Louisiana House seeks school construction bill
Under current legislation, the cost for construction and renovation of Louisiana public schools is carried by local taxpayers, which puts schools in low-income areas at extreme disadvantage. Many of Louisiana’s 1,400 public schools are disintegrating because districts cannot afford repairs, and some conditions—such as asbestos and leaks—pose serious health risks to students. Senate Bill 584 aims to change the law, allowing state funding for Louisiana public schools, similar to laws that 41 other states have already adopted. The bill has already won Senate approval, but faces opposition from Republican Governor Bobby Jindal, who has stated that he will veto the bill if it passes. He has vetoed two similar bills in the past.
Senator Karen Peterson, D-New Orleans is the sponsor of the bill, and she points out that even if state funding is denied, the bill will open the door to federal and private funding for the ailing schools. Under the tenets of the bill, a seven-member panel would be appointed to oversee local school construction, identify and prioritize repair needs and set up a low-interest loan program to help local districts meet financial needs. Senator Peterson has expressed hope that if the bill passes, Governor Jindal will acknowledge that it is a priority and not veto the bill.
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