Louisiana is gaining more control over how federal education dollars are spent after receiving a new waiver tied to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
During an interview on Talk 107.3’s “DC Current,” Congresswoman Julia Letlow said Louisiana is only the second state in the country to receive the waiver. She called the move a major win for local education leaders and taxpayers.
According to Letlow, the waiver gives Louisiana more flexibility in how federal education funding is used while reducing federal oversight and compliance requirements.
“This will reduce compliance costs and save an estimated $18 million over four years,” Letlow said.
The congresswoman praised Louisiana Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley and state leaders for pushing education improvements while also gaining the trust of the federal administration.
Louisiana Education Leaders Gain More Flexibility
Letlow said the waiver removes many of the federal restrictions tied to education spending. She believes state leaders are better equipped to decide where money should go.
“The people closest to students know best how to educate them,” Letlow said during the interview.
Federal funding for programs like Title I and special education will still reach Louisiana schools. However, Letlow explained that states will have more authority over how those dollars are distributed.
She said rural schools across Louisiana depend heavily on that funding and stressed that the money is not disappearing. Instead, she said the process is becoming more streamlined.
Debate Continues Over Federal Department of Education
The conversation also turned to ongoing discussions about dismantling the U.S. Department of Education.
Letlow supports efforts to reduce the size and influence of the federal department. She argued that states should have more direct control over education policy and spending decisions.
“It would free up so much of what we’re trying to do here in Louisiana,” Letlow said.
She added that any major changes to the federal department would require action from Congress and would not happen overnight.
The interview comes as Louisiana leaders continue highlighting recent gains in student achievement and expanded teacher development efforts across the state.