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Lawmakers debate educational savings accounts

So, who is eligible for an ESA? That depends on when you apply. If signed into law, the program would be introduced over three years.

BATON ROUGE, La. — State Legislators are making decisions that could shape the future of education in Louisiana. The House Committee of Education reviewed a bill today that could give parents more power over their children’s education.

“I truly believe this program will only provide better education outcomes for our students by allowing their parents to choose the best education for them,” Louisiana Representative Julie Emerson said.

On Tuesday, the House Education Committee approved a bill that would create the Gator program, an educational savings account to help families pay for school expenses.

“It will give families from every walk of life an opportunity to give their children an education that will serve their individual needs,” a representative from Governor Jeff Landry’s office said.

So, who is eligible for an ESA? That depends on when you apply. If signed into law, the program would be introduced over three years.

In the first year, a child is eligible if they are entering kindergarten, attended a public school the year before, and meet certain income level requirements.

Students already in the state’s current private school voucher program would also take priority.

In the second year, that priority status would go away, and income requirements would loosen.

By year three, any family would be able to apply regardless of their economic level, but the amount given would still be based on income.

But where does that leave Louisiana’s public schools?

The bill's author says its goal isn’t to remove students from the public school system but to give parents resources to make the best decision for their children.

“I don't believe that this bill will shut down public schools, nor is that my desire at all. I don't believe there's been a single school closure in any state that has adopted a similar type of ESA program,” Emerson said.

Unlike some state’s ESA programs, homeschool families will not be eligible for the Gator program.

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