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Legislative Session Trends Revisited

Nearing the midpoint of the Louisiana Legislature’s annual regular session, lawmakers are debating more than 900 bills, continuing the trend of fewer filed bills. The fiscal session that began April 14 is designed to focus most heavily on Louisiana’s finances.

Fewer Teachers Leaving Louisiana Schools

The ranks of Louisiana’s K-12 public school teachers grew for a second consecutive year. Traditional and charter public schools gained 843 teachers and set a new record of 52,808 educators during the 2023-24 school year.

Recapping the 2024 Constitutional Amendments

Voters have adopted 221 changes to the Louisiana Constitution since its ratification 50 years ago, a total that grew with the November and December elections. Nearly 69% of the 321 amendments posed to voters across those decades have won passage.  

Louisiana’s State Surpluses

Louisiana has enjoyed repeated state surpluses for the last seven years, and the latest calculations estimate lawmakers will see that trend continue another year. A surplus occurs when a state’s revenue collections exceed its spending within a budget year.

TOPS Participation & Demographics

The number of students receiving free college tuition through Louisiana’s TOPS program has dropped for the third consecutive year, most likely an effect of declining college enrollment. Part 3 of a three-part series looking at public K-12 education and higher education in Louisiana.

Federal Student Aid

The rate of Louisiana high school seniors applying for college financial aid fell over the last year, fueling worries about the state’s shrinking higher education-bound population. Part 2 of a three-part series looking at public K-12 education and higher education in Louisiana.

Public School Enrollment & Demographics

With the start of the new school year, students are returning to emptier classrooms as the total enrollment in Louisiana’s public schools declines to its lowest level in 16 years. Part 1 of a three-part series looking at public K-12 education and higher education in Louisiana.

75th Anniversary
Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence

For 75 years, the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana has been at the forefront of advancing transparency, accountability and smarter public policy in our state. PAR’s legacy is built on your support. Help us continue shaping Louisiana’s future for the next 75 years.