Louisiana House Approves $198M Teacher Stipends After Pay Raise Amendment Rejection

Louisiana lawmakers have secured nearly $200 million in one-time stipends for public school teachers and support staff for the 2025-26 academic year after voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have provided permanent raises. Certified teachers will receive $2,000 and other school personnel $1,000, with the funds found by delaying state vehicle and equipment purchases, cutting Medicaid benefits for ineligible recipients, implementing a hiring freeze, and reducing spending on tutoring programs. The House Appropriations Committee advanced the budget with no objections, emphasizing the need to maintain current pay levels and avoid teacher pay cuts. While this move temporarily sustains educator compensation, state officials and legislators acknowledge the importance of finding a permanent funding solution for raises in the future. Additionally, Jefferson Parish schools have approved one-time stipends of $1,500 for teachers and $750 for other employees, funded by local revenue increases, although starting teacher salaries in the parish remain lower than in neighboring areas. These developments reflect ongoing efforts at state and local levels to support educators despite budget constraints and prior failed attempts to increase pay permanently.