As the Louisiana legislative regular session kicked off Monday, to the surprise of many, the historical budget deficit wasn’t the only topic.

Governor John Bel Edwards spoke passionately about equal pay for women.

“Nearly a century has passed since women began voting alongside men and yet, we still have women making less than men for the same work.”

The wage gap is greater in Louisiana than any other state with women being paid 67 cents on the dollar compared to men.

“Single mother households account for the majority of Louisiana families living in poverty and over half of our low income families.”

Governor Edwards Proposed a modest increase in the state’s minimum wage so the working class can have a fair shot.

“Seven dollars and a quarter, the minimum wage since 2009, simply put, is not a living wage in 2016.”

14 states began the new year with increased minimum wages. The governor’s plan is to get Louisiana on board next year.

“With a minimum wage of eight dollars at the beginning of January 2017 and $8.50 beginning January 2018.”

In addition to balancing next year’s 800 million dollar budget deficit, Governor Edward’s believes a raise in minimum wage should be a fairly easy decision this session.

In Lafayette, Dalfred Jones for KLFY News Ten