:50.35% , OR AN ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE? 24:07.178 --> 24:11.050 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% HOW DO WE MESH THAT WE HAVE A POPULATION THAT CAN'T AFFORD TO 24:11.217 --> 24:13.987 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% ATTEND COLLEGE, BUT WE KNOW WE NEED TO GET THEM SOME TYPE OF 24:14.153 --> 24:16.322 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% TRAINING OR WORKFORCE OR DIFFERENT TYPE OF DEGREE. 24:16.455 --> 24:21.927 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% HOW DO WE SOLVE THAT PROBLEM? DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR 24:22.093 --> 24:23.962 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% ANSWER? I THINK CERTAINLY APPRENTICE 24:24.097 --> 24:25.765 position:22.96% line:84.67% size:54.09% SHIP IS ONE OF THOSE ANSWERS. 24:25.932 --> 24:31.437 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% EARN WHILE YOU LEARN. JUST THIS WEEK WE WILL HAVE A 24:31.603 --> 24:34.140 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH JOBS IN I.T., FOLKS HAVE GONE INTO 24:34.307 --> 24:36.708 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% TRAINING FOR THREE MONTHS, AND THEN THEY'LL GO INTO THE 24:36.875 --> 24:38.910 position:37.1% line:79.33% size:25.79% WORKFORCE AND TRANSITION BACK OUT TO TRAINING. 24:39.078 --> 24:42.715 position:36.17% line:79.33% size:27.66% EARNING $15 AN HOUR. BUT THEY CAN EARN WAGES IN 24:42.882 --> 24:46.485 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% EXCESS IN JUST A FEW YEARS OF $1 00,000 PER YEAR. 24:46.652 --> 24:50.555 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% WE HAVE LOTS OF APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS GOING ON WITH THE 24:50.723 --> 24:53.858 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM, BUT IT REPRESENTS A 24:54.027 --> 24:56.862 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN EDUCATION, BUSINESS, AND WORKFORCE, AND I 24:57.028 --> 24:59.665 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% BELIEVE THAT'S THE KEY. IN FACT, AMERICAN CEOs ARE 24:59.832 --> 25:04.103 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% TURNING MORE TO APPRENTICESHIP, IT'S HUNDREDS OF YEARS OLD, IT'S 25:04.270 --> 25:07.540 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% WHAT IS USED WIDELY IN EUROPE AND I THINK IT'S A KEY COMPONENT 25:07.707 --> 25:11.377 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% THAT WE WANT TO SEE COME BACK. OKAY. 25:11.510 --> 25:13.812 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% ONE QUESTION ADDITIONAL RESPONSE I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALL THE 25:13.978 --> 25:18.117 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% GREAT WORK YOU GUYS ARE DOING IN MAKING PUBLIC THOSE NUMBERS. 25:18.283 --> 25:22.522 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% AND TALKING ABOUT THE WORKING POOR IN LASES LOUISIANA. 25:22.688 --> 25:24.990 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% A COUPLE OF KEY POINTS THAT ARE IMPORTANT. 25:25.157 --> 25:27.393 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% EARN WHILE YOU LEARN IS ONE DIRECTION THAT WE ARE EMBRACING 25:27.527 --> 25:30.095 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% IN COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGES, BUT IDLES TELL YOU 25:30.262 --> 25:32.765 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% EDUCATION AND THE WAY EDUCATION IS DELIVERED IS CHANGING. 25:32.932 --> 25:35.735 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% MANY OF OUR STUDENTS ARE OPTING FOR A SHORTER TIME FRAME OF 25:35.902 --> 25:38.270 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% EDUCATION. WHICH MEANS THEY HAVE FEWER AND 25:38.437 --> 25:41.573 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% FEWER OBSTACLES, BECAUSE COMPLETION IS LESS ABOUT 25:41.740 --> 25:45.343 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% ACADEMICS AND MORE ABOUT TIME. SO MANAGING LIFE COSTS AND 25:45.510 --> 25:48.380 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% MANAGING THE HURDLES THAT SOME ONE HAS TO OVERCOME FOR THE 25:48.547 --> 25:50.750 position:35.24% line:79.33% size:29.52% PERIOD OF TIME THEY'RE ENROLLED, THAT'S THE KEY. 25:50.917 --> 25:53.318 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% SO AS WE TALK ABOUT AFFORD ABILITY, TO BROADEN THE 25:53.452 --> 25:56.488 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% LENS, NOT JUST FOR TUITION AND FEES, BUT FOR THE LIFE COSTS, 25:56.655 --> 26:00.425 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% BECAUSE THAT'S THE CHALLENGES THAT WE'RE -- THAT OUR POOR ARE 26:00.558 --> 26:03.528 position:49.23% line:79.33% size:1.55% FACING. THIS WEEK AT THE VETERANS 26:03.695 --> 26:07.165 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% PRESS CLUB, SPEAKING ABOUT LOUISIANA'S COMMUNITY AND 26:07.332 --> 26:12.037 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% TECHNICAL COLLEGES, SHE SAID THE COST OF THOSE TO LOUISIANA IS 26:12.203 --> 26:15.307 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OTHER STATES FIRST OF ALL, I THINK DR. 26:15.473 --> 26:18.477 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% REED'S COMMENTS WERE REALLY GEARED TOWARD TRYING TO IDENTIFY 26:18.643 --> 26:20.813 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% ONE OF THOSE HURDLES THAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HERE. 26:20.980 --> 26:23.682 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% WE'RE WORKING VERY CLOSELY WITH THE BOARD OF REGENTS AND WITH 26:23.848 --> 26:27.018 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% DR. REED TO TRY TO CREATE A CIRCUMSTANCE WHERE OUR STUDENTS 26:27.185 --> 26:30.388 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% ARE ABLE TO ACCESS. OUR BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FOR THE 26:30.555 --> 26:33.792 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% LAST FIVE YEARS HAVE NOT RAISED FEES, HAVE NOT RAISED TUITION. 26:33.958 --> 26:37.328 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% THAT HAS BEEN A KEY FOCAL POINT. WE'VE ALSO ELEVATED 26:37.497 --> 26:40.732 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULTS WITH FINANCIAL AID, WE'VE CREATED AN 26:40.867 --> 26:44.637 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% ADULT PROMISE PROGRAM THIS TIME THAT IS ALLOWING ADULTS 27, 28 26:44.803 --> 26:46.972 position:35.24% line:79.33% size:29.52% -YEAR-OLD ADULTS TO BE ABLE TO ACCESS EDUCATION. 26:47.138 --> 26:50.642 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% SO WE ARE VERY MUCH FOCUSED ON LOWERING THE COST TO INDIVIDUALS 26:50.810 --> 26:53.012 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% WHO ARE THE VERY POPULATIONS THAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HERE. 26:53.178 --> 26:55.347 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% THE ALICE POPULATION, AS AN EXAMPLE. 26:55.513 --> 26:59.885 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% SO WE ARE VERY MUCH INTERESTED AS WE SIT TODAY AND TALK WITH 27:00.052 --> 27:02.555 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% DR. REED ABOUT WHAT ARE THOSE NEXT STEPS TO ENSURE ACCESS. 27:02.788 --> 27:05.090 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS TO INCREASING THE MINIMUM WAGE? 27:05.257 --> 27:09.928 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% WHAT'S THE BIGGEST HURDLE THAT IS KEEPING THAT FROM HAPPENING? 27:10.162 --> 27:12.632 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% I'LL JUMP IN. I THINK ONE OF THE BIGGEST 27:12.798 --> 27:16.635 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% BARRIERS IS FOR SOME REASON, SOME OF OUR FRIENDS SEEM TO 27:16.802 --> 27:21.307 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% THINK THE WORLD WILL COME TO AN END IF WE INCREASE THE MINIMUM 27:21.473 --> 27:24.042 position:48.3% line:79.33% size:3.41% WAGE SOMEHOW BUSINESSES WILL FLEE. 27:24.210 --> 27:27.078 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% BUSINESSES ARE GOING TO GO TO OTHER STATES WHERE MINIMUM WAGE 27:27.245 --> 27:29.348 position:24.82% line:84.67% size:50.35% IS LOWER. WELL, GUESS WHAT? 27:29.515 --> 27:34.052 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% YOU WON'T FIND ANY LOWER THAN US AND THE REALITY THAT THE WORLD 27:34.220 --> 27:37.957 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% WILL COME TO AN END IF WE INCREASE MINIMUM WAGE HASN'T 27:38.123 --> 27:41.293 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% PROVEN TO BE TRUE. EVERY TIME THE MINIMUM WAGE HAS 27:41.460 --> 27:45.597 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% INCREASED FROM 2.95 TO 3.10 AND ON AND ON, THOSE WHO SAID IT WAS 27:45.763 --> 27:48.500 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% GOING TO BE BAD WERE PROVEN TO BE WRONG. 27:48.667 --> 27:53.938 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% IF WE LOOK AT EVERYTHING IN SOCIETY, THE PRICE OF MILK, THE 27:54.105 --> 27:58.210 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% PRICE OF BREAD, THE PRICE TO EDUCATE YOUR CHIRP OR TO HAVE 27:58.377 --> 28:00.612 position:47.36% line:79.33% size:5.28% DAY CARE, EVERYTHING HAS INCREASED. 28:00.778 --> 28:03.548 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% WHAT JOB WOULD YOU WORK ON AND NEVER HAVE A PAY RAISE FOR 10 28:03.682 --> 28:07.052 position:20.16% line:84.67% size:59.68% YEARS? THAT YOU PUT IN THE TIME? 28:07.218 --> 28:09.922 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% I DARE SAY ANY OF OUR OPPONENTS AND I RESPECT THEM ALL, THOUGH 28:10.088 --> 28:13.458 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% WE DISAGREE, I WOULD ASK, WOULD YOU STAY IN YOUR CURRENT 28:13.592 --> 28:16.295 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% EMPLOYMENT IF YOU NEVER HAD A PAY RAISE? 