Bill to let parents use tax dollars for private school advances to Louisiana House

On an eight to four vote, the House Education Committee approved the legislation that creates the Gator Scholarship Program that one day would allow parents of all income levels receive taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition.

Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds is the author of the legislation.

“Local dollars are tax dollars that belong to the people, it’s their dollars, we are taxed and we should have a better opportunity for this case, for education,” Edmonds said.

The measure has already received Senate approval and it looks poised to reach the governor’s desk.

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley supports legislation, but there are many public school advocates who oppose as they are concerned this expanded program will result in fewer dollars for public education. Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter expressed his concerns.

“This bill takes away much needed resources from our teachers, staff and students and it will create an entirely new cost taxpayers, with little to no oversight and accountability,” Carter said.

There are also concerns about the cost of the Gator Scholarship Program. One estimate has it as much as 500-million dollars. Edmonds says there are safeguards in the legislation to make sure the expenses of the program do outgrow available state dollars.

“We have made certain that we are all a long the way that we have the power to appropriate, which I think is not only our right, but it’s out elected and constitutional responsibility,” Edmonds said.