
The issue of school choice has been a contentious one in recent years, with many conservatives pushing for more parental input in where their children receive an education and teachers’ unions demanding that public schools be the only taxpayer-subsidized option available for most families.
As public school performance craters in communities nationwide, however, even some leftist officials are beginning to advocate for school choice. That was the case this week when Democratic Louisiana state Rep. Jason Hughes spoke out in favor of such a bill that went on to sail through the chamber.
Hughes, who was one of seven Democrats who voted with the GOP majority to pass the bill by a 72-32 margin, shared remarks on the topic that have since gained widespread traction on social media.
Louisiana Democrat Rep. Jason Hughes ON FIRE:
"As I watch children in poverty, trapped in failing schools, who can hardly read, I'd be damned if I will continue to defend the status quo."
The bill just passed the House 71 to 32.
SIX Democrats voted for UNIVERSAL SCHOOL CHOICE. pic.twitter.com/hY2EU6ECrY
— Corey A. DeAngelis, school choice evangelist (@DeAngelisCorey) April 8, 2024
“As I watch children in poverty, trapped in failing schools, who can hardly read, I’d be damned if I will continue to defend the status quo,” the lawmaker said. “Too many of our children are dropping out, and then we wonder why we have to have a crime session.”
He went on to acknowledge the “political ramifications” of voting for the Republican-backed legislation, though he said the benefits of passing it would be worth the backlash he expected to receive.
“I don’t need this $16,800 a year job bad enough to watch our children continue to live in poverty and trapped in failing schools not try to do something,” Hughes continued. “And in the event I’m not re-elected, this is what I know: My steps are ordered. This is what I know: My heart is pure. I came here to do tough things. I came here to make tough decisions. And I came here to put children first.”
The state legislator cited some of the troubling statistics from his state’s public school system in continuing to make his case for school choice.
“I can’t close my eyes to the 67% of third graders in public schools who cannot read,” he said. “I cannot close my eyes to the number of kids living in poverty in our state that are trapped in failing schools.”
The bill in question aimed to create a scholarship program that begins by offering assistance to families living in poverty and expanding to parents across income levels.
Rep. Julie Emerson, a Republican, sponsored the legislation and offered her own endorsement of its provisions.
“This program will allow the money to truly follow the child and empower the parents to be able to choose the education that is best for their child,” she said. “I don’t believe this bill will shut down our public schools and nor is that my desire at all.”
Republican Gov. Jeff Landry is expected to sign the bill into law.