Governor Opens Legislative Session, Cites Lack Of Fiscal Cliff

Unlike previous years, Governor John Bel Edwards says there's no fiscal cliff for the state's lawmakers to address during this year's legislative session given that the budget is in the black.

In his remarks yesterday, Edwards clearly set out his agenda for the 60-day session that includes winning approval for a $1,000 pay increase for Louisiana's public-school teachers. He wants school support workers to get a $500 increase.

Edwards will also seek a constitutional amendment to hike the state's minimum wage to nine dollars an hour.