Louisiana House Approves $47B Budget with Doubled Private School Funding

Senate opposition looms as budget advances with contentious increase to private school scholarship program

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:50pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of the Louisiana state capitol building, its grand architecture and columns bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation over the state's political landscape.The Louisiana state capitol stands as a symbol of the ongoing political debate over public versus private education funding in the state.Baton Rouge Today

The Louisiana House of Representatives approved a $47 billion budget on Thursday, advancing a spending plan that doubles funding for the state's private school scholarship program despite opposition from the Senate. The budget is described as a 'standstill' plan with few new expenses, but the increase to the LA GATOR private school scholarship program has emerged as a major point of contention.

Why it matters

The budget battle over private school funding reflects an ongoing debate in Louisiana over the role of public versus private education. While the governor has pushed to expand private school scholarships, Senate leadership has publicly opposed the funding increase, setting up a potential showdown between the two chambers.

The details

The $47 billion budget was approved by the Louisiana House in a 104-0 vote. The most controversial addition was a push by the governor to double funding for the LA GATOR program, which provides private school scholarships. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland said he is considering amending the LA GATOR statute itself as a compromise. The budget also includes investment in workforce training through LED and technical colleges as industry expands across the state.

  • The Louisiana House of Representatives approved the $47 billion budget on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
  • Voters will decide on constitutional amendments next month that could force lawmakers to revamp the spending plan.

The players

Jack McFarland

The chairman of the Louisiana House Appropriations Committee who is considering amending the LA GATOR private school scholarship program as a compromise.

C. Denis Marcelle

A Democratic member of the Louisiana House Appropriations Committee who said he would not have doubled the funding for the LA GATOR program.

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What they’re saying

“The chairman did what he could because of the request from the governor. I would not have doubled it, but I'm not the chairperson. So you have to take your wins where you can get them, and I'm excited to see what's going to happen when it goes to the Senate side.”

— C. Denis Marcelle, Democratic member, Louisiana House Appropriations Committee

“Then that gives us an opportunity before we adjust and put more taxpayer dollars in it to make sure it's operating the way we intended it to.”

— Jack McFarland, Chairman, Louisiana House Appropriations Committee

What’s next

Senate leadership has publicly opposed the funding increase for the LA GATOR private school scholarship program, setting up a potential showdown between the two chambers. The budget also faces uncertainty tied to constitutional amendments on next month's ballot, which could force lawmakers to revamp the spending plan if approved by voters.

The takeaway

The Louisiana budget battle over private school funding reflects the ongoing debate in the state over the role of public versus private education. While the governor has pushed to expand private school scholarships, the Senate's opposition sets the stage for a contentious negotiation process as the budget moves forward.