February 20, 2025
Today, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry unveiled his executive budget today, proposing $93.51 million for the GATOR Scholarship program, which empowers families with more control over their child’s education.
Why it matters:
- Last year, legislators passed—and the governor signed into law, the Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (GATOR) Scholarship program, establishing universal education savings accounts (ESAs) in Louisiana.
- Families who choose a GATOR Scholarship can use state funds for tuition, services, curriculum and materials, therapies, and other education related expenses tailored to their child’s needs.
- The governor’s budget proposal is the first step in funding GATOR Scholarships for the upcoming school year.
What we’re saying:
“Gov. Landry has been a steadfast advocate for all Louisiana families, ensuring they have the power to choose the best education for their children,” said Lily Landry, senior legislative analyst, yes. every kid. “We support Gov. Landry’s plan to fund GATOR Scholarships, ensuring every child has the opportunity to access an education that fits them.”
How GATOR works:
- The program launches this fall and expands student eligibility over three phases.
- The first two phases of the program, low-income, special needs, prior public, and current voucher students will be eligible.
- The third phase, all Louisiana public school students will be eligible.
- Qualified expenses include tuition and fees, curriculum, textbooks, instructional materials, testing fees, therapies, and any other expense approved by the state board.
- Each student will receive between $5,243 and $15,253, based on eligibility factors such as the child’s special needs status.
About yes. every kid.
yes. every kid. is a leading advocacy team with a family-first approach to transform America’s education policy landscape. We work to transform education away from the current top-down standardized model to a bottom-up approach that enables every family and student to customize an education that best matches their values and priorities.
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