28:16.462 --> 28:20.732 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% YET EVERYTHING AROUND YOU COST OF LIVING CONTINUES TO INCREASE. 28:20.900 --> 28:25.437 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% I GUESS THE GREATEST BARRIER IS THOSE WHO SOMEHOW SUGGEST 28:25.603 --> 28:30.008 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% WITHOUT IN MY ESTIMATION, VERY RESPECTFULLY, GIVING SOLID FACTS 28:30.175 --> 28:33.178 position:22.02% line:84.67% size:55.95% , BECAUSE IT DOESN'T BEAR OUT. 28:33.345 --> 28:35.948 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% BUSINESSES THAT PAY MINIMUM WAGE , MANY OF WHICH HAVE COME 28:36.115 --> 28:39.252 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% AND TESTIFIED BEFORE OUR COMMITTEES, THEY SAY, LISTEN, WE 28:39.418 --> 28:42.453 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% PAY OUR EMPLOYEES MORE THAN MINIMUM WAGE AND WE GET GOOD, 28:42.622 --> 28:45.423 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% SOLID EMPLOYEES. WE GET PEOPLE WHO ARE DEDICATED, 28:45.590 --> 28:51.063 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% PEOPLE WHO STAY AROUND, WE DON'T HAVE THAT RESOLVING DOOR. 28:51.230 --> 28:54.733 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% SO I THINK THE BARRIER IS MIS INFORMATION, QUITE FRANKLY. 28:54.967 --> 28:58.870 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% LET ME ASK YOU THIS, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS IF YOU WOULD 28:59.003 --> 29:02.373 position:36.17% line:79.33% size:27.66% RESPOND, REACT, AND GIVE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS? 29:02.608 --> 29:06.678 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% AGAIN, WE DEFINITELY RESPECT ONE ANOTHER, BUT DISAGREE ON THE 29:06.845 --> 29:10.115 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% SUBJECT OF WHERE SMALL BUSINESS FALLS ON THIS ISSUE. 29:10.282 --> 29:13.285 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% AND IT COMES DOWN TO THE FACT THAT FOR A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, 29:13.452 --> 29:16.155 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% WHICH IS VERY DIFFERENT THAN A LARGE BUSINESS OWNER, THAN A 29:16.322 --> 29:19.792 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% LARGE CORPORATION, THEY ARE GOING TO DO BUSINESS DIFFERENTLY 29:19.958 --> 29:23.095 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% WHEN IT COMES TO LABOR COSTS. WHENEVER YOU FORCE DOWN 29:23.262 --> 29:26.198 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% ARBITRARILY HIGHER LABOR COSTS ON A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, 29:26.365 --> 29:29.835 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% THEY'RE ALREADY DOING WHAT THEY CAN TO MAKE THEIR BOTTOM LINE 29:30.002 --> 29:33.105 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% WORK TO KEEP EMPLOYEES WORKING. THEY'RE DOING EVERYTHING TO KEEP 29:33.272 --> 29:35.307 position:48.3% line:79.33% size:3.41% THEIR DOORS OPEN. AND CREATE JOBS. 29:35.473 --> 29:39.312 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% SO THE SECOND YOU PUT DOWN ARBITRARY NEW COSTS, LABOR COSTS 29:39.478 --> 29:42.982 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% , WHICH IS VERY EXPENSIVE ON THEM, THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE 29:43.148 --> 29:45.550 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% TO MAKE DECISIONS. AND THEY'RE GOING TO MAKE ONE OF 29:45.683 --> 29:50.957 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% FEW DECISIONS, ONE IS DO I CUT HOURS ON THOSE HOURLY EMPLOYEES? 29:51.123 --> 29:55.727 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% DO I CHOOSE CHEAPER LABOR, AS IN PART-TIME, OR GO TO LESS 29:55.893 --> 29:57.462 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% EXPENSIVE LABOR IN THE SENSE THAT THEY'RE GOING TO GET 29:57.628 --> 30:00.565 position:47.36% line:79.33% size:5.28% SOMEBODY WITH EVEN LESS EXPERIENCE? 30:00.698 --> 30:05.037 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% OR DO I CUT JOBS? BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY, A 30:05.203 --> 30:09.107 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, A TRUE SMALL BUSINESS OWNER IS THERE -- 30:09.273 --> 30:11.310 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% THEY'RE FOLLOWING THEIR DREAMS, THEY PUT IN THE EFFORT, THEY PUT 30:11.443 --> 30:16.382 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% IN THE TIME, THEY PUT IN THE COST TO MAKE IT WORK TO GO OPEN 30:16.548 --> 30:18.450 position:38.04% line:79.33% size:23.92% THOSE DOORS EVERY DAY. AND DO WHAT THEY LOVE. 30:18.617 --> 30:22.220 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% AND AS A BENEFIT OF THAT, THEY'VE GOT -- THEY'VE CREATED 30:22.387 --> 30:24.923 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% JOBS, THEY'VE CREATED AN ATMOSPHERE THAT'S POSITIVE, THAT 30:25.090 --> 30:27.225 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% THEY'RE DOING WHATEVER THEY LOVE TO DO. 30:27.392 --> 30:30.997 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% BUT THEY CAN'T HAVE GOVERNMENT CONSTANTLY PUTTING DOWN MANDATE 30:31.163 --> 30:36.268 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% THAT ARE ARBITRARY. AND AN INCREASE IN LABOR COST IS 30:36.435 --> 30:39.137 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% ARBITRARY, BECAUSE AS THE SENATOR SAID, A LOT OF SMALL 30:39.303 --> 30:42.908 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% BUSINESS OWNERS, YOU ASK THEM TODAY, THEY'RE GOING TO TELL YOU 30:43.075 --> 30:46.778 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% THEY PAY ABOVE MINIMUM WAGE BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO COMPETE. 30:46.945 --> 30:50.848 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% BUT IT A SMALL SEGMENT OF FOLKS THAT DON'T HAVE ANY SKILLS THAT 30:51.017 --> 30:54.218 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% NEED ENTRY LEVEL WORK, LIKE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, WHO NEED TO 30:54.387 --> 31:00.392 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% HAVE A PLACE TO START. BUT THAT LABOR IS NECESSARILY 31:00.558 --> 31:03.962 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% LESS EXPENSIVE THAN A SKILLED WORKER COMING OUT OF A 31:04.128 --> 31:06.198 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% CERTIFICATION PROGRAM, OR SOMEBODY ELSE. 31:06.365 --> 31:08.800 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% AND THEN THE RIPPLE EFFECT THAT WE TALK ABOUT ALL THE TIME. 31:09.033 --> 31:13.772 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% YOU'VE MENTIONED OF COURSE ABOUT THAT COST RISING, BUT IT 31:13.938 --> 31:17.308 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% HASN'T REISS EN, THE MINIMUM WAGE N. 10 YEARS, YOU MENTIONED 31:17.475 --> 31:20.412 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% SOME OF THE OTHER MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCT COSTS, WHAT ARE SOME 31:20.578 --> 31:23.015 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% OF THOSE AND HOW DO THAT FACTOR INTO THE CONCERNS? 31:23.248 --> 31:27.218 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% AT THE END OF THE DAY IF A RESTAURANT OWNER IS GOING TO 31:27.385 --> 31:31.990 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% HAVE TO PAY A HIGHER MINIMUM WAGE, TO ALL OF THEIR WORKERS, 31:32.157 --> 31:33.758 position:39.9% line:79.33% size:20.19% THEY'RE GOING TO INCREASE THE COST OF FOOD. 31:33.892 --> 31:37.662 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% BUT THE OTHER THING THAT IS ALWAYS GOING UP IS THE COST OF 31:37.797 --> 31:39.532 position:47.36% line:79.33% size:5.28% FOOD. MILK, BREAD, ALL THOSE THINGS 31:39.698 --> 31:43.335 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% THAT PEOPLE USE IN A RESTAURANT, IS CONSTANTLY GOING UP BECAUSE 31:43.502 --> 31:47.438 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% OF THE BIGGER MARKET ISSUES. SO PARTNERSHIP IT'S THAT RIPPLE 31:47.605 --> 31:49.040 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% EFFECT. SO WHAT WE'VE GOT TO FIGURE OUT 31:49.173 --> 31:52.878 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% IS WHERE DO WE FOCUS IN OUR ENERGY AND ATTENTION? 31:53.045 --> 31:57.415 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% AND INSTEAD OF HONING IN ON THIS ONE THING THAT SAYS, OH, LET'S 31:57.548 --> 32:02.220 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% DO $1.50, IT'S $1.50 AN HOUR IS NOT GOING TO RAISE ANYBODY OUT 32:02.387 --> 32:04.155 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% OF POVERTY OVER THE NEXT YEAR OR SO. 32:04.322 --> 32:07.625 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% SO WHAT DO WE REALLY NEED TO BE DOING AS A STATE TO DO THAT? 32:07.793 --> 32:11.197 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS, ONE OF OUR BIGGEST ISSUES RIGHT NOW, 32:11.363 --> 32:14.567 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% ONE OF OUR TOP PRIORITIES IS NOT HAVING SKILLED WORKERS. 32:14.733 --> 32:17.702 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% NOT HAVING PEOPLE WITH SOFT SKILLS OR PARTICULAR SKILLS TO 32:17.837 --> 32:20.105 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% BE ABLE TO FILL THE JOBS THAT THEY HAVE. 32:20.272 --> 32:22.607 position:38.97% line:79.33% size:22.06% SO THAT'S WHAT WE HAVE TO FIND AN ANSWER TO. 32:22.842 --> 32:25.310 position:39.9% line:79.33% size:20.19% LET'S GO BACK TO OUR AUDIENCE FOR A SECOND. 