Louisiana has some options to boost the economy, but one option has a better chance of helping the economy. In a WalletHub study, Louisiana lags far behind other US states regarding economic growth.

Economic growth is highly dependent on human capital, innovations on current products, the development of new products, and new technologies for more efficient product production all fuel economic growth. Over the past decade, Louisiana has suffered a freeze in the K-12 Education budget since it was implemented after the Great Recession in 2008.

With annual inflation, and the budget remaining stagnant due to the freeze, the process has been similar to an annual budget cut, with the local governments forced to fill the gap. This has not sat well with low-income districts that cannot get sufficient funding from tax revenues. This results in a wide disparity in per-student spending among school districts. 

Having a more educated populace means having intelligent consumers that compel business owners to continue producing better products and providing better services. With the increase in public college funding, Louisiana could take a step in the right direction. 

Governor John Bel Edwards, in his dialogue with the board that oversees Louisiana’s most extensive university system, said, "It is essential that we continue to invest in our critical institutions like higher education. Last year, we were able to do that, but it was the first time in 10 years there was a net new investment,"

With this increase, a rise in pay for educators is to be expected. A steady increase also allows schools to make long-term reforms and invest in tools that improve educational outputs. Ultimately, it allows for significant improvements in teaching practices, family income, and reduced adult poverty. 

Allocating for appropriate per-student spending benefits the state and improves its economy and quality of life; Louisiana should spend more on education.