So who is eligible for an ESA? It depends on when you apply. If signed into law, the program would be in place for his three years.
BATON ROUGE, La. — The state Legislature is making decisions that could shape the future of education in Louisiana. The House Education Committee today considered a bill that would give parents more control over their children's education.
“I truly believe that this program will only lead to better educational outcomes for our students by empowering parents to choose the education that is best for their students,” said Louisiana Congresswoman Julie Emerson. .
The House Education Committee on Tuesday approved a bill that would create the Gator Program, an education savings account to help families pay for school.
“This will give families from all walks of life the opportunity to provide their children with an education tailored to their needs,” said a representative from Governor Jeff Landry's office.
So who is eligible for an ESA? It depends on when you apply. If signed into law, the program would be in place for his three years.
For the first year, children are eligible if they enter kindergarten, attended public school in the previous year, and meet certain income level requirements.
Students already participating in the state's current private school voucher program will also be given priority.
In the second year, that priority is removed and income requirements are relaxed.
By the third year, any family, regardless of economic level, will be able to apply, but benefits will still be based on income.
But what does that do for Louisiana public schools?
The bill's authors say the goal is not to remove students from the public school system, but to provide parents with resources to make decisions that are best for their children.
“I do not believe this bill will close public schools, and that is not my desire. I do not believe that any state that has adopted a similar type of ESA program has ever had a school closure,” Emerson said. said.
Unlike some states' ESA programs, homeschool families are not eligible to participate in the Gator program.
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