32:25.477 --> 32:28.913 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% WE HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO TALK. TELL US WHERE YOU'RE FROM AND 32:29.080 --> 32:33.018 position:36.17% line:79.33% size:27.66% WHO YOU REPRESENT. MY NAME IS EMANUEL MITCHELL, 32:33.185 --> 32:36.888 position:47.36% line:79.33% size:5.28% I'M REPRESENTING STEP UP LOUISIANA. 32:37.055 --> 32:41.993 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% I'M ALSO A COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE WITH THE CENTRAL 32:42.160 --> 32:44.797 position:22.96% line:84.67% size:54.09% -- WHAT IS STEP-UP LOUISIANA? 32:44.963 --> 32:51.470 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% WHAT EXACTLY IS DONE? STEP-UP LOUISIANA, WE FIGHT 32:51.603 --> 32:58.177 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% FOR HIGH WAGES ACROSS THE BOARD, WE FIGHT FOR THE POOR TO GET OUT 32:58.343 --> 33:04.750 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% OF POVERTY. WE FIGHT FOR TEACHERS' RIGHTS, 33:04.883 --> 33:12.457 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% EQUAL PAY FOR MEN AND WOMEN. AND JUST A COMMUNITY-BASED 33:12.623 --> 33:13.758 position:39.9% line:79.33% size:20.19% ORGANIZATION. WHAT IS YOUR QUESTION FOR ONE 33:13.892 --> 33:18.397 position:36.17% line:79.33% size:27.66% OF THE PANELISTS? MY QUESTION FOR THE PANELISTS 33:18.563 --> 33:26.772 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% , WE ALL KNOW THAT MINIMUM WAGE NEEDS TO BE RAISED. 33:26.905 --> 33:31.577 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% AND I SAY IT NEEDS TO BE RAISED AS A LIVING WAGE FOR PEOPLE. 33:31.743 --> 33:37.115 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% BECAUSE WE ALL KNOW AFTER KATRINA, BUSINESSES WAS TRYING 33:37.282 --> 33:44.388 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% TO COME BACK, AND THEY DID OFFER A HIGHER WAGE LIVING AT THAT 33:44.557 --> 33:47.725 position:20.16% line:84.67% size:59.68% TIME. BUT NOW IT SEEMS AS THOUGH 33:47.893 --> 33:52.697 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% BUSINESS IS BACK, AND THE WAGES DROPPED. 33:52.863 --> 33:59.170 position:24.82% line:84.67% size:50.35% AND WHY IS THAT? SECRETARY? 33:59.403 --> 34:02.307 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% EMANUEL, THE VALUE OF THE MINIMUM WAGE HAS DECREASED BY 34:02.473 --> 34:10.048 position:38.97% line:79.33% size:22.06% NEARLY 20%. SO THAT $7 IS WORTH LESS THAN $6 34:10.215 --> 34:13.585 position:21.09% line:84.67% size:57.81% RIGHT NOW. SO IT HAS GONE DOWN. 34:13.752 --> 34:20.092 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% AND WHILE IT MAY NOT INCREASE -- IT MAY NOT MOVE EVERYONE OUT OF 34:20.258 --> 34:24.095 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% POVERTY, IT'S GOING TO MOVE PEOPLE CLOSER TO BEING OUT OF 34:24.262 --> 34:28.533 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% POVERTY. AND WE HAVE TO TAKE MODEST BUT 34:28.700 --> 34:30.868 position:35.24% line:79.33% size:29.52% MEANINGFUL STEPS. WE DO NOT -- IT'S NOT THE GOAL 34:31.035 --> 34:35.707 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% TO PUT ANYONE OUT OF BUSINESS, BUT THE MINIMUM WAGE IS NOT 34:35.873 --> 34:41.280 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% CURRENTLY -- BEAR OUT THAT IT IS NOT AN ENTRY LEVEL WAGE. 34:41.447 --> 34:46.752 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% NEARLY 20% OF OUR WORKERS REMAIN AT THAT WAGE FOR OVER A YEAR, 34:46.918 --> 34:50.822 position:38.97% line:79.33% size:22.06% AND IT'S PRIMARILY WOMEN OVER THE AGE OF 24. 34:50.988 --> 34:56.328 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% WOMEN TAKING CARE OF CHILDREN, WHICH MEANS OUR CHILDREN SUFFER. 34:56.495 --> 35:00.832 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% SO ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO HELP OUR CHILDREN WILL MAKE A 35:00.998 --> 35:04.335 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% DIFFERENCE. IT DOES NOT -- IT IS NOT 35:04.502 --> 35:07.138 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% SOMETHING THAT IS NOT BUSINESS FRIENDLY. 35:07.305 --> 35:11.710 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR BUSINESSES TO HELP INDIVIDUALS 35:11.877 --> 35:14.545 position:41.77% line:79.33% size:16.47% BE MORE PRODUCTIVE. BE AVAILABLE TO WORK. 35:14.713 --> 35:17.582 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% IF YOU CAN'T -- IF YOU DON'T HAVE CHILD CARE, IF YOU'RE NOT 35:17.748 --> 35:22.120 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% WELL, YOU CAN'T COME TO WORK. AND LOUISIANA'S LABOR FORCE 35:22.287 --> 35:26.223 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% PARTICIPATION REALLY LAGS BEHIND THAT OF THE NATION, BUT OUR -- 35:26.392 --> 35:29.093 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% THE LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATE OF THIS COUNTRY HAS 35:29.260 --> 35:33.998 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% DECREASED FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS, AND ONE OF THE REASONS IS THOSE 35:34.132 --> 35:39.705 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% THAT DO NOT FIND IT BENEFICIAL TO REALLY ENTER THE LABOR FORCE 35:39.872 --> 35:42.273 position:48.3% line:79.33% size:3.41% BECAUSE THEY CAN'T AFFORD TO WORK. 35:42.407 --> 35:44.810 position:35.24% line:79.33% size:29.52% HOW SAD IS IT THAT SOMEONE CAN'T AFFORD TO WORK? 35:44.977 --> 35:49.280 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% AND WHEN THE MINIMUM WAGE GOES UP, PEOPLE CAN'T AFFORD TO WORK. 35:49.513 --> 35:53.818 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% YOU MENTIONED SOME OF THE SKILLS THAT ARE LACKING, NEED TO 35:53.985 --> 35:57.555 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% BE IMPROVED, NEED TO BE SHARPEN ED, NEED TO BE DONE. 35:57.722 --> 36:03.262 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% NULL LET ME ASK YOU, WHAT IS THE COLLEGE DOING TO ADDRESS THAT? 36:03.428 --> 36:07.032 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% AND IS THERE AN UPWARD RISE WHERE YOU'RE SEEING PROGRESS? 36:07.265 --> 36:08.567 position:41.77% line:79.33% size:16.47% ABSOLUTELY. ONE OF THE GREATEST STORIES I 36:08.733 --> 36:12.970 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% THINK LOUISIANA HAS TO TELL IS A 20-YEAR STORY OF CREATION OF 36:13.138 --> 36:17.275 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGES THAT ARE PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES 36:17.442 --> 36:19.945 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% TO PEOPLE ALL OVER THE STATE. WE HAVE CAMPUSES IN 53 OF THE 64 36:20.078 --> 36:22.647 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% PARISHES, ATTEMPTING TO ELIMINATE SOME OF THE GEOGRAPHIC 36:22.813 --> 36:26.685 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% DISPARITIES WE HAVE IN LOUISIANA TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES IN EF- 36:26.818 --> 36:28.420 position:22.02% line:84.67% size:55.95% PLACE. SO THAT EVERYONE HAS AN 36:28.587 --> 36:31.723 position:36.17% line:79.33% size:27.66% OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO THAT MIDDLE CLASS STATUS. 36:31.890 --> 36:35.093 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% THIS YEAR WE'RE ON PACE FOR NEARLY 30,000 GRADUATES. 36:35.260 --> 36:38.863 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% 30,000 GRADUATES THAT ON AVERAGE WILL EARN $45,000 A YEAR. 36:39.030 --> 36:42.167 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT OUR PER CAPITA INCOME AT JUST OVER 25 36:42.333 --> 36:46.370 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% ,000, NEARLY DOUBLING THE PER CAPITA INCOME BY COMPLETING AN 36:46.538 --> 36:49.273 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% ASSOCIATE DEGREE OR SHORT-TERM CERTIFICATION IN ONE OF OUR 36:49.440 --> 36:51.643 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% COMMUNITY OR TECHNICAL COLLEGES IS A GAME-CHANGER. 36:51.810 --> 36:54.412 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% IT CHANGES THE ENTIRE DISCUSSION AROUND CHILD CARE, AROUND 36:54.578 --> 36:56.915 position:45.5% line:79.33% size:9% TRANSPORTATION, AROUND FOOD SECURITY. 