Governor John Bel Edwards says he thinks he made the right decisions regarding how he handled the states growing coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking at his press conference on Thursday, governor Edwards fired back at bills aimed at limiting or suspending his emergency health orders, and says the bills are ‘not warranted’.
“Looking back at this public health emergency and the decisions that we have made, I will tell you I know we have made the best decisions possible, given the information we had at our disposal, and the recommendations that we’ve been receiving from the scientific community… from the medical community… and the White House Coronavirus Task Force,” Edwards told reporters. “So, I never thought this particular session as it relates to those bills, was warranted.”
There are a few bills designed to rein in the governor’s emergency restrictions making their way through the state House and Senate during this special session.
A Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a bill giving lawmakers more oversight of the governor’s emergency declarations, which would force the governor to consult with lawmakers before extending any emergency orders.
And just last month, a House Committee passed a resolution suspending the State Fire Marshals’ ability to enforce COVID-19 restrictions on businesses, venues, and restaurants.
Meanwhile, a resolution filed by House Speaker Clay Schexnayder would suspend Edward’s entire emergency health orders for a month after the special session ends. If Schexnayder’s bill is passed it would effectively lift all coronavirus mitigation measures and restrictions.
“The simple fact is there are folks in the legislature who don’t want any restriction or any mitigation measures and that is grossly irresponsible,” Edwards said. “And they will never tell you that the decision that I have made have been recommended by the White House…but that in fact is the case.”
