It Starts at the Bottom

A better public education system in Louisiana will lead to the preservation of a strong higher-ed program. Sustained success is critical!

http://www.nola.com/education/index.ssf/2009/08/louisiana_is_strong_candidate.html

Louisiana is strong candidate for share of $4.3 billion grant
by Sarah Carr, The Times-Picayune

Monday August 17, 2009, 6:36 AM

(from BusinessReport)

Louisiana is one of two states that have the best chance of getting a share of a $4.3 billion grant from the U.S. Department of Education, according to an analysis from a national education group. According to the Times-Picayune, The New Teacher Project says that Louisiana and Florida are the only two states that are "highly competitive" for getting a share of the "race to the top" funds. Education Secretary Arne Duncan has control over the money, Duncan said he wants to give the money to states that have strong academic standards, have programs to improve teacher and principal quality, and have mechanisms to turn struggling schools around. In the past, Duncan has said Louisiana is "uniquely positioned" to get a share of the funds. Read the Times-Picayune story here

Senate, House Running Out of Time

The Louisiana Legislative Session is to close no later than 6 p.m. this Thursday. Four days are all that remain to work on the year's upcoming budget.

At this point, the House and Senate are at odds regarding use of the rainy day fund, Obama's stimulus plan and delaying a scheduled tax break (not a tax increase like some may want you to believe).

Obviously, this is not a one-year budgetary crisis, and even though I'm incredibly passionate about maintaining higher education in Louisiana - both as a testament to the importance of education and as an economic necessity for the state - I'm intelligent enough to understand that the proposed cuts to higher-ed will not disappear in their entirety. But steps have been taken to alleviate these cuts to a generous degree. For the legislature to abandon those steps in the session's waning moments would be devastating to Louisiana and be indicative of the terrible lack of efficiency in the state's style of government.

I'm confident that the legislature will at least alleviate a huge portion of the proposed cuts, and once the allocation is made to higher education, those charged with efficiency of that sector will take a close look at the state's institutions and make allocations wisely and accordingly. I'm certain you can deduce where I stand on that front, but I will reserve opinions on that for a later post.

Read up on the latest developments in the Advocate:

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/politics/48740312.html?showAll=y&c=y

The Young and the Restlessly Misguided - Defending L.A. SB 335 against the Louisiana Young Republicans

Today the Louisiana Young Republicans Federation sent out a press release that was picked up by the Dead Pelican praising opposition to SB 335 and spinning the bill as a Democrat-authored tax increase. Oh, young ones:

"The Louisiana Young Republican Federation thanks Governor Jindal and the Young Republican members of the Louisiana Legislature who stood tall and publicly opposed raising the income taxes of working families in Louisiana."
Source: http://www.thedeadpelican.com/2009/YR335.HTM

They're not the only ones speaking out against SB 335 as a "tax increase." All sorts of Republican opposition, including LA Party Chairman Roger Villere, is coming out of the woodwork to do their due diligence in demonizing Democratic legislation by spinning emotion-laced claims of tax increases and foulcry for Louisiana families. You can read Villere's misleading pleas for action here:
Source: http://www.lanewslink.com/archives.php?id=11291

Firstly, if you're not caught up on the legislation, check out the news links to the right side of this post and brush up on it. SB 335 is legislation aiming to delay income tax-break increases from 65% to 100% on certain items.

Let's be real. This isn't a tax increase, no matter how much the Republicans and "fiscal conservatives" want to label it as. SB 335 merely delays a scheduled tax break. It is not levying a new tax. It is postponing a tax break.

As for those like Forgotston who want to claim the bill is unconstitutional because the Senate, not the House, is raising revenue, get real again! This is a postponement of a payout, not authorization to raise revenue. It's saving money that already exists, not generating more.

I consider myself, for the most part, a fiscal conservative and an overall moderate with no partisan ties (affiliations that I feel can blind people, but that's for another post). And yet, these attacks on SB 335 don't seem to be in favor of fiscal conservation, but in favor of partisan warfare.