36:57.082 --> 36:59.885 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% SO WE COULDN'T BE MORE PROUD OF THE WORK THAT WE'VE DONE, BUT 37:00.052 --> 37:03.288 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% THE REALITY IS, WE HAVE MUCH MORE WORK TO BE DONE. 37:03.455 --> 37:07.225 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% WE'RE WORKING VERY CLOSELY WITH A NUMBER OF OUR PARTNERS IN THE 37:07.392 --> 37:10.128 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% WORKFORCE COMMISSION IN DCFS AND OTHERS TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES 37:10.295 --> 37:16.502 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% FOR OUR STUDENTS TO HAVE BENEFIT S LIKE SNAP ON THE 37:16.668 --> 37:19.303 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% COLLEGE CAMPUS BECAUSE IT'S A SHORT-TERM OPPORTUNITY TO 37:19.470 --> 37:22.173 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% PROVIDE A BENEFIT TO SOMEONE WHO IS HELPING THEM THEMSELVES TO 37:22.340 --> 37:25.943 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% MOVE OUT OF POFER TIGER-STRIPED. SO 20 YEARS, I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE 37:26.110 --> 37:28.447 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% WHAT THE NEXT 20 YEARS WILL HOLD FOR LOUISIANA'S PEOPLE AS A 37:28.613 --> 37:30.882 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% RESULT OF THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING HAPPENING IN OUR 37:31.048 --> 37:32.050 position:31.35% line:84.67% size:37.3% COLLEGES. THANK YOU. 37:32.217 --> 37:36.220 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% LET'S GO BACK TO OUR AUDIENCE. SPENCER, TELL US YOUR FULL NAME, 37:36.387 --> 37:38.190 position:45.5% line:79.33% size:9% WHO YOU REPRESENT, WHERE YOU'RE FROM. 37:38.423 --> 37:40.558 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% SPENCER HEITMAN, WITH THE LEGISLATIVE YOUTH ADVISORY 37:40.725 --> 37:44.095 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% COUNCIL. YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR THE 37:44.262 --> 37:45.230 position:36.01% line:84.67% size:27.98% PANELISTS? YES. 37:45.397 --> 37:50.735 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% MINIMUM WAGE IS AN ISSUE WHERE I MIND MYSELF PERPLEXED, BECAUSE I 37:50.902 --> 37:54.672 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% FEEL LIKE TOO DRASTIC OF A CHANGE COULD HAVE HARSH ECONOMIC 37:54.840 --> 37:57.508 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% IMPACTS, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, I ACKNOWLEDGE THE FAIR LABOR 37:57.675 --> 38:00.945 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% STANDARDS ACT HASN'T BEEN CHANG ED SINCE 2009, SO OUR 38:01.112 --> 38:05.050 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% MINIMUM WAGE HAS BEEN STAGNANT WHILE OUR COST OF LIVING HAS 38:05.183 --> 38:09.487 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% INCREASED STEADILY. SO I WANTED TO KNOW WHERE YOU AS 38:09.653 --> 38:12.257 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% PROFESSIONALS WOULD DRAW THAT LINE AND FIND THE BALANCE 38:12.423 --> 38:16.762 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% BETWEEN THE CHANGE, THAT NEEDS TO BE MADE AND IS ADEQUATE 38:16.928 --> 38:18.163 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% VERSUS THE CHANGE THAT IS EXCESSIVE. 38:18.397 --> 38:21.365 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% WE ARE STARTING AND PROPOSING AS WE HAVE FOR THE LAST SEVERAL 38:21.533 --> 38:26.638 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% YEARS, AN INCREASE OF $1.25. AND WHILE MY COLLEAGUE SAID $1. 38:26.805 --> 38:30.142 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% 25 WON'T RAISE ANYBODY OUT OF POVERTY, ASK THOSE PEOPLE WHO 38:30.308 --> 38:33.978 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% ARE MAKING $7.25 IF THEY'D LIKE TO HAVE A LITTLE MORE. 38:34.145 --> 38:38.115 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% A ALSO BIT MORE ADDS UP. IT CERTAINLY WILL NOT PULL YOU 38:38.283 --> 38:40.618 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% OUT OF POVERTY, BUT IT'S BETTER THAN THE STATUS QUO. 38:40.785 --> 38:44.455 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% SO TO LOOK AT 8.50 OVER A TWO- YEAR PERIOD IS WOEFULLY 38:44.588 --> 38:49.360 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% SHORT OF WHERE WE SHOULD BE, QUITE FRANKLY, BUT I WAS ON WWRA 38:49.527 --> 38:52.963 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% RADIO SHOW, AND A VERY CONSERVATIVE LISTENING AUDIENCE 38:53.130 --> 38:55.800 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% AND SOMEBODY SAID, SENATOR, WHY ARE YOU GOING FOR SUCH A SMALL 38:55.967 --> 38:58.170 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% AMOUNT OF MONEY? MY COMMENT WAS, HAVE YOU BEEN TO 38:58.337 --> 39:01.940 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% THE LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE LATELY YOU'VE GOT TO GET WHAT YOU CAN 39:02.107 --> 39:03.975 position:47.36% line:79.33% size:5.28% GET. AND WHILE I THINK WE ALL AGREE 39:04.142 --> 39:07.978 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% THAT WE SHOULD HAVE A MUCH HIGH ER LIVING WAGE, WE HAVE TO 39:08.145 --> 39:11.883 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% DO IT IN INCREMENTAL STEPS, BECAUSE SOME SUCCESS IS BETTER 39:12.050 --> 39:15.820 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% THAN NO SUCCESS. MINIMUM WAGE WAS ONCE CONSIDERED 39:15.987 --> 39:19.223 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% AN ENTRY LEVEL JOB. A JOB FOR A HIGH SCHOOL, SUMMER 39:19.357 --> 39:22.827 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% WORKER, OR FOR A COLLEGE STUDENT NOW YOU'VE GOT WORKING PARENTS 39:22.993 --> 39:26.665 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% THAT ARE COMPETING FOR THOSE JOBS AT MCDONALD'S OR BURGER 39:26.832 --> 39:28.300 position:48.3% line:79.33% size:3.41% KING. BECAUSE THE ECONOMY SUGGESTS 39:28.467 --> 39:34.638 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% THAT THAT'S ALL THAT'S THERE. WE LOOK AT SOME 70 TO 80% OF 39:34.805 --> 39:37.642 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% EVERY POLL THAT'S TAKEN HAVE PEOPLE SAYING THEY'RE SUPPORTIVE 39:37.808 --> 39:41.145 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% OF A MINIMUM WAGE. SO IF WE SAY 50% OF OUR ECONOMY 39:41.278 --> 39:44.682 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% IS BUILT ON SMALL BUSINESSES, THAT MEANS A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT 39:44.848 --> 39:48.487 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% OF THOSE SMALL BUSINESSES ARE POLLING IN FAVOR OF MINIMUM WAGE 39:48.653 --> 39:51.657 position:49.23% line:79.33% size:1.55% . SO THAT DEBUNKS THE THEORY THAT 39:51.823 --> 39:55.527 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% THIS IS GOING TO HURT SMALL BUSINESSES WHEN A VERY LARGE 39:55.660 --> 40:01.365 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% PERCENTAGE OF SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS RECOGNIZE THE VALUE OF 40:01.532 --> 40:04.202 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% INCREASING MINIMUM WAGE, HAVING THE TRUE LIVING WAGE, GIVING 40:04.368 --> 40:08.673 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% PEOPLE AN OPPORTUNITY TO EARN A GOOD LIVING AND TO FEND FOR 40:08.840 --> 40:11.342 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% THEMSELVES. IF WE REALLY WANT TO MAKE A 40:11.508 --> 40:14.345 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% HEALTHY COMMUNITY, AND WE WANT TO LIFT EVERYBODY UP, THIS 40:14.512 --> 40:17.115 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% NOTION TO PULL YOURSELF UP BY YOUR BOOT STRAPS MEANS NOTHING 40:17.282 --> 40:20.918 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% IF YOU HAVE NO BOOTS. SO WE HAVE TO START SOMEWHERE. 40:21.052 --> 40:25.757 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% SO WHILE I THINK THE 8.50 IS NOT WHERE IT SHOULD BE, IT SHOULD BE 40:25.923 --> 40:28.593 position:35.24% line:79.33% size:29.52% MUCH HIGHER, IT'S A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. 40:28.827 --> 40:30.962 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% DAWN, WHAT ARE SMALL BUSINESS ESSAYING? 40:31.195 --> 40:33.998 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% YOU'RE RIGHT TO BE PER FLEXED IT IS A HARD ISSUE. 40:34.165 --> 40:36.400 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% YOU'RE RIGHT, IT IS GOING TO BE EFFECT THE ECONOMY. 40:36.567 --> 40:39.370 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% AND UNFORTUNATELY LOUISIANA'S ECONOMY IS NOT GROWING. 40:39.537 --> 40:42.107 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% SO IT'S GREAT TO SAY THAT OTHER STATES ARE DOING IT AND WHAT 40:42.273 --> 40:46.443 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% HAVE YOU, OR THIS IS THE MOVE, OR WHATEVER THE TREND MIGHT BE, 40:46.610 --> 40:49.213 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% BUT THE BOTTOM LINE IS LOUISIANA 'S ECONOMY IS NOT 40:49.347 --> 40:51.115 position:39.9% line:79.33% size:20.19% GROWING AT THE RATE IT NEEDS TO BE GROWING. 40:51.282 --> 40:54.885 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% AND SO AGAIN, TO FORCE DOWN THIS ARBITRARY NUMBER, IT'S PUTTING 40:55.053 --> 40:57.522 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% ADDITIONAL LABOR COSTS AND MAKING DECISIONS, MAKING 40:57.688 --> 41:00.692 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% BUSINESS OWNERS MAKE DECISIONS. WE POLL OUR MEMBERS, WE HAVE 4 41:00.858 --> 41:03.795 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% ,000 MEMBERS ACROSS THE STATE OF LOUISIANA, 90% OF THEM TELL 41:03.962 --> 41:06.530 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% US THEY DON'T WANT TO HAVE A STATE MINIMUM WAGE BECAUSE 41:06.698 --> 41:09.800 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% ANOTHER KEY FACTOR EVERYBODY NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND WITHOUT GET 41:09.967 --> 41:13.838 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% TING TOO FAR INTO THE POLICY AND BORING EVERYBODY, LOUISIANA 41:14.005 --> 41:15.973 position:41.77% line:79.33% size:16.47% DOES NOT HAVE ITS OWN STATE MINIMUM WAGE. 41:16.107 --> 41:17.875 position:39.9% line:79.33% size:20.19% WE FOLLOW WHAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOES. 41:18.042 --> 41:20.512 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% AND SO IF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RIGHT NOW THEY'RE LOOKING AT 41:20.678 --> 41:23.280 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% PASSING SOMETHING, IF THEY DO