Louisiana Federal Senators Support Work of State Senators

The Louisiana Legislature yesterday moved the Bayou State one step closer to expanding the New Orleans voucher program statewide.  In a major step toward providing more educational options, school choice advocates around the state praised the measure.

And we got a surprising statement of praise out of the nation’s capital as well!

You'll recall how Senator Mary Landrieu (D) last month referred to the proposed voucher expansion as "illusionary."

Yesterday, after the bill's passage, her tune had changed -- for the better. Read below to see what she said.

"I commend reformers in the Legislature for fighting for the inclusion of important improvements in the school choice legislation. This includes amendments that strengthen oversight of independent charter school authorizers, and give priority for vouchers to the children who need the most urgent help and support.

With these and other improvements, I believe this package of legislation is a step in the right direction for education reform."

Louisiana's other senator, David Vitter (R), also had positive words for the legislation:

"Passing these bills is a huge win for Louisiana's education system.  Louisiana has been spending hundreds of millions on failing schools, but these bold education reforms are what we need—a better education system for parents and their children."

The bipartisan praise from senators echoes similarly-broad support at the state level; a dozen House Democrats and nearly half of Senate Democrats joined a majority of legislative Republicans in voting in favor of the bills.


We’re glad that both state and federal senators are in support of school choice.  We are looking forward to seeing this legislation signed into law to help students all across the state!

- American Federation for Children | Alliance for School Choice, MSG