If you want to talk fiscal conservation, let's talk about fiscal responsibility. How about saving all that money that is going to go into the pockets of people and provide a short-lived blip for the economy, and putting it toward a long-term economic development investment for the state in, I don't know, higher education? And let's not forget health care either. I'd rather the state's residents have adequate health care from adequately-educated LSU-Shreveport medical graduates than make sure everyone can afford to spring for their second iPhone.

It's certainly not a Republican consensus, Audra Shay. You might get Ellen Carmichael's approval, but there are other Republican contributors to this cause and this blog that will disagree with you.

I think I can't say it any better than the Times-Picayune editorial staff. Read their latest output, and before you pin it as liberal dribble, read the whole thing. Everything is in there.
Source: http://blog.nola.com/editorials/2009/05/louisiana_legislature_and_gov.html

Senate Finance Committee - Knights in Shining Armor?

As we posted previously, the Senate Finance Committee has been doing diligent work to help preserve as best they can Louisiana's higher education by finding alternatives to a massive $219 million budget cut for this upcoming year.

The Committee has not only called for use of Louisiana's "Rainy Day" fund - a combination of surplus and other funds for use during, you guessed it, economic crises - but they have also passed SB 335, which will stall tax breaks and put a freeze on deductables from state income tax at 65%. This bill is contentious in both the House and the governor's office, but the Senate seems confident in its passage.

With SB 335 alone, the proposed cuts will drop more than half to $100 million - still a hefty cut but relatively much more manageable for Louisiana's higher-ed institutions. At these levels a cut to LSU would certainly be less drastic than previously expected. And if a portion of the rainy day funds go to education, the effects would be even less. Understandably, many areas of the state's economy need attention, and those most important areas should receive rainy day consideration.

SOS - Save Our Schools thinks education should be right there at the top of the list.

Source: http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/46871232.html?index=14&c=y

Some for me, some for you :)

Jindal confirms willingness to tap rainy day fund

by Bill Barrow, The Times-Picayune

Monday June 01, 2009, 2:45 PM

BATON ROUGE -- Offering the latest volley in the Legislature's ongoing debate over budget cuts, Gov. Bobby Jindal said today that he is willing to sign a budget that would include $50 million in higher education financing taken from the state's rainy day savings account.

More here: http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/06/jindal_confirms_willingness_to.html 

Butch Gautreaux's Proposed TOPS Cap Defeated

A big victory in the Louisiana legislature today for higher education as the Senate Education Committee almost unanimously killed Gautreaux's proposed TOPS cap. Read the article in the Advocate:

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/46426507.html?index=1&c=y

Big props to LSU's student representation at the capitol, with J Hudson and Martina Scheuermann getting pub in the Advocate.

I found this particular quote of Gautreaux's to be quite funny:

"Gautreaux said the change would help stabilize TOPS without imposing undue burdens on students and their parents.

'This bill does not prevent anyone from attending college,' he told the committee. 'Let’s be honest.'"

Your bill would not have prevented Louisiana high school students who are TOPS eligible from attending college, Sen. Gautreaux. You're right about that. But it would have prevented them from attending college in Louisiana. The top students would not stay in Louisiana to receive a college education if they weren't eligible for such a great financial assistance package - they'd head elsewhere.

Business Community Echoes Sentiment! Don't Cut Higher Education!

Groups ask to kill cuts to colleges

By JORDAN BLUM
Advocate Capitol News Bureau
Published: May 29, 2009 - Page: 1A

The Baton Rouge Area Chamber and the business-funded Blueprint Louisiana group asked the Legislature on Thursday to eliminate all proposed budget cuts for higher education.

The request to the Senate Finance Committee was to allow colleges to evolve and adapt to the recession economy before instituting any of the proposed “draconian” cuts of 15 percent of their state funds.

The arguments from the business community were even stronger than from higher education officials, who have asked that their proposed $219 million in cuts be halved.

“Don’t cut higher education so much that you gut it and lose it and set higher education back 20 years,” said Blueprint member Jimmy Maurin, chairman of Stirling Properties in Covington.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/46426797.html

Jindal's Getting Phone Calls

So I realize I went off on the Governor in my last post on this blog, but it was heartfelt and I meant it, and I still mean it. But I do understand he has a tough job ahead; I just hope he sees how important higher education is to this state.

