Universal school choice bill signed into law by Louisiana governor

Louisiana just passed a universal school choice program, joining a dozen other red states in promoting education freedom.

Gov. Jeff Landry signed SB 313 into law on Wednesday, having said…

Louisiana just passed a universal school choice program, joining a dozen other red states in promoting education freedom.

Gov. Jeff Landry signed SB 313 into law on Wednesday, having said previously the bill “puts parents in the driver’s seat and gives every child the opportunity for a great education.”

“When parents are committed to the value of their child’s education, government should never get in the way,” Landry declared after SB 313 was approved by the Legislature. “School choice is now a reality in the state of Louisiana!”

The bill signing was hosted by Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Lafayette.  

The Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) Scholarship Program will launch in 2025-26, providing families with educational savings accounts (ESAs) to pay for private school tuition and other education expenses.  

It will replace the state’s old voucher program, which was limited to low-income students from low-performing public schools.  

“Governor Jeff Landry is an education freedom fighter,” school choice advocate Corey DeAngelis told Fox News. “His unwavering leadership makes Louisiana the 11th state to go all-in on school choice.  

“Republicans like Mr. Landry are helping the GOP cement itself as the Parents Party. Red states are engaging in friendly competition to empower all families with education freedom.”  

National education advocacy group “yes. every kid.” also praised the bill’s passage.  

“Every family, regardless of ZIP code or income, will now be empowered to decide where and how their children are educated,” the organization said in a press release. “The governor’s commitment to education freedom will open doors of opportunity for thousands of families and kids.”  

A rookie governor, Landry promised to empower parents during his campaign, sharing his concerns that only three of four of Louisiana’s 4th graders read at grade level.  

“Throwing more money at a broken system that lacks accountability is not the answer,” said his website, adding the governor “knows that parents are the most critical voices in a child’s education.” 

Landry worked hard to push SB 313 through the Legislature, running TV ads and hosting town halls to promote LA GATOR scholarships.  

Two of Louisiana’s southern neighbors – Alabama and Georgia – also passed universal school choice earlier this year.