The hot topic in the Louisiana Legislature is Education Savings Accounts (ESAs).
Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the ESA bill on a 72-32 vote. The bill allows the state to create education savings accounts for families who want to pull their students out of public schools and send them to a private institutions.
This bill was pushed by state Republicans.
Local State Reps Steven Jackson and Joy Walters both voted FOR the bill. Both Jackson and Walters are first term Democrats.
When fully implemented, the ESAs would provide $7,500 per year for each student from families with household incomes that don't exceed 250% of federal poverty guidelines and at least $5100 for all other enrollees, including those from wealthy households. The amount of the ESA increases to $15,000 for students with special needs.
Republican legislator Larry Bagley of Stonewall voted against the ESA bill along with four other Republican lawmakers.
The bill now goes to the Senate where it is expected to pass with the overwhelming Republican Senate members.