DECIDE TO PASS IT, LOUISIANA 41:23.448 --> 41:25.850 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% WOULD PICK THAT UP. OUR NEIGHBORING STATES, OTHER 41:26.017 --> 41:29.787 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% THAN ARKANSAS, PAY $7.25 AN HOUR AS WELL AS MINIMUM WAGE. 41:29.953 --> 41:33.558 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% THEY HAVE THE SAME MINIMUM WAGE, ARKANSAS IS THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS 41:33.725 --> 41:36.127 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% RECENTLY INCREASED IT AS FAR AS OUR NEIGHBORS GO. 41:36.293 --> 41:38.697 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% AND THE OTHER PART OF THAT IS THAT THE BUSINESS CLIMATE IN 41:38.863 --> 41:41.767 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% LOUISIANA IS NOT THE BEST AS IT POSSIBLY COULD BE. 41:41.933 --> 41:45.637 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% SO IF WE MAKE STEPS TO IMPROVE OUR BUSINESS CLIMATE, WE COULD 41:45.770 --> 41:49.507 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% DEFINITELY DO OTHER THINGS. BUT WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE THE -- 41:49.673 --> 41:52.943 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% ALL THE IDEAL THINGS HAPPENING AT ONE TIME, BUT PUSHED DOWN ONE 41:53.110 --> 41:55.147 position:41.77% line:79.33% size:16.47% OTHER THING, IT DOESN'T MAKE IT ALL WORK. 41:55.380 --> 41:57.682 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% WOULD THAT BE SOMETHING THE STATE WOULD BE GIVING UP TO THE 41:57.848 --> 41:59.550 position:35.24% line:79.33% size:29.52% FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, THOUGH? AND THEY WOULD BE -- 41:59.717 --> 42:04.955 position:44.56% line:79.33% size:10.87% WE DO NOW. RIGHT NOW WE'RE BASICALLY I 42:05.123 --> 42:08.560 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% BELIEVE IT'S ONE OF 13 STATES THAT JUST DO WHAT THE FEDERAL 42:08.727 --> 42:11.763 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% GOVERNMENT HAS, AND THERE'S OTHER STATES THAT HAVE THEIR OWN 42:11.930 --> 42:15.967 position:39.9% line:79.33% size:20.19% MINIMUM WAGE. DO PEOPLE FEEL THAT'S WORKING 42:16.133 --> 42:18.670 position:41.77% line:79.33% size:16.47% I KNOW YOU DON'T. ISN'T IT ALSO CYCLICAL? 42:18.803 --> 42:21.205 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% IF MORE PEOPLE ARE WORKING MORE PEOPLE ARE SPENDING MONEY IN THE 42:21.372 --> 42:23.073 position:48.3% line:79.33% size:3.41% ECONOMY? YOU TALK ABOUT GROWING AN 42:23.240 --> 42:25.410 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% ECONOMY, YOU GROW AN ECONOMY BY HAVING WORKING PEOPLE. 42:25.543 --> 42:28.278 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% PEOPLE THAT ARE INVESTING IN THE COMMUNITY, PEOPLE THAT CAN BUY 42:28.447 --> 42:31.750 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% HOMES, PEOPLE THAT CAN BUY CARS, PEOPLE THAT CAN EDUCATE THEIR 42:31.917 --> 42:33.818 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% CHILDREN. PEOPLE CAN AFFORD TO GO TO THE 42:33.985 --> 42:36.187 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% LOCAL STORES AND BUY GROCERIES. AND I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE 42:36.353 --> 42:38.790 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% WHO ARE DEPENDENT ON SOCIAL ASSISTANCE. 42:38.957 --> 42:41.625 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% I'M TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE WHO BRIDGE THE GAP, HARD WORKING 42:41.793 --> 42:45.663 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO HAVE MINIMUM WAGE AND SOCIAL SIS ANSWER IS 42:45.830 --> 42:48.298 position:36.17% line:79.33% size:27.66% JUST TO GET BY. MANY OF THOSE PEOPLE WOULD WITH 42:48.467 --> 42:50.802 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% GLADLY GIVE BACK SOCIAL ASSISTANCE TO BE ABLE TO PAY 42:50.968 --> 42:54.838 position:38.04% line:79.33% size:23.92% THEIR OWN WAY. TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT THEMSELVES. 42:55.005 --> 42:57.042 position:36.17% line:79.33% size:27.66% THAT'S WHEN WE START TO BUILD A STRONG ECONOMY. 42:57.208 --> 43:00.845 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% WE START TO BUILD A STRONG ECONOMY WHEN PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO 43:01.012 --> 43:03.748 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% PURCHASE GOODS AND SERVICES. AND YOU CAN ONLY DO THAT IF 43:03.915 --> 43:07.585 position:26.69% line:84.67% size:46.62% YOU'RE EARNING THEM. AVA? 43:07.818 --> 43:10.522 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% RESPECTFULLY, LOUISIANA'S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT IS OUT 43:10.688 --> 43:13.458 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% PACING THE NATION. THE LATEST FIGURES FOR WHICH WE 43:13.592 --> 43:16.493 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% HAVE A QUARTER IS THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2018, AND WE CAME IN 43:16.660 --> 43:18.630 position:48.3% line:79.33% size:3.41% SECOND IN THE NATION BEHIND TEXAS. 43:18.797 --> 43:22.300 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% SO TO SAY THAT THERE'S NOT A POSITIVE BUSINESS CLIMATE HERE I 43:22.467 --> 43:27.472 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% THINK IS NOT CORRECT GIVEN OUR GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, GIVEN 43:27.605 --> 43:29.440 position:37.1% line:79.33% size:25.79% THE FACT WE'RE SECOND IN THE NATION RIGHT NOW. 43:29.607 --> 43:34.645 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% IN FACT, IN 2018, WE HAD A RECORD NUMBER OF PEOPLE EMPLOYED 43:34.812 --> 43:37.248 position:48.3% line:79.33% size:3.41% IN APRIL. THE HIGHEST NUMBER EVER. 43:37.415 --> 43:40.785 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% WE'RE AT FULL EMPLOYMENT. WE ARE SLIGHTLY ABOVE THAT OF 43:40.952 --> 43:45.088 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% THE NATION, BUT FOR LOUISIANA, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN AT THE RATE 43:45.257 --> 43:49.560 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% IN HISTORY, THAT THE NATION IS AT NOW, THINGS ARE LOOKING UP. 43:49.727 --> 43:53.197 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% WE HAVE MORE COMPANIES MOVING INTO LOUISIANA, MORE PEOPLE 43:53.363 --> 43:57.335 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% GETTING JOBS, BUT WE NEED TO HAVE THOSE FOLKS THAT WOULD 43:57.502 --> 44:00.772 position:38.97% line:79.33% size:22.06% OTHERWISE NOT BE IN THE LABOR FORCE ENGAGED. 44:00.905 --> 44:05.443 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% AND WHEN CHILD CARE RUNS $6,000 A MONTH, THINK ABOUT THAT. 44:05.610 --> 44:09.680 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% CHILD CARE FOR AN INFANT, $6,000 A MONTH IS ON AVERAGE WHAT IT IS 44:09.847 --> 44:13.618 position:37.1% line:79.33% size:25.79% IN LOUISIANA. AND WE ALL KNOW THERE ARE PLACES 44:13.785 --> 44:15.553 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% THAT FOLKS PAY A LOT MORE THAN THAT. 44:15.720 --> 44:19.023 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% WHEN YOU HAVE THAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR INCOME GOING OUT THE DOOR, 44:19.190 --> 44:23.260 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% WHEN THERE IS ALSO THE GENDER GAP, WOMEN IN LOUISIANA EARNING 44:23.427 --> 44:26.030 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% 69 CENTS A DOLLAR FOR THE MALE -- FROM THEIR MALE 44:26.197 --> 44:29.833 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% COUNTERPARTS, AND DON'T BE AFRICAN-AMERICAN, LIKE MYSELF, 44:30.000 --> 44:34.372 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% OR LATINO, WE'RE GOING TO EARN EVEN LESS, WHICH MEANS THAT YOU 44:34.538 --> 44:37.842 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% HAVE TO MAKE THAT CHOICE ABOUT AM I GOING TO BE IN THE LABOR 44:38.008 --> 44:41.245 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% FORCE OR MAY I STAY AT HOME AND TAKE CARE OF MY CHILD? 44:41.412 --> 44:45.417 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% EQUAL PAY IS THE LAW, AND AS WE'VE DISCUSSED AT THE 44:45.583 --> 44:48.385 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% LEGISLATURE ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS 44:48.553 --> 44:52.990 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% WANT TO FOLLOW THE LAW. AND A FRIVOLOUS LAW SUIT CAN PUT 44:53.157 --> 44:55.593 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER OUT OF BUSINESS OVERNIGHT. 