The Louisiana Legislature is forcing teachers to take a $2,000 pay cut because voters rejected a proposed constitutional amendment (Amendment 3) on May 16. The measure aimed to eliminate three constitutionally protected education trust funds to finance a modest pay raise for teachers. This was the second year in a row that voters rejected this type of accounting gimmick.

Teachers have gone four straight years without receiving a permanent pay raise. And unless state lawmakers act before June 1, teachers will have their pay cut.

But Legislators can avoid a teacher pay cut by using money from a state savings account - the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund. Last week the Senate Finance Committee tapped the account for $800 million, proposing to spend the money on construction projects around the state, giveaways to corporations, and earmarks for projects in legislators’ districts. But nothing for teachers.

Renewing the stipends would only be a stopgap solution until a permanent raise can be negotiated next year. If the state can prioritize corporate giveaways and district earmarks, it can afford to make sure teachers and support workers aren’t forced to take a pay cut in a troubled economy where prices continue to rise.

Time is short: the legislative session ends on June 1st. Contact your state legislators NOW to demand the addition of teacher and staff stipends in the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year Appropriations.