It turns out he might be made to see if he keeps getting calls on the subject. This is a mass Facebook message I received per my membership in the group "I Signed the Petition to Protect Louisiana Education!"

-----
FROM: Joe Abraham

A friend called the Governor's office to express his concerns about cuts to higher education. The staffer who took the call said, "We're starting to get a lot of phone calls about education funding."

I just called; the staffer listened politely, took notes, and thanked me for calling.

So please, take a sec, call Governor Jindal's office, and express to him your concerns about education funding in Louisiana:
225.342.7015

And please, pass this on to your friends via eMail, Facebook, phone, and anything else you can think of!

Joe
-----

I intend on calling later in the day. I urge you to do the same! Any avenues we can use to express our displeasure - or in my case, incredulity - about the situation, will help.

Stall Tax Break = Save Higher Education

State senator: fund higher ed, stall tax break

A Louisiana lawmaker has won early approval for her plan to ease budget cuts in higher education. Sen. Lydia Jackson, a Shreveport Democrat, won approval from the Senate's tax committee on Thursday to postpone a tax break involving charitable deductions that was to take effect next year, for the 2009 tax year. Jackson's plan would delay by three years a partial rollback of the so-called "Stelly plan." Jackson said her intent is to use the resulting $118 million to reduce planned spending cuts at higher education institutions. Jackson has support of the Senate leadership, but opposition from Gov. Bobby Jindal. Her bill next moves to the Senate floor.
---

I think this might be the solution we need to put money back into higher education. Governor Jindal needs to understand that everyone does not have to comply with what he thinks is best! That is why we have three branches of government. I think his opposition to this bill is disappointing. Unless he has another plan that will put money back into higher education then he needs to sign the bill and smile.

we're making some progress...

Our message is resonating!  Now, more than ever, is the time to keep pushing for what we're fighting for!

From The Advocate (5/8/09):

"The Shaw Group on Thursday rejected accepting $28.5 million from the megafund to build a nuclear reactor component facility in Lake Charles.

Shaw Chairman J.M. Bernhard Jr. urged the state to put the money into higher education, which is facing $220 million in budget cuts because of a $1.3 billion drop in state revenue."

"Lawmakers sent Gov. Bobby Jindal’s $27 billion state operating budget proposal to the House floor Thursday after adding money for higher education, health care and arts programs.

In order to balance spending with decreased revenues, Jindal proposed $219 million in cuts to higher education and more than $400 million in cuts to health care.

Legislators reduced some — but not all — of those cuts.

Using state dollars, lawmakers directed:

In  $50 million more than what the governor recommended to the state’s public colleges and universities."

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/44572852.html 

Lafayette Advertiser: College cuts: Department of theater

The state government budget has grown so big so quickly that the higher education cuts being proposed by Gov. Bobby Jindal get obscured in a dark forest of zeroes.

A projected $1.3 billion deficit. Proposed cuts of $440 million in state higher education funding. Proposed cuts of $13 million for UL alone, which gets $96 million of its $151 million budget from the state government.

New UL President E. Joseph Savoie sees things a little differently, with a little more context after his years of service in UL's administration and with the state's higher education system. Savoie noted recently that during the oil crunch years, when low petroleum prices squeezed state government almost to the point of passing out, UL sustained 13 cuts totalling about a quarter of its original budget. Adding together the 6.4 percent cut already inflicted this year and the proposed cuts in the governor's budget and unfunded mandated increases in expenses, the university is really looking at a 25 percent reduction.

There's more

C.B. Forgotston: Flaw in "Rainy Day Fund"?

http://forgotston.com/

I just read where Commissioner of Administration Angele Davis said there was a “design flaw” in the Budget Stabilization Fund (a.k.a. the rainy day fund). (See story here.) As a result there would be little to no net revenues for the upcoming state budget if the leges used $250 Million of the fund.

There is no "design flaw." The fund was intentionally crafted to limit the flow of oil and gas revenues into the State General Fund ("SGF") in hopes that the state would reduce it's dependency on oil and gas revenues.

