Edwards leaves office with budget surplus

By Julie O’Donoghue / Louisiana Illuminator on Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Edwards’ tenure might be defined by his response to a series of crises
Gov. John Bel Edwards may be remembered as the Louisiana governor who was constantly responding to disasters. Edwards dealt with an unusual number of crises during his two terms in office. He steps down Jan. 8, when Gov.-elect Jeff Landry takes office. (Photo by Jonathan Peterson/Louisiana Illuminator)
Gov. John Bel Edwards may be remembered as the Louisiana governor who was constantly responding to disasters. Edwards dealt with an unusual number of crises during his two terms in office. He steps down Jan. 8, when Gov.-elect Jeff Landry takes office. (Photo by Jonathan Peterson/Louisiana Illuminator)

On Jan. 11, 2016, the same day he was sworn into office, John Bel Edwards received his first briefing as governor about a weather-related disaster headed for Louisiana. A series of northern storms had caused the Mississippi River to rise and flood areas of Missouri and Illinois. As the excess water rolled south, officials initially worried it could bring a catastrophe with it. Fortunately, the pro…