Cameron Henry

Mike Reese is the new president of McNeese State University with a $300,000 annual salary and will continue serving as a Louisiana state senator. His contract includes a car allowance and housing stipend until the presidential residence is repaired. University of Louisiana System President Rick Gallot stated that Reese's dual role is legal under state law.

Northwestern State University President Jimmy Genovese plans to open a law school in North Louisiana despite opposition from Gov. Jeff Landry and State Sen. Alan Seabaugh. Genovese claims the law school idea originated with Landry but faces resistance from lawmakers, including Senate President Cameron Henry, who opposes expanding legal education in the state.

Louisiana lawmakers approved a $168 million reduction to the Minimum Foundation Program for the 2026-27 school year to fund teacher and school worker stipends. The decision faced opposition from some school superintendents and followed a temporary restraining order related to the funding program.

Gov. Jeff Landry and legislative leaders are defending a plan to fund teacher stipends by reallocating school operations funds, despite concerns from school officials about potential impacts. Landry adjusted the proposal to exempt districts that already provided equivalent pay increases, and Legislative Auditor Michael Waguespack's analysis suggested most districts could comply. The plan requires legislative approval by a specific deadline.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry adjusted his proposal to allow school districts already providing teacher pay increases to bypass state stipend requirements. Legislative leaders and the state auditor argue most districts can afford the stipend strategy, but some lawmakers remain concerned about potential impacts on education funding.

A Louisiana bill aiming to restrict primary election access to registered Republicans and Democrats failed to pass the state Senate. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Beth Billings, would have allowed party leaders to control primary ballot access for certain offices, potentially excluding no-party voters, who comprise about a third of the state electorate. The bill passed the House but stalled in the Senate, and its sponsor plans to propose an alternative in 2027.

Sen. Jay Morris presented a bill to redraw Louisiana's congressional districts, which included a 5-1 map opposed by Rep. Clay Higgins. The 6-0 map, which would have eliminated Democratic seats, was rejected due to fears about racial voter distribution, not principled opposition to gerrymandering.

Governor Jeff Landry pledged to avoid a pay cut for Louisiana public school teachers but has not disclosed how to fund the $198 million needed for stipends. Legislators and advocates are seeking clarity on potential funding sources, including a proposed $150 million reallocation from the Minimum Foundation Program, which could risk school district operations.

Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry opposes a bill that would allow Democratic and Republican party leaders to exclude unaffiliated voters from their primary elections. The bill, House Bill 906, has passed the House and awaits Senate approval. Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry supports the legislation, citing a technical challenge in 2028.