Alternative solution

If there is no desire to reduce the dependency on oil and gas revenues, there is alternative to refilling the fund.

The $250 Million taken out of the fund could be immediately replaced with $250 Million of the $860 Million 2007-08 surplus (per Const. Article VII, Section 10(D)(2)(d)) and thus all oil and gas revenues would continue to flow into the SGF and would be available for expenditure in the fiscal year that begins July 1.

This process has been used in the recent past to force more oil and gas revenues to flow into the SGF.

This scenario would increase revenues for the Operating Budget by $250 Million. There would, however, be less surplus money to spend on local and NGO capital projects.

If the goal is to forestall cuts to the Higher Education and Heathcare operating budgets this process accomplishes it.

Poor priorities not a flaw

Seems to me the only “design flaw” in the fund is the flaw that has always been in the state budget process -- poor priorities.

The comments from the commissioner begs the question of why are we just now learning of the "design flaw" in a fund that was originally put into the constitution in 1990 and was actually used in 2002? This is not her first time to work for a governor in the Division of Administration.

What am I missing?

C.B.

Please Listen Gov. Jindal

I was reading a blog article on theoldriverroad.com (The Old River Road) concerning higher education funding and it occurred to me that if so many people have so much to say about the funding of higher education why does it seem like Gov. Jindal is not interested in listening.  I know that it is true, he is a busy Governor, traveling around the country to...but his interest in the issue is still unknown.  If he was interested enough in cutting funding it seems he would also be interested in finding a solution.  I understand that under traditional circumstances Gov. Jindal does not want to use one-time funding to fund reoccurring expenses but are these traditional circumstances?  We are in an economic crisis and sometimes we have to do things we wouldn't normally do to make sure that all of Louisiana's Business is taken care of and that includes funding higher education.  I only hope he will listen.

One Take on Budget Cut Impact

The Monroe News Star reports that ULM President James Cofer has equated higher education cuts to the loss of a major manufacturer in the area. He cited a new study conducted by Applied Technology Reaseach Corp. The article is attached. Note that the study asserts that as far as economic development goes, every dollar invested in higher education returns about eight.

http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20090421/UPDATES01/90421018

Response to JR Ball's Column in Baton Rouge Business Report

In yesterday's edition of the Baton Rouge Business Report, J.R. Ball outlined his suggestions to improve higher education in the state of Louisiana beyond budget cuts.

Ball argues that "it's time for officials at LSU, our flagship university, to start answering some tough questions." In the article, found online here, Ball recognizes the "masterful PR job" that LSU has conducted to inform and persuade Louisianians about the "current fiscal nightmare" by submitting "worst-case scenario budget projections." Indeed, Ball captured the sentiments of so many who refuse to lash out against Governor Jindal for his state budget that could cut funding for LSU.

"What LSU officials haven’t done, however, is embrace the concept that the university’s impact must reach beyond the Quad and Tiger Stadium. To be blunt, LSU has been woeful in its efforts to build a knowledge-based economy outside the gates of the campus," he said.

That being said, Ball is not certainly abandoning an understanding of the importance of higher education in Louisiana. "Yes, higher ed [including community and technical colleges] has been woefully underfunded for decades, and, yes, the flagship institution must be considered a bedrock of this state’s future, but it’s also true that LSU must change its thinking," he continued.

When will other leaders and citizen activists also hold the university systems accountable for the current financial state of higher education? It sounds like a failed company, really. Say, for instance, an investor decides to fund an emerging business venture. Then, when the company fails to produce results they promised to said investor, they come back with their hands out and without promises of reform, eager for more dollars. What incentive is there for the investor to continue financing the venture without proof that this company is holding up its end of the bargain? Simply, none.

While LSU has made important strides in educating the people of Louisiana, it is important to remember that taxpayers act as investors in the institution of education. We, as taxpayers, invest money into public higher education in hopes of seeing long-term economic stability in our state and consistent improvement in our way of life. And just as an investor would be hesitant to throw more money at a company whose management and leadership refuses to take responsibility for its past failures, it is understandable that taxpayers in Louisiana have their own reservations about throwing money at an institution that has made no promises of thrift, accountability or reform.

