The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has proposed its budget for the next fiscal year, with a major focus on expanding the LA Gator school choice program. The proposal includes an additional $87 million for the program, which provides state-funded scholarship accounts for eligible families. State Superintendent Cade Brumley said the program has gained national attention and the department has seen increased funding due to its strong relationship with the federal Education Department. Concerns were raised about the difference in per-student funding between LA GATOR and public schools, with Sen. Katrina Jackson-Andrews (D-Monroe) stating that the department did consider these figures but did not build on a strict per-payer formula.