44:55.760 --> 44:59.830 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% BECAUSE OF OUR LITIGIOUS CLIMATE AND OUR JURY TRIAL THRESHOLD 44:59.963 --> 45:04.402 position:38.97% line:79.33% size:22.06% BEING AT $50,000. SO IF -- THEY DON'T WANT A 45:04.568 --> 45:06.237 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% LAWSUIT, SO THEY WANT TO FOLLOW THE LAW. 45:06.403 --> 45:10.542 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% BUT AWARENESS IS KEY, AND WE'VE TALKED AS WE'VE TALKED AT THE 45:10.708 --> 45:15.012 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% CAPITOL ABOUT EQUAL PAY, BEING SURE PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THE LAW 45:15.178 --> 45:18.315 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% AND WHAT IT IS, AND HOW THEY SHOULD FOLLOW IT, WE THINK 45:18.482 --> 45:24.022 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% THAT'S IMPORTANT, AND WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO DOING THAT. 45:24.188 --> 45:28.392 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% OUR FEAR WITH SOME OF THE LEGISLATION THAT HAS COME UP TO 45:28.558 --> 45:31.395 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% POTENTIALLY ADDRESS IN SOME FOLKS' OPINION ADDRESS EQUAL PAY 45:31.562 --> 45:35.333 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% , WE DON'T BELIEVE IT DID. BECAUSE IT WAS CHOCK BLOCK FULL 45:35.500 --> 45:39.737 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% OF WAYS TO SUE AN EMPLOYER. AND THAT'S THE PART THAT GETS US 45:39.903 --> 45:41.605 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% PAUSE. SO WE HAVE TO FIGHT AGAINST THAT 45:41.738 --> 45:44.242 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% SORT OF THING. YOU GUYS HAVE A PROPOSAL OF 45:44.375 --> 45:48.747 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% SOMETHING THAT YOU COULD SUPPORT IN THE WAY OF EQUAL PAY? 45:48.980 --> 45:51.082 position:49.23% line:79.33% size:1.55% WE'RE HAPPY TO WORK WITH YOU ALL. 45:51.248 --> 45:54.352 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% IF WE CAN LOOK AT SOMETHING THAT IS NOT EGREGIOUS IN THE SENSE OF 45:54.518 --> 45:58.155 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% CREATING A NEW CAUSE OF ACTION, OR CREATEATING A SITUATION WHERE 45:58.322 --> 46:02.193 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% AN EMPLOYER IS ALWAYS ON THE DEFENSIVE, OR IS IN A POSITION 46:02.360 --> 46:05.863 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% WHERE THEY'RE BASICALLY POLICING CONVERSATIONS THAT GO ON BETWEEN 46:06.030 --> 46:11.135 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% WORKERS, A CONVERSATION ABOUT WORKER PAY, WORKER SECRECY, PAY 46:11.302 --> 46:13.772 position:41.77% line:79.33% size:16.47% SECRECY. IF YOU GO UP TO YOUR COUNTERPART 46:13.938 --> 46:16.940 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% AT THE WATER COOLER AND ASK THEM HOW MUCH THEY'RE GETTING PAID, 46:17.108 --> 46:19.143 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% THAT'S AN UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATION TO HAVE IN THE 46:19.310 --> 46:21.745 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% SOUTH, PARTICULARLY BECAUSE WE JUST HAVE CERTAIN WAYS OF DOING 46:21.912 --> 46:24.515 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% THINGS DOWN HERE, AS WE WERE TALKING ABOUT EARLIER, BUT THE 46:24.682 --> 46:28.218 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% WOMAN LINE IS, YOU DON'T WANT TO HAVE A LAWSUIT ON YOUR HANDS 46:28.385 --> 46:30.755 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% BECAUSE OF THE CLIMATE. I MADE THIS COMOANT AND DAWN 46:30.922 --> 46:34.558 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% AND I ARE FRIENDS, AND THIS IS MEANT WITH NO DISRESPECT 46:34.692 --> 46:39.063 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% WHATSOEVER. BUT THE REALITY IS, TO SUGGEST 46:39.230 --> 46:43.367 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% THAT YOU GUYS WILL SUPPORT SOMETHING ELSE, WE HAVE THIS 46:43.533 --> 46:45.670 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% DEBATE EVERY YEAR. YOU GUYS COME TO THE TABLE AND 46:45.803 --> 46:50.442 position:37.1% line:79.33% size:25.79% YOU'RE JUST OPPOSED. AND YOU GIVE THE STANDARD 46:50.608 --> 46:54.278 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% BOILERPLATE REASONS, BUT IF YOU REALLY BELIEVE EQUAL PAY FOR 46:54.445 --> 46:57.382 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% WOMEN IS SOMETHING THAT SMUD BE DONE, WHY DON'T YOU COME TO THE 46:57.548 --> 47:01.285 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% TABLE WITH AN ALTERNATIVE? IF YOU SAY YOU CAN'T BE FOR A, 47:01.452 --> 47:03.855 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% WHY DON'T YOU OFFER B? WE DON'T HAVE A PATENT ON THE 47:04.022 --> 47:07.058 position:36.17% line:79.33% size:27.66% BEST OR ONLY ANSWER. WE'RE OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS. 47:07.225 --> 47:09.493 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% AND MAYBE YOU GUYS HAVE A SUGGESTION THAT GETS US TO WHERE 47:09.660 --> 47:12.730 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% WE WANT TO GO. ALBEIT DIFFERENT FROM THE 47:12.897 --> 47:16.300 position:35.24% line:79.33% size:29.52% APPROACH WE HAVE. BUT TO JUST SAY NO AND TO GIVE 47:16.467 --> 47:20.505 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% THE SAME REASON WHY A WOMAN SHOULD NOT BE PAID AS MUCH AS A 47:20.672 --> 47:24.842 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% MAN BECAUSE YOU'RE AFRAID OF A LAWSUIT, WELL, IF WE USE THAT AS 47:25.008 --> 47:28.145 position:36.17% line:79.33% size:27.66% OUR GUIDING POST, NO ONE WOULD HAVE ANY RIGHTS. 47:28.312 --> 47:33.617 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% BECAUSE YOU'D BE AFRAID EVERY TIME YOU CHALLENGED SOME IM 47:33.752 --> 47:36.020 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% PROPRIETY OR SOME VIOLATION OF SOMEONE'S RIGHTS, WE WOULD BE 47:36.187 --> 47:40.090 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% AFRAID OF BEING SUED. IF YOU'RE VIOLATING THE LAW, IF 47:40.257 --> 47:45.697 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% YOU'RE TREATING PEOPLE UNEQUAL, THERE PROBABLY SHOULD BE A 47:45.863 --> 47:49.200 position:45.5% line:79.33% size:9% LAWSUIT. LET'S GET BACK TO THE STUDIO 47:49.367 --> 47:51.968 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% AUDIENCE. YOU'VE NOT HAD A QUESTION YET, 47:52.137 --> 47:55.773 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% TELL US WHERE YOU'RE FROM, WHO YOU REPRESENT AND YOUR QUESTION. 47:56.007 --> 47:58.810 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% I WORK FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES. 47:58.977 --> 48:04.048 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% MY QUESTION IS, ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR STATE 48:04.215 --> 48:07.017 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% LEGISLATURE, IN 2019, 20 OTHER STATES HAVE INCREASED THEIR 48:07.152 --> 48:09.887 position:39.9% line:79.33% size:20.19% MINIMUM WAGE. AND AS WE KNOW, OUR EDUCATION 48:10.053 --> 48:14.292 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% SYSTEM HERE IN LOUISIANA IS GREAT, BUT ACCORDING TO MY PEERS 48:14.458 --> 48:18.195 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% IN AND SOME OTHER MILLENIALS, WE ARE LOUISIANA EDUCATED AND TEXAS 48:18.362 --> 48:20.097 position:45.5% line:79.33% size:9% PAID. HOW DOES THE STATE OF LOUISIANA 48:20.263 --> 48:24.302 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% RETAIN AND RECRUIT SKILLED LABOR AND COMPETE WITH OTHER STATES 48:24.468 --> 48:27.238 position:37.1% line:79.33% size:25.79% WHO HAVE ALREADY INCREASED THEIR MINIMUM WAGE? 48:27.405 --> 48:29.907 position:35.24% line:79.33% size:29.52% PARTICULARLY ALSO OUR NEIGHBOR ING STATES AS YOU 48:30.073 --> 48:32.943 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% ALREADY MENTIONED IN ARKANSAS. DR. SULLIVAN, YOU CAN ANSWER 48:33.110 --> 48:35.747 position:44.56% line:79.33% size:10.87% THIS. I THINK THIS GOES INTO SOMETHING 48:35.913 --> 48:38.682 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% THAT PEOPLE DON'T REALLY DISCUSS , BUT LOUISIANA'S 48:38.817 --> 48:41.818 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% POPULATION, YOU CANNOT BLAME KATRINA, HAS BASICALLY BEEN 48:41.985 --> 48:44.022 position:47.36% line:79.33% size:5.28% STAGNANT FOR THE PAST 20, 30 YEARS. 48:44.188 --> 48:50.762 position:44.56% line:79.33% size:10.87% IT JUST DOG -- IT JUST DOESN'T CHANGE. 48:50.928 --> 48:53.898 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% YOU'RE PERHAPS LOSING PEOPLE WHO COULD BE VALUABLE. 48:54.065 --> 48:56.767 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% SO I'M CURIOUS ABOUT THAT ASPECT OF IT, AND ALSO WHAT SHE'S 48:56.933 --> 49:00.505 position:45.5% line:79.33% size:9% ASKING. I THINK THERE ARE A COUPLE OF 49:00.672 --> 49:03.240 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% DIFFERENT PARTS TO THE ARGUMENT. THE MINIMUM WAGE ISSUE IS 49:03.407 --> 49:06.177 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% CERTAINLY SOMETHING THAT WE NEED TO HAVE A DISCUSSION ABOUT. 49:06.343 --> 49:08.847 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% BUT LET'S BROADEN THE LENS, BECAUSE YOU'RE RIGHT, HOW DO WE 49:09.013 --> 49:11.248 position:38.04% line:79.33% size:23.92% LIFT THE PEOPLE THAT ARE HERE OUT OF POVERTY? 49:11.415 --> 49:14.318 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% IT'S A DIFFERENT DISCUSSION THAN SHOULD WE RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE 49:14.485 --> 49:17.020 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% THERE IS A CASE TO BE MADE TO RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE. 49:17.188 --> 49:20.090 position:38.97% line:79.33% size:22.06% NO QUESTION. BUT WE HAVE TO AT THE SAME TIME 49:20.223 --> 49:22.627 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% PROVIDE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PEOPLE THAT ARE HERE. 49:22.793 --> 49:25.128 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% TO RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE WITHOUT PROVIDING THE DOLLARS 49:25.295 --> 49:28.598 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING, WILL NOT SUCCEED LONG-TERM. 49:28.765 --> 49:33.370 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% THAT'S MY PERSPECTIVE. I'LL JUST SHARE WITH YOU AN 49:33.537 --> 49:36.707 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPACE, THERE'S A RATIO OF 1-2-7. 