SOS Rally at Delgado TOMORROW

There will be a SOS rally at Delgado Community College tomorrow (Friday) morning and afternoon.  JOIN US at 2600 General Meyer Avenue!

Press Conference

There will be a press conference at 11 a.m. TOMORROW on the steps of the state Capitol hosted by House Democrats to discuss the impending budget cuts, specifically in higher education!

Advocate: Study: LSU’s economic impact big

An LSU study released Wednesday contends LSU generates more than $1.2 billion annually for the region — or 3 percent of the Baton Rouge metro area’s gross domestic product.

The study, titled “The Economic Impact of Louisiana State University on the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Area,” looks at factors such as jobs created, sales generated, residents drawn to the area and research dollars attracted because of the presence of the state’s flagship university.

LSU Chancellor Michael Martin said the study presents a strong case against $219 million in proposed cuts to the state’s higher education. That includes $102 million – about 15 percent of its state funding – from the LSU System and $34 million from the main LSU campus.

There's more

Jindal: La. Constitution change would spread out budget cuts

• By JORDAN BLUM
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau

LAFAYETTE — Gov. Bobby Jindal said Wednesday the budgetary blows to higher education and health care would lessen if the state Constitution were changed.

The catch is that such plans, which would have to win two-thirds approval of both houses of the Legislature and a majority of the state’s voters, could not be implemented until the 2010-2011 fiscal year. The plans would not ease the $632 million reduction to colleges and hospitals that Jindal has recommended for the upcoming fiscal year that begins July 1.

“Health care and higher education always take the brunt of budget reductions when our state revenue declines,” Jindal said, noting that people always say such a setup should be changed.

There's more

Egg the Capitol

http://www.wafb.com/global/story.asp?s=10127662 

Protesting the budget cuts on higher education is not an act of immaturity, selfishness, or disillusionment.  It is an act of concern that extends far beyond students.  We are not attacking the jobs created by the Farmerville chicken plant.  That is part of the state's economic development and recovery- we get that.   

But it is an illustration of how the government of Louisiana is constantly putting education on the back burner.  When will they realize that education builds the foundation for success?  A strong educational system will result in a strong state.  Our neighbor (and certainly most other states in the U.S.) have learned this.  

But we have the largest brain drain problem in the nation.  The 1,300 jobs created in Farmerville is great.  But it is not a long term investment in the future of our state.  We need to do more than that- more than 1,300 jobs.  And supporting higher education is the way to do that.  We need to stop giving people reasons to LEAVE Louisiana and stop making ourselves less and less attractive for people to COME to Louisiana.

The 1,300 jobs (which I would kind of expect more jobs to be saved for the price tag of $50 million) is a necessary step to help Louisiana recover.  But not at the expense of education.  This is just ONE of many illustrations of how skewed the government's priorities are today (and have been for far too long).  PUT EDUCATION FIRST- for once.  

College students protest cuts with egg baskets

Associated Press • April 3, 2009

BATON ROUGE — The dozen baskets of plastic eggs dropped off at the governor's office weren't to celebrate a happy Easter holiday. Instead, the college students that delivered them Friday said it was a form of protest.

The students say the eggs are a symbol of their disappointment with Gov. Bobby Jindal for agreeing to spend $50 million to keep open a chicken plant in north Louisiana while proposing $219 million in cuts to public colleges next year.

The students who delivered the baskets say the governor's priorities are skewed.

Jindal says the state intervened to keep open the Farmerville plant to save 1,300 jobs and 300 chicken farms. The college cuts are part of a series of reductions proposed to balance next year's budget against a hefty drop in state income.

http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20090403/UPDATES01/90403027

Media Coverage!

Everybody watch Baton Rouge local news tonight and check the Advocate on Saturday for coverage of SOS members delivering Easter eggs to Governor Jindal’s office. The eggs symbolized our disappointment in Jindal’s priorities. How can a chicken processing plant get $50 million, and higher ed gets deep cuts.
For the chicken story visit http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/42307697.html

CUTS WOULD HIT LSU HARD

BY Jordan Blum
Advocate Capitol News Bureau

LSU would lay off at least 400 employees, cut back on scholarships and shut down some research institutions under proposed budget cuts, LSU Chancellor Michael Martin said Thursday.

