Governor Landry stated in 2024 that Universal School Choice programs would be a top priority, as Louisiana’s public school system ranked 46th in the nation and demographic experts were saying “better public schools” are the major reason young families leave Louisiana for Texas, Florida and Georgia. The Legislature quickly passed the LA GATOR program that allows parents to use public funds to pay for private school tuition, tutoring, or other approved education expenses. Louisiana parents (like parents in every other state who adopted school choice programs) know that every child learns differently and were elated that they would finally be in-charge of their child’s education spending rather than the government. Over 39,000 families have applied for the LA GATOR program.
However, Senate President Cameron Henry has stated for the second consecutive year he is not going to increase the amount allowed for the LA GATOR program (presently $44 million for 5,600 students) because of budgetary and “does it really work” concerns. Governor Landry wants $88 million for 12,000 students. TIME OUT!!—let’s talk about state priorities based on what “We The People Want” when it comes to education spending and what works!
It is common knowledge that declining student enrollment in public schools is squeezing school district’s finances. The Senate should tell us if spending on the public schools is declining in line with declining student enrollment (state per-pupil spending 2019 - 2025): if not, why not?