49:36.873 --> 49:40.043 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% FOR EVERY ONE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER THERE ARE TYPICALLY TWO 49:40.210 --> 49:44.915 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% PEOPLE EDUCATED AT THE BACCALAUREATE POSITION AND SEVEN 49:45.082 --> 49:46.383 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% TECHNICIANS. IF WE WANT OUR BEST AND 49:46.550 --> 49:48.685 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% BRIGHTEST TO STAY IN LOUISIANA, LET'S MAKE SURE WE HAVE THE 49:48.853 --> 49:52.223 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% SKILLED TRADES THAT YOU DESCRIBE SO WELL EARLIER, LET'S MAKE SURE 49:52.390 --> 49:55.058 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% WE HAVE THE WORKFORCE TO SUPPORT THOSE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING 49:55.225 --> 49:57.728 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% POSITIONS OR IN WHATEVER FIELD WE MAY BE TALKING ABOUT. 49:57.895 --> 50:01.365 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% SO I THINK WE HAVE TO GROW OUR OWN, THE REALITY IS, LOUISIANA 50:01.532 --> 50:05.168 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% WILL NOT IMPORT THE LABOR NEEDED TO BE THE STATE THAT WE ALL WANT 50:05.335 --> 50:08.072 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% SO WE HAVE TO GROW OUR OWN. INVESTMENTS IN EDUCATION ARE THE 50:08.238 --> 50:17.648 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% WAY TO CHANGE THAT. WE HAVE NOT HEARD FROM ANDRAY 50:17.815 --> 50:22.387 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% WHO ARE YOU REPRESENTING? I'M AT THE WORKPLACE SUSS 50:22.553 --> 50:25.122 position:45.5% line:79.33% size:9% JUSTICE PROJECT AT LOYOLA LAW CLINIC. 50:25.288 --> 50:29.860 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% MY QUESTION IS FOR BUSINESS. HOW DOES BUSINESS RESPOND TO THE 50:30.027 --> 50:34.065 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% FACT THAT LOW WAGES NECESSARILY MEANS THAT TAXPAYERS MUST 50:34.232 --> 50:39.470 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% SUBSIDIZE THOSE PROGRAMS THAT HELP LOW-WAGE WORKERS MEET 50:39.637 --> 50:44.275 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% NECESSARY COST OF LIVING SUCH AS FOOD AND HOUSING? 50:44.508 --> 50:49.180 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% OUR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ARE REPORTING RECORD NUMBERS OF 50:49.313 --> 50:51.515 position:44.56% line:79.33% size:10.87% TRENDS WHERE THEY'RE INCREASING WAGES. 50:51.682 --> 50:55.418 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% SO CURRENTLY EVER SINCE REALLY EVER SINCE THE TAX CUTS WERE 50:55.587 --> 50:58.388 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% MADE AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL, THEY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO RESPOND BY 50:58.555 --> 51:01.692 position:37.1% line:79.33% size:25.79% INCREASING WAGES. SO THAT IS NO LONGER THE TAX 51:01.858 --> 51:04.795 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% BURDEN, IS NO LONGER THEIR NUMBER ONE ISSUE THEY'RE 51:04.962 --> 51:07.898 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% CONSTANTLY FIGHTING. THE REGULATIONS AREN'T AS HIGH 51:08.065 --> 51:11.035 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% AS THEY WERE. SO THEY'RE ABLE TO UNLEASH A 51:11.202 --> 51:14.438 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% LITTLE BIT AND KIND OF GROW AND SEE WHERE THEY WANT TO GO, AND 51:14.605 --> 51:17.642 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% WHAT THEY'VE BEEN ABLE TO DO OVER THE PAST YEAR, WE'VE BEEN 51:17.808 --> 51:22.112 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% AT RECORD LEVELS ON OUR OPTIMISM INDEX THAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING 51:22.280 --> 51:25.950 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% FOR 45 YEARS, AND IT BASICALLY SHOWS A VERY POSITIVE TREND, 51:26.083 --> 51:30.855 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% EVEN WITH THE SLIGHT DIPS THAT HAVE OCCURRED IN THE LAST MONTH, 51:30.988 --> 51:34.558 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% THAT'S BACK TO WHERE IT WAS, WHICH IS POSITIVE FEEDBACK ON 51:34.725 --> 51:40.497 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% JOB CREATION, PAY INCREASING COMPENSATION, AND EXPANDING 51:40.665 --> 51:43.600 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% CAPITAL AT THEIR BUSINESSES AS FAR AS INVENTORY OR EXPANDING 51:43.733 --> 51:48.072 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% THEIR FACILITIES. SO THE QUESTION TO YOUR QUESTION 51:48.238 --> 51:50.742 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% SPECIFICALLY, OUR BUSINESS OWNERS, OUR SMALL BUSINESS 51:50.908 --> 51:53.910 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% OWNERS ARE DOING WHAT THEY CAN TO RAISE WAGES WHEN IT MAKES 51:54.078 --> 51:57.047 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% SENSE FOR THEIR BUSINESS. BUT IF THEY'RE IN A RURAL AREA 51:57.213 --> 52:00.583 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% OF LOUISIANA WHERE THERE IS NOT MUCH GOING ON IN THE WAY OF THE 52:00.752 --> 52:04.455 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% ECONOMY, AND NOT MUCH GROWTH HAPPENING IN THEIR AREA, WHICH 52:04.622 --> 52:07.458 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% AS YOU KNOW BY WHAT YOU DO I'M SURE YOU'VE SEEN THE PARTS OF 52:07.625 --> 52:12.797 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% THE STATE THAT ARE JUST NOT THRIVING, THAT ARE NOT NEW 52:12.963 --> 52:15.498 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% ORLEANS, NOT LAFAYETTE, NOT BATON ROUGE, NOT LAKE CHARLES, 52:15.667 --> 52:19.503 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% THOSE AREAS, THEY'RE DOING WHAT THEY CAN TO PAY WHAT THEY CAN. 52:19.670 --> 52:24.142 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% SO AGAIN, NULL WE HATE THIS FEELING OF MAKING THE BUSINESS 52:24.308 --> 52:28.078 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% OWNER THE DEMON OR THE BAD GUY FOR NOT DOING WHAT EVERYBODY 52:28.245 --> 52:30.748 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% THINKS THEY SHOULD BE DOING, BUT WE HAVE A TERRIBLE TAX STRUCTURE 52:30.915 --> 52:34.885 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% IN OUR STATE, IF WE HAD A SIMPLER TAX STRUCTURE AND SMALL 52:35.052 --> 52:38.088 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% BUSINESS OWNERS WEREN'T PAYING 67% MORE THAN A BIG BUSINESS 52:38.255 --> 52:43.060 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% DOES TO BE IN TAX COMPLIANCE WITH OUR MESSED-UP TAX CODE, 52:43.227 --> 52:47.263 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% MAYBE THEY COULD EVEN DO MORE AS IT RELATES TO INCREASING WAGES? 52:47.432 --> 52:49.967 position:45.5% line:79.33% size:9% SO THERE'S A LOT OF PARTS AND PIECES. 52:50.133 --> 52:53.837 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% WE'RE AT A PLACE IN OUR STATE WHERE WE CAN MAKE A LOT OF 52:54.005 --> 52:55.873 position:41.77% line:79.33% size:16.47% CHANGES. AND WE COULD DO THE RIGHT THINGS 52:56.040 --> 53:01.978 position:38.04% line:79.33% size:23.92% TO MOVE FORWARD. BUT THE FACT THAT ONE OF THE 53:02.145 --> 53:04.682 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% THINGS -- COMING WITH A SOLUTION , OUR FOCUS THIS SESSION 53:04.815 --> 53:08.118 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% IS GOING TO BE ON MOVING TO CENTRALIZE SELF-TAX COLLECTION 53:08.285 --> 53:11.888 position:20.32% line:79.33% size:59.36% BECAUSE WE HAVE SUCH A MESSED-UP TAX SYSTEM, LOUISIANA GETS AN F 53:12.055 --> 53:15.292 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% IN OUR TAX STRUCTURE, AND OUR SALES TAX STRUCTURE AND WE NEED 53:15.458 --> 53:17.562 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT. THERE'S A SMALL THING THAT WE 53:17.728 --> 53:20.230 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% CAN DO, BUT WE'RE GOING TO GET A LOT OF PUSHBACK. 53:20.397 --> 53:22.833 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% THAT'S OUR FOCUS, BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY IF WE CAN DO THAT 53:23.000 --> 53:26.637 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% AND SAVE A BUSINESS OWNER ON THAT END, AGAIN, WHERE IT 53:26.803 --> 53:30.808 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% RELATES TO TAX COMPLIANCE AND TAX -- EVERYTHING, THEN THEY CAN 53:30.975 --> 53:35.345 position:26.69% line:84.67% size:46.62% DO OTHER THINGS. SO WE -- 53:35.478 --> 53:37.782 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% LET ME GET SOME CLOSING COMMENTS NOW, BECAUSE WE'RE 53:37.948 --> 53:42.787 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% WRAPPING UP OUR TIME. SOME FINAL THOUGHTS BRIEFERY? 