Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry is currently in a political fight over teacher pay after voters rejected his plan for transforming temporary school stipends into a permanent raise.
Lawmakers are battling it out in Baton Rouge because the governor is pressuring them to lock in a lasting raise for educators. Critics argue that his plan depends on moving money around in ways that made many voters uncomfortable, WBRZ reported.
In a post on X after Amendment 3 failed, Landry declared, “If our teachers don’t get a permanent raise this year, nobody in state government gets a pay raise. I mean nobody.”
In light of Amendment 3 falling short, I want to make it very clear—if our teachers don't get a permanent raise this year, nobody in state government gets a pay raise. I mean nobody.
— Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) May 18, 2026
At the heart of the matter is the question of whether Louisiana should continue relying on temporary stipends or finally roll that money into a permanent pay increase. Public school teachers currently get a $2,000 stipend while support staff receive $1,000. But these are not the same as a permanent raise that would be built into their base pay.
From News From The States:
Amendment 3, which 58% of voters statewide rejected, would have freed up money to give teachers and support staff permanent raises by dissolving three public education trust funds that help pay for early childhood education, universities and other K-12 school programs.
The fund balances would have been used to pay off employee retirement debt at K-12 school districts and universities early to make money available to cover the educators’ salary increases.
Henry has previously said the public’s decision to vote down the amendment indicates they aren’t interested in a pay increase for teachers.
But Amendment 3 was also linked very strongly to the governor who has angered Democratic and Black voters in recent weeks over his handling of the congressional elections.
Governor Landry to Hold Press Conference with Leadership on Teacher Pay Raise https://t.co/nBtgOwiymp
— Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) May 26, 2026
If lawmakers do not extend or replace the money, teachers and support staff would lose these stipends in the next school year. It would also create a situation in which school employees would have to wait on state officials each budget cycle to see if they will still receive the extra money.
Amendment 3 failed largely due to voter concerns about removing funds supporting early childhood education, higher education, and other K-12 programs.
