DFER Louisiana State Director Eva Kemp released the following statement on the upcoming gubernatorial runoff:
“The Democratic Party has always been the party that champions opportunity for our schoolchildren. Louisiana has seen significant progress over the last several years; test scores and graduation rates are up and more students are going to college. This weekend’s election showed that voters want to continue the efforts that have made this progress possible, including expanding options, increasing standards and accountability, and expanding access for every student. Education Reform isn’t just good policy, it’s also good politics. As the general election approaches, we hope that John Bel Edwards prioritizes what works on behalf of our students and allow our progress to continue to move forward. DFER is looking forward to engaging in dialogue to create innovative strategies that are right for our students. We’re hopeful that John Bel will lean on those who are closest to this issue, including many of the public servants elected on Saturday, who are working day in and day out to do what’s right for students; that he will pick up the mantle of what it means to be a Democrat: championing high quality education.”