53:43.020 --> 53:49.393 position:27.78% line:79.33% size:44.44% FIRST OF ALL, I'D LIKE TO THANK YOU GUYS FOR BEING HERE. 53:49.560 --> 53:51.562 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% YOUR BEING VOICES IN THE COMMUNITY, BEING OUT THERE, 53:51.728 --> 53:55.098 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% MAKING A DIFFERENCE, SPEAKING UP , ONE OF THE THINGS WE FIND 53:55.232 --> 53:59.370 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% MOST SUCCESSFUL IS WE HAVE PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE STATE 53:59.503 --> 54:04.308 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% COME TO THE COMMITTEE HEARING. IN THOSE LEGISLATORS' DISTRICTS 54:04.475 --> 54:07.143 position:37.1% line:79.33% size:25.79% WHO THINK THAT MINIMUM WAGE IS NOT A BIG DEAL. 54:07.310 --> 54:11.248 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% I DARE SAY THAT EVERY SINGLE MEMBER OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE 54:11.415 --> 54:14.452 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% HAVE PEOPLE, LARGE PERCENTAGES OF PEOPLE IN THEIR DISTRICTS 54:14.618 --> 54:17.688 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% THAT WILL BENEFIT FROM THE MINIMUM WAGE. 54:17.855 --> 54:22.292 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% LET'S ASSUME SOME DON'T. WE DON'T HAVE THE LUXURY OF 54:22.460 --> 54:25.897 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% BEING MYOPIC IN OUR VIEW ON HOW WE RAISE LOUISIANA UP. 54:26.063 --> 54:30.167 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% WE RAISED IT UP BY EVERYBODY GET TING A LIVING WAGE. 54:30.333 --> 54:32.503 position:31.51% line:79.33% size:36.98% THAT MAKES THE COMMUNITY STRANGER, WE'LL CONTINUE TO 54:32.670 --> 54:36.507 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% FIGHT FOR THAT, WE'D ASK THAT YOU CONTINUE TO SUPPORT, WRITE 54:36.673 --> 54:39.042 position:29.65% line:79.33% size:40.71% LETTERS TO MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATURE, TAKE TIME IF YOU 54:39.177 --> 54:41.712 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% CAN, COME OUT, MANY OF YOU CAN'T BECAUSE YOU'RE WORKING, BUT 54:41.878 --> 54:44.615 position:33.38% line:79.33% size:33.25% THOSE WHO CAN, COME OUT, LET YOUR VOICES BE HEARD. 54:44.782 --> 54:46.417 position:41.77% line:79.33% size:16.47% WE'RE GOING TO INCREASE THE MINIMUM WAGE. 54:46.550 --> 54:49.320 position:49.39% line:74% size:1.22% IT MAY BE INCREMENTAL AND IT MAY NOT BE NEARLY WHERE IT SHOULD BE 54:49.487 --> 54:51.822 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% , BUT WE'RE GOING TO KEEP FIGHTING TO MAKE SURE MEN AND 54:51.988 --> 54:56.327 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% WOMEN IN LOUISIANA MAKE A LIVING WAGE AND THAT WOMEN MAKE EQUAL 54:56.493 --> 54:58.128 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% PAY TO EVERY MAN'S PAY. THANK YOU, SIR. 54:58.295 --> 55:00.998 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% DO YOU HAVE A BRIEF WRAP? THANK YOU FOR EVERYBODY FOR 55:01.165 --> 55:04.568 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% BEING HERE, THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS AND HAVING THIS GREAT 55:04.735 --> 55:06.570 position:45.5% line:79.33% size:9% DISCUSSION. TO WRAP IT UP FOR US, OUR 55:06.737 --> 55:09.207 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% BUSINESS OWNERS WANT TO BE OUT THERE, THEY WANT TO FOLLOW THEIR 55:09.373 --> 55:12.543 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% DREAM AND THEY WANT TO CREATE JOBS AND DO THE RIGHT THING. 55:12.710 --> 55:14.912 position:47.36% line:79.33% size:5.28% AND KEEP -- RETAIN GREAT EMPLOYEES. 55:15.078 --> 55:17.815 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% WE WANT TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO WORK FOR A BETTER LOUISIANA 55:17.948 --> 55:20.650 position:47.36% line:79.33% size:5.28% AS WELL. I'D LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE 55:20.817 --> 55:23.253 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% FOR BEING HERE TONIGHT AND THANK DAWN ESPECIALLY TOO. 55:23.420 --> 55:26.690 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% I BELIEVE THE CIVIL DISCOURSE IS IMPORTANT, AND IT'S A PLEASURE 55:26.857 --> 55:30.160 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% TO BE A PART OF THE CIVIL DISCOURSE. 55:30.327 --> 55:34.865 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% TONIGHT WAS FOCUSED ON THE EMPLOYEES SIDE OF THINGS, BUT WE 55:35.032 --> 55:37.300 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% WORK FOR EMPLOYERS AS WELL AT THE LOUISIANA WORKFORCE 55:37.467 --> 55:39.870 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% COMMISSION. WE HAVE INCUMBENT WORKER TRAIN 55:40.037 --> 55:43.507 position:28.71% line:79.33% size:42.58% ING, SMALL BUSINESSES GET UP TO $3,000 PER EMPLOYEE FOR 55:43.673 --> 55:45.742 position:41.77% line:79.33% size:16.47% TRAINING. AND WE HAVE MANY SMALL BUSINESS 55:45.910 --> 55:49.145 position:36.17% line:79.33% size:27.66% ES THROUGHOUT LOUISIANA THAT TAKE CARE OF THAT. 55:49.313 --> 55:51.948 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% IT'S THROUGH HELPING OUR BUSINESSES, SUPPORTING OUR 55:52.115 --> 55:54.885 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% BUSINESSES, BUT SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE TOO THAT WE CAN BE A 55:55.052 --> 55:57.020 position:37.1% line:79.33% size:25.79% BETTER LOUISIANA. AND THAT'S WHAT WE ALL WANT. 55:57.187 --> 56:00.323 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% WE NEED TO WORK TOWARDS THAT. THANK YOU. 56:00.490 --> 56:03.593 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU TO EACH ONE OF YOU, TO THE PANELISTS, 56:03.760 --> 56:06.497 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% THANK YOU TO SENATOR CARTER AND HIS COLLEAGUES IN THE 56:06.630 --> 56:08.965 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% LEGISLATURE FOR THE LEVEL OF STABILITY THAT HAS BEEN CREATED. 56:09.132 --> 56:13.137 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% THANK YOU TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS FOR TREMENDOUS SUPPORT AS WOULD 56:13.270 --> 56:15.940 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% WELL. WE HAVE DONE AN AMAZING JOB IN 56:16.107 --> 56:19.443 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% LOUISIANA OF FUNDING MERIT-BASED AID, AND SOMETHING WE REFER TO 56:19.610 --> 56:23.047 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% AS TOPS. MAN IF WE PUT THE SAME LEVEL OF 56:23.213 --> 56:26.983 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% EMPHASIS ON NEED-BASED AID FOR THOSE ADULTS AND STUDENTS WHO 56:27.150 --> 56:30.520 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% SIMPLY DON'T HAVE THE RESOURCES TO BOTH ATTEND COLLEGES AND 56:30.653 --> 56:32.623 position:38.97% line:79.33% size:22.06% UNIVERSITIES AND TAKE CARE OF LIFE EXPENSES. 56:32.790 --> 56:35.825 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% WE COULD CHANGE THE FUTURE OF LOUISIANA WITH THOSE KIND ES OF 56:35.993 --> 56:38.028 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% INVESTMENTS. WE HAVE RUN OUT OF TIME FOR 56:38.195 --> 56:42.700 position:21.25% line:79.33% size:57.5% OUR QUESTION AND ANSWER SEGMENT. I WANT TO THANK OUR PANELLE EL 56:42.867 --> 56:47.938 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% ISTS, SENATOR CARTER, SECRETARY DEJOIE, AND DR. SUL 56:48.105 --> 56:49.640 position:41.77% line:79.33% size:16.47% SULLIVAN. WHEN WE COME BACK, WE'LL HAVE A 56:49.807 --> 56:50.140 position:30.42% line:84.67% size:39.16% FEW CLOSING COMMENTS. 57:01.918 --> 57:03.220 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% COMPLICATED TOPIC AGAIN. IT SURE IS. 57:03.387 --> 57:05.255 position:42.7% line:79.33% size:14.6% ANSWERS DON'T COME EASY. NO, THEY DON'T. 57:05.422 --> 57:08.058 position:30.58% line:79.33% size:38.84% BUT WE HEARD A LOT OF THINGS. I THINK ADDRESSING THAT 57:08.225 --> 57:10.727 position:25.91% line:79.33% size:48.17% COMPLICATED TAXING SYSTEM IS ONE OF THE THINGS TO LOOK AT. 57:10.893 --> 57:13.830 position:23.12% line:79.33% size:53.77% AND THE PROBLEM OF PEOPLE NOT WANTING TO COME TO LOUISIANA IS 57:13.997 --> 57:16.733 position:43.63% line:79.33% size:12.73% A PROBLEM. I THINK THERE'S ANOTHER ITEM 57:16.900 --> 57:18.702 position:48.3% line:79.33% size:3.41% ON THE AGENDA FOR THE LEGISLATURE. 57:18.935 --> 57:20.103 position:47.36% line:79.33% size:5.28% INDEED. THAT'S ALL THE TIME WE HAVE 57:20.270 --> 57:21.972 position:37.1% line:79.33% size:25.79% FOR THIS EDITION OF "LOUISIANA PUBLIC SQUARE." 57:22.138 --> 57:26.677 position:22.19% line:79.33% size:55.63% WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT LPB.ORG/PUBLICSQUARE. 57:26.843 --> 57:29.613 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% WHILE YOU'RE THERE, WATCH ADDITIONAL INTERVIEW CLIPS, YOU 57:29.780 --> 57:32.650 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% MAY ALSO COMMENT ON TONIGHT'S SHOW BY CLICKING ON THE SOCIAL 57:32.817 --> 57:35.018 position:44.56% line:79.33% size:10.87% MEDIA TAB. WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. 57:35.252 --> 57:38.288 position:34.31% line:79.33% size:31.39% JUST CLICK ON IT. A SUPREME COURT RULING LAST MAY 57:38.455 --> 57:43.393 position:46.43% line:79.33% size:7.14% PERMITS SPORTS BETTING IN ANY STATE. 57:43.560 --> 57:45.928 position:35.24% line:79.33% size:29.52% IT FAILED IN LOUISIANA LAST LEGISLATIVE SESSION. 57:46.097 --> 57:48.865 position:26.85% line:79.33% size:46.3% THE THIS APRIL THERE WILL BE ANOTHER PUSH TO LEGALIZE IT. 57:49.032 --> 57:51.802 position:32.44% line:79.33% size:35.11% SOME SUGGEST PROCEEDS SHOULD GO TO EARLY EDUCATION. 57:51.968 --> 57:54.137 position:40.84% line:79.33% size:18.33% SOME SAY WE'VE DEDICATED TOO MUCH ALREADY. 57:54.303 --> 57:56.773 position:41.77% line:79.33% size:16.47% JOIN US NEXT MONTH FOR WHAT ARE THE ODDS? 57:56.940 --> 57:59.242 position:24.98% line:79.33% size:50.03% SPORTS BETTING IN LASES, HERE ON "LOUISIANA PUBLIC SQUARE." 57:59.377 --> 58:00.643 position:20.16% line:84.67% size:59.68% THANKS FOR WATCHING. GOOD NIGHT. 58:02.847 --> 58:02.880 position:24.05% line:79.33% size:51.9% Captioning Performed By LNS Captioning www.LNScaptioning.com