The LSU campus and most of the LSU System’s other institutions released their proposals for meeting $102 million in budget cuts to the LSU System in Gov. Bobby Jindal’s executive budget.

The cuts represent nearly 15 percent of the state’s appropriations to LSU campuses.

LSU museums, student services and general campus upkeep will all suffer more because the academic core must be protected, Martin said.

He said about 80 percent of LSU’s budget is in personnel and that it is “demoralizing” to let anyone go. Most layoffs would be staff and some instructors and part-time faculty, but not tenure-track faculty, yet, he said. The main LSU campus employs nearly 3,300 people.

“It’s very difficult to face the prospect that some of these good people will not be with us,” Martin said.

Martin’s budget proposal was submitted to the LSU System office Thursday evening. The system office will review and approve the budget.

LSU’s budget plans do not include anticipated 5 percent tuition increases and possible fee increases that could cushion some of the cuts, he said.

Find the rest of the story here.

Jindal Chooses Chicken Pluckin' Over Higher Education

Added fund uses urged

State needs money for ongoing projects

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

By Jan Moller

Capital bureau

BATON ROUGE -- A $415 million incentive fund designed to land large-scale economic development projects could be more than half depleted before the state lands a major deal, if Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration has its way.

With the state's ability to borrow constrained by falling revenues and shaky credit markets, the administration is proposing to use its Mega-Project Development Fund to finance four projects that have already been inked, including two in the New Orleans area.

There's more

J.R. Ball in the Baton Rouge Business Report

Two cents: Colleges trump chickens

Call me crazy—many have said much worse—but if the Jindal administration can rationalize tapping the state's mega-fund for $50 million to purchase a closed chicken plant, then how can it not also use the economic development fund to save higher education? No offense to the 1,300 workers and suppliers impacted by the plant closure in Farmerville, but the health and vitality of our community and technical colleges and our four-year universities is of far more vital importance to the long-term economic health of Louisiana. Without question, there's a need to overhaul and streamline higher education and how the systems are managed and funded, but until that happens (and we hope soon) the administration can't sit back and watch many of the gains made by LSU and others get reversed in one fiscal cycle. If Gov. Bobby Jindal truly embraces the concept of a knowledge-based economy, then he absolutely must find a way to minimize the fiscal hit on higher education -- even if it means raiding LED's sacred mega-fund. Send comments to editors@businessreport.com. —JR Ball

Anticipated budget cuts announced

As most of you know by now, a $219 million (15%) cut to the higher education budget was proposed by Gov. Jindal just a few weeks ago.

Federal money will only be a short term solution, and the state is looking at more than a $400 million shortfall come 2012.

So far projections for each system are as follows:

LSU system - $102,087,705

Southern Univeristy system - $16,942,411

University of Lousiana system - $67,054,816

Louisiana Community & Technical College system - $28,794,979


These appropriations aren't final and will be submitted to the legislature in April for final approval.

The Board of Regents is working on phasing in a funding formula based on performance in areas such like increases in degrees and certificates awarded and competition for research grants.

For more information, visit:

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20090325/NEWS04/90325029

http://www.lsureveille.com/anticipated-budget-cut-figures-announced-1.1629241

SOS TO APPEAR ON JIM ENGSTER SHOW!

Two members of the "SOS-Save Our Schools Campaign" will appear on the Jim Engster Show, broadcast on 89.3 WRKF, the NPR affiliate here in Baton Rouge, tomorrow (Wednesday) from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. If you're outside of the listening range, listen live here! The guests will discuss the implications of higher education cuts, as well as practical solutions to make these institutions sustainable in tough economic times. 

If you want to chime in, please call (225) 297-5633. We hope to hear from you!

students, prove that you CARE

We, as students, are so frequently disregarded by our legislators. We are perceived as inactive citizens with little power to make change. The governor and the legislators are dismissing education and think they can get away with it! We must prove that we are worth saving, that our education is worth saving, and that we will not be walked on. Legislators are more than happy to refer to us as the "future of the state," yet have no problem in cutting our education- our lifeline to being the future. Now is the time we must make our mark and prove that we deserve respect. So let us hold the legislators accountable for the future they seem so concerned about during election season....and so unwilling to protect once in office.

