As Louisiana lawmakers gear up for the 2026 regular legislative session, one issue stands out as both urgent and transformative: fully funding the Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) program. Enacted in 2024 as one of the nation’s most comprehensive universal education savings account (ESA) initiatives, LA GATOR promises to empower families by directing public education dollars toward customized learning options—private school tuition, individual courses, homebased educational materials, tutoring, and career training. Yet, despite overwhelming demand and proven models in states like Arizona and Florida, the program remains hamstrung by inadequate funding and a limiting funding structure. With about 30,000 students on Louisiana’s waitlist, the legislature must prioritize this in the upcoming session to avoid leaving these children behind.

The 2025 state budget, passed and signed into law this summer, starkly illustrates the missed opportunity. Lawmakers slashed Governor Jeff Landry’s initial budget proposal of $93.5 million for LA GATOR—which was already insufficient to fund all eligible applications that came in—down to just $43.5 million. This shortfall not only ignores the fiscal benefits, as LA GATOR’s per-student allocation is significantly lower than what taxpayers pay to educate students in public schools, but also disregards the voices of Louisiana families desperate for alternatives. 

Public sentiment couldn’t be clearer. A recent Pelican Institute poll released around Thanksgiving 2025 revealed that a clear majority—61%—support full funding of LA GATOR. These results align with national trends, where similar programs enjoy up to 81% support among the general public, per data collected by EdChoice. These statistics build on calls for government to be leaner and more responsive to taxpayers as they seek economic opportunity. Voters aren’t just endorsing efficiency and effectiveness in government services; they’re demanding agency—family decision-making—where taxpayer dollars can be child in the manner they deem most beneficial given individual needs, not having government locked them in one-size-fits-all and underperforming systems.

While the urgency is acute for children trapped in failing public schools, where outcomes lag national averages, LA GATOR’s true power lies in its universality. Every child deserves an education tailored to their unique needs, whether they’re gifted, struggling, or pursuing specialized interests like arts or vocational training. Families across income levels, who already shoulder taxes to fund education, should have the freedom to direct those resources to a neighborhood public school, a faith-based academy, online courses, or hybrid models. This isn’t about abandoning public education; it’s about options and healthy competition that fosters excellence. Already, 267 private schools have signed up to participate, alongside 673 vendors offering individual classes—including innovative partnerships with two traditional public districts (Caddo and Grant), one charter school (Homer Plessy Community Schools in New Orleans), eight Louisiana public colleges, and two Louisiana private universities. This ecosystem is ready is ready to serve Louisiana’s children; it just needs lawmakers to activate the opportunity.

Delaying action risks more than disappointment—it’s a betrayal of Louisiana’s future. States have seen academic and other improvements with expanded choice, while Louisiana still lingers near the bottom nationally. The 2026 session offers a pivotal moment to reverse course: Allocate full funding for LA GATOR, phase in universal access, and let families lead. Lawmakers, heed the polls, the parents, and the promise of LA GATOR. Fund it now, and watch Louisiana’s children—and economy—soar.