Overview

Citizens for Educational Choice was very active this session promoting the GATOR program, filing legislation to provide support for families with children with disabilities, defeating legislation that would have mandated non-publics follow public schools and championing legislation that will allow for stacking of ESA onto Tuition Donation Tax Credit programs.

Funding

 

  • ACT 1 50 million was not added back by the House. Several texts were sent to Catholic legislators and direct conversations with them throughout week. There were no indications it would be added back, and it was not.
  • Subsequent conversations with DOE about reopening windows if more funds can be raised by STO’s. Encourage to send notes to DOE of impacts.

 

  • ACT 1 we did maintain all Required Services, School Lunch Salary Supplement at 20 million. This includes Textbook Administration.

 

  • ACT 403 which allows stacking passed and taking national normed test. We were not able to pass our bill that would have removed any income restrictions on families with children with Special Needs for the Tuition Donation Tax Credit.

 

  • ACT 222 Constitutional Amendment probably will be on ballot on April 19th, 2026. Double edged sword. Secretary Nelson says this may be the only way to get GATOR funding while at the same time we must backfill EEF and that is a MUST.

 

Curriculum and TOPs

 

ACT 278 Computer Science for TOPs requirement delayed for a year with no opposition

ACT 356 passed to require 10 points for TOPs and retroactive for this year due August 31st.  This will apply to those with a 3.5 GPA and below. A spreadsheet will be sent from DOE with formula’s do expedite completion due by August 31, 2025 (See Amendment)

 

  • ACT 48 passed which adds scholarship information to the financial literacy
  • ACT 77 Tops Excellence more funding with better ACT scores (31 or better) and applies to this year’s graduating students.
  • HB 321 adds some certification requirements for numeracy.

 

Licensing PreK Programs

  • ACT 409 requires licensing of PreK. Testified in House Health and Welfare that we are already under Bulletin 741 and BESE. I tried to amend the bill to include NPSC working group. It was not accepted. Tried to testify as to the cost compliance at the Appropriation but bill was “discharged” without giving me chance to testify since they found the money for DOE and DCFS to implement.
  • Currently engaged in conversations with Chairs of House and Senate Health and Welfare Chairs, Governor’s Office, and Senator Barrow, author of the bill (See attached impact briefing note). Drafting comparisons for Rep. Berault between licensing and what Non-Public-School Commission is recommending.

Nutrition

  • Legislation was passed that will begin the process of eliminating some ultra processed foods and encouraging us to buy Louisiana products as much as possible.

 

Federal Legislation and Rulings

  Federal Education Children’s Choice Act H.R. 1 passed on July 3rd, 2025

 Everyone in America can donate $1700 to a scholarship group 501 c 3 charity for a 100% federal income tax credit

    • There is no aggregate tax credit cap
    • The law is permanent, with no sunset
    • Scholarship recipients must be below 300% of their area’s median income (based on HUD formula and covering 85%-90% of families
    • Governors of each state must designate which scholarship groups can receive funds
    • Scholarships can cover a range of expenses.

ESEA Funds

CEC is monitoring with national partners the impact of delaying funding especially for         professional development.