Parents Decide: Why Louisiana Should Fund the GATOR Program

The idea is simple: parents should guide their children’s schooling, not the state. Louisiana lawmakers are urged to approve Governor Landry’s request for full funding of the GATOR initiative, a popular school‑choice program. Last year, the Senate President hesitated to meet the budget request, but a new surplus makes resistance unnecessary. GATOR offers more than old voucher schemes; it gives families savings accounts that can cover private schools, tutoring, test prep, online courses and special‑education services. The numbers show a gap: nearly 40 000 parents applied for grants, yet only 5 600 were awarded and a mere 80 kindergartners received help.The governor seeks $88 million this year, roughly doubling the reach of the program. The House Speaker lists GATOR among top priorities, though the Senate still questions its operations. Detailed rules in state law and Bulletin 133 outline spending limits, audits and non‑discriminatory use. Financially, the state holds a $577 million surplus from 2025, allocating portions to rainy‑day funds and debt repayment. Even after those commitments, $289 million remains, enough to cover the additional $44. 5 million needed to match last year’s request. Critics worry about doubling the program each year, but no such plan exists; a single increase will approach, not exceed, the governor’s goal. Louisiana can afford to support GATOR now, and many families are eager to participate. Legislators should not shy away from funding a program that empowers parents and offers real choices.