Governor Edwards Talks Debate, Economy, Jobs and Last Days of the Campaign [VIDEO]
Governor John Bel Edwards talks to 101.7 / 710 KEEL's Robert J Wright and Erin McCarty about Wednesday night's (somewhat contentious) debate with GOP challenger Eddie Rispone, the state's economy and job situation and the closing days of this year's gubernatorial campaign.
The incumbent Democrat - despite numbers showing Louisiana is the only state in the US losing jobs - says the state's economy is strong and that his programs turned around a multi-billion dollar deficit to a $500 million surplus. "We've worked extremely hard," says Edwards, "To bring economic development and opportunity to everyone around the state...we're investing in infrastructure, we're investing in education to create a more resilient (economy).
The Governor also addressed claims that state businesses are over-regulated and that he hasn't done enough to reduce Louisiana's sky-high insurance rates. "What we ought to do, quite frankly, is to make sure that we're better regulating insurers. They shouldn't be able to charge blue collar workers or widows or poor people more in insurance premiums when they have a superior driving record than they're charging other folks and we can do that through regulation."
More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL
![Louisiana Lawmakers Eyeing Legal Marijuana Use and Growing during 2024 Regular Session](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2024/03/attachment-Untitled-design-40.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![TikTokers Have Strong Opinions About the I-10 Bridge in Lake Charles, Louisiana](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/01/attachment-I-10-Calcasieu-River-Bridge-google-street-view.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![WATCH: Ted Nugent Drums Up Support for Louisiana Concealed Carry Changes](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2024/02/attachment-GettyImages-1229131551.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![New Lake Charles Bridge Plan, Including Tolls, Gets Nod from Louisiana Legislative Committee](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/07/attachment-I-10-bridge-graphic-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![New Laws in Louisiana Set to Take Effect on January 1](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2015/11/RS6016_459909237.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Louisiana Laws That Go Into Effect Starting January 2024](http://townsquare.media/site/160/files/2023/12/attachment-GettyImages-1446996742.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Louisiana Governor Pardons 44 Including Caddo Parish Murderers](http://townsquare.media/site/180/files/2022/06/attachment-GettyImages-13150357031.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Louisiana Special Redistricting Session Possible, How Would Edwards or Landry Pull it Off?](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/11/attachment-New-Information1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Louisiana DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson Stepping Down Ahead of Expected Run for Governor](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2016/04/dotd_secretary_Shawn_Wilson-e1470780474384.jpg?w=980&q=75)