Statement from Kelli Bottger on the Passing of Steve Carter

The following is a statement from Kelli Bottger, Regional Government Affairs Director of the American Federation for Children, on the passing of former Louisiana State Representative Steve Carter. Representative Carter served in the House of Representatives for 12 years advancing innovative solutions to the challenges facing the people of District 68 and the state of Louisiana.

“Steve Carter was an unwavering champion of education reform. He believed a quality education was the great equalizer. Steve worked tirelessly throughout his career to ensure Louisiana’s children regardless of their ZIP code or income level had access to a quality education through school choice. We saw in his efforts to improve education a lifelong passion of advocating for meaningful change that improves the lives of others regardless of how tough the journey would become.”

Steve served as the chairman of the Capital Region Legislative Delegation, Vice-Chair of the Transportation Committee, and Chairman of the Education Committee. As a leading voice on education issues, Steve was able to pass several reforms that improved access to early childhood education programs for Louisiana’s children.

In the face of intense opposition to education reform, Steve was the definition of a champion and unifier. He would never settle for the status quo because he knew he was doing the right thing for children. Steve’s leadership and determination galvanized and inspired a coalition that would enact the most wide-ranging education reforms in Louisiana’s history.

“While Baton Rouge and the state of Louisiana will miss Steve’s leadership, we will profoundly miss our friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Gloria, their children, Amelia and Solomon, and their four granddaughters.”