BATON ROUGE — A bill that would allow Louisiana parents to use taxpayer funds to enroll their children in private schools or other public schools is nearing passage.
Rep. Julie Emerson (R-Carencro) authored the proposal, which passed the House on a 72-32 vote Monday.
It would create education savings accounts for families who want to send their children to alternative education options.
Annual grants for education savings accounts will be $5,100 for students from high-income families, $7,500 for students from low-income families, and $15,000 for students with special needs.
The Senate Education Committee approved Senate Bill 313, a duplicate bill by Sen. Rick Edmonds. That version proposes allowing homeschoolers to receive ESA funds, whereas Emerson's version does not.
Supporters frame the bill as a feature of parental choice. Opponents worry the program will take resources away from the public school system. Some believe this will lead to even more parents pulling their children out of the public system and further reduce funding for public schools based on student enrollment, even the top schools. has expressed concern.
During the first year of the program in 2025-2026, students in Louisiana's existing school voucher program will receive priority for ESAs, but by the third year, any household will receive them. The voucher program, which serves 5,600 children, will also be eliminated after the ESA goes into effect. The voucher program pays for students attending public schools with C, D, or F grades to attend private schools.
If the bill becomes law, the program would be phased in over three years starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The first year would favor current voucher students and low-income students. In the third year, all students are eligible.
The education savings account program could cost the state $258 million in new spending by the third year when all students are eligible, according to a fiscal memo attached to the bill.
Rep. Jason Hughes, D-New Orleans, said he wants low-income households to be prioritized in the program.
“What I don't do in this moment, when I see children stuck in poor schools who can barely read, is that I will be criticized if I continue to maintain the status quo,” he said.
Sen. Cameron Henry (R-Metarie) said lawmakers should consider the details before implementing the ESA program.
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