The House Education Committee has approved the Gator Scholarship Program which in a few years would allow families of any income level to receive state dollars to attend a private school. Governor Landry’s deputy chief of staff Andree’ Miller says the legislation will give every child the chance to receive a quality education.
“I know I don’t have to tell any of you this but Louisiana ranks amongst the worst. We can’t do much worse so nows the time to do much better.”
The Gator Scholarship Program will replace the state’s current voucher system which helps six-thousand students go to a private school, instead of attending a C, D, or F public school. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson says under her bill, even students who attend A and B schools would have a choice…
“Even some of our schools that are highly rated and excelling, I think do have a small subset of students who are not necessarily excelling but they might would excel in a different environment or different situation, or with a different curriculum.”
Opponents say the Gator Scholarship Program will take money away from public schools. It’s estimated the program will cost at least 241-million dollars for the 2028-29 school year when more than 41-thousand students could receive state dollars for their education expenses.
LaPlace Representative Slyvia Elanie Taylor is concerned about state dollars going to a school that doesn’t have to be held to the same standards as a public school
“How can we ensure that the money follows the child it follows the child to a school that is not failing and that it meets the standards and have accountability.”
The bill heads to House Appropriations because of its cost.
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