WWNO skyline header graphic
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Local Newscast
Hear the latest from the WWNO/WRKF Newsroom.

Reports on Louisiana politics, government and the people shaping state policy.

Louisiana House passes budget, restoring some money for teacher stipends

Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Winnfield and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, addresses lawmakers on the House floor.
Molly Ryan
/
WRKF
Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Winnfield and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, addresses lawmakers on the House floor on March 21, 2024.

Two days after the House Appropriations Committee proposed a budget that cuts funding for early childhood education and teacher pay, the full House unanimously advanced their own version of the budget that adds back some money for teacher stipends.

Gov. Jeff Landry proposed a budget with enough funding to give public school teachers a $2,000 stipend each. The House Appropriations Committee lowered that to about $1,300 per teacher.

The full House opened its budget debate by increasing funding for stipends, bringing them closer to — but still below — the original $2,000.

Rep. Jack McFarland, the chairman of Appropriations, said the funding does not have to be distributed to teachers evenly. That would be up to individual school districts.

Molly Ryan is a political reporter and covers state politics from the Louisiana Capitol.

👋 Looks like you could use more news. Sign up for our newsletters.

* indicates required
New Orleans Public Radio News
New Orleans Public Radio Info