Gov. Jeff Landry is urging Louisiana voters to pay close attention to Constitutional Amendment 3, calling it one of the most responsible and long‑overdue fiscal reforms in state history. With the May election approaching, Landry says the amendment would finally deliver a permanent pay raise for teachers while saving the state hundreds of millions of dollars.
Amendment 3 would unlock billions of dollars currently sitting in a constitutionally protected education savings account and use that money to pay down a large portion of Louisiana’s teacher retirement debt. By reducing the principal, the state would dramatically cut annual interest costs—currently around $200 to $250 million—and redirect those savings into ongoing teacher salary increases. If approved, teachers would receive a $2,250 permanent raise, exceeding previous stipends lawmakers were forced to patch together year after year.
Landry emphasized the difference between temporary stipends and sustainable budgeting. Previous $2,000 payments were not tied to recurring revenue, requiring lawmakers to scramble for funding each year. Amendment 3, he said, finally aligns a recurring expense—teacher pay—with a recurring revenue stream, creating long‑term stability for both educators and the state budget.
The governor also tied Amendment 3 to Amendment 4, which would phase out Louisiana’s unpopular inventory tax. Together, Landry argues, the two amendments would strengthen the state’s fiscal footing, improve Louisiana’s business climate, and open the door to future income tax reductions.
Landry acknowledged voter fatigue with constitutional amendments but said lawmakers responded to feedback after a major reform package failed last year. This time, proposals were broken into smaller, more focused amendments designed to be easier for voters to evaluate.
Beyond the ballot, Landry highlighted legislative progress on workforce development, infrastructure, court reform in New Orleans, and faster delivery of road and bridge projects statewide. But he made it clear: passing Amendments 3 and 4 is central to raising teacher pay, lowering taxes, and keeping Louisiana’s momentum moving forward.
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