Louisiana lawmakers are set to take up “payroll protection” bills that would prohibit public school officials from automatically deducting worker dues for political purposes. The proposals figure into a larger national movement built around state initi... »
Louisiana’s transformative education policy changes should be extended to include school bus drivers who enjoy tenure protections unavailable in other states, according to Rep. Cameron Henry (R-Jefferson) and business representatives. »
Rep. Tony Ligi (R-Metaire) would like for taxpayers to have a seat at the table when public employee unions negotiate with government officials over the size and scope of their compensation and benefit package. »
School boards should have the option to explore the possibility of privatizing food services as part of a larger effort aimed at maximizing classroom resources, Sen. Jack Donahue (R-Covington) and business representatives are set to argue this week »
Louisiana taxpayers and consumers stand to benefit from pending legislation that would lower the current threshold set for civil jury trials to the point where it is more in step with the national average, according to tort reform proponents. »
Are the attorneys and plaintiffs who file lawsuits built around oilfield contamination allegations genuinely concerned about environmental damage? Or, are they instead motivated by a loophole in the law that allows for financial awards to be detached f... »
By a nearly 2-1 margin, it found strong backing for Gov. Bobby Jindal’s proposal to expand the Student Scholarship for Educational Excellence Program — a limited voucher plan launched in 2008. The Student Scholarship for Educational Excellence Program ... »
Politically active union leaders should refrain from separating teachers from their classroom responsibilities with standardized testing set to begin, business representatives and reform proponents are arguing in response to recent school board actions »
Even if legislation aimed at converting the Orleans Parish scholarship program into a statewide school voucher system prevails over intense opposition, it will remain limited in scope, according to key lawmakers and top education officials who favor th... »
Louisiana’s long road to education reform has been littered with repeals, phase-outs, incomplete implementations and the worst kind of politics. It should serve as a cautionary tale of what could go wrong during — and after — the 2012 regular session.... »
Superintendents and principals should have greater latitude over personnel decisions and instructional material, according to lawmakers and activists who support Gov. Bobby Jindal’s education agenda. »
State’s “gold standard model” could be emulated nationwide Tenure reform should be linked to a new teacher evaluation system set to go into effect later this year that makes use of student test scores, according to Gov. Bobby Jindal and top figures in ... »
THE PELICAN INSTITUTE is offering up this five-point guide to understanding the Unfunded Accrued Liability, from how it originated and what kind of impact it’s having to national trends and possible solutions. »
Medicaid costs continued to rise in 2011, consuming a greater percentage of overall state spending. This was a result of federal stimulus money, heightened health care expenses and increased enrollment. »
If you peel back the layers of Louisiana's tax structure, you're likely to find confusion, outrage and, more importantly, room for improvement. (Plus, you may discover the reasons why we're suffering another midyear budget shortfall.) »