How can you make your mark?

S.O.S. Press Conference VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8ypc2rxQSM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW9Ld7Qmtwk

As the Advocate says... LET THE SUN SHINE IN.

In the March 18, 2009 edition of The Advocate, the editorial board echoed the sentiments of SOS: it's time for Louisiana government to get transparent. In "Our View" piece, entitled "Let the Sun Shine In," the board explains that this is National Sunshine Week (annually March 15 to March 21), where leading transparency advocates tout the benefits of a completely transparent government. In our state, leaders like the Pelican Institute for Public Policy and Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana have long championed the need for this sort of government reform. And finally, these voices in the wilderness are getting the credit they deserve.

The article calls for President Obama to live up to his promises of making his entire administration transparent, especially with a Google-style searchability of federal budgets and legislation. In Louisiana, Governor Jindal promised, through one of his first executive orders, complete transparency.

How does this correlate with our ongoing budget crisis affecting our school? Now, more than ever, students and taxpayers should monitor the spending of both educational institutions and the state. When each penny matters more than it did ever before (which could be the root of the problem), transparency allows for all of us to scrutinize spending. We must be responsible voters and examine the causes for the problems we face. And transparency is just the tool to do so.

Change: The Higher Education Funding Disconnect: Spending More, Getting Less

by Jane V. Wellman

The rich and famous are much in the news these days—colleges and universities that is, the ones with endowments in the hundreds of millions or more and whose run-up in assets has raised questions about their non-profit status from both state and federal lawmakers. The U.S. Senate Finance committee wants to know, for example, why institutions that are reported to average 20 percent annual increases in the market value of endowments of $500 million or more still need to raise tuition and fees every year. And the Internal Revenue Service is preparing for intensive audits of more than 400 institutions, looking at revenue-generating activities housed within them and how those activities fulfill the public or charitable purposes of the institutions. Meanwhile, legislation has been proposed in Massachusetts to levy state taxes on the Commonwealth’s wealthiest non-profit private institutions.

Media and policy attention to the wealthiest sector of higher education might cause the public and policy makers to think that most colleges and universities are awash in money—and looking only at the Ivy League and the biggest public research universities, it would be hard to argue that they’re mistaken. But the focus on revenue masks the bigger story in higher education finance in America, which is a story of growing gaps between rich and poor institutions, greater clustering of low-income students in poorly financed institutions, and disinvestment in teaching. Any one of these trends by itself would be disturbing; the three together spell real trouble for our future capacity to reverse America’s decline in postsecondary performance.

There's more

The Advocate: LSU faculty denounces furlough plan

By JORDAN BLUM

LSU faculty leaders came out of a meeting with LSU System President John Lombardi on Tuesday with the impression that widespread layoffs and declarations of financial emergencies are unlikely at LSU.

But LSU faculty continue to strongly oppose a proposal by LSU Chancellor Michael Martin that could force faculty to take furloughs — time off without pay — without approving an emergency state of “financial exigency” as is currently required.

The LSU chapter of the American Association of University Professors approved a new letter to Martin that said, “We are concerned about the wisdom and long-term effects of your request to the LSU System for greater power to implement furloughs without having to invoke financial exigency.

“In the hands of future chancellors, such powers may easily be abused,” stated the letter signed by Charles Delzell, a math professor and president of the AAUP chapter.

Read the rest of the story

New York Times: State Colleges Also Face Cuts in Ambitions

March 17, 2009

By TAMAR LEWIN

TEMPE, Ariz. — When Michael Crow became president of Arizona State University seven years ago, he promised to make it “The New American University,” with 100,000 students by 2020. It would break down the musty old boundaries between disciplines, encourage advanced research and entrepreneurship to drive the new economy, and draw in students from underserved sectors of the state.

He quickly made a name for himself, increasing enrollment by nearly a third to 67,000 students, luring big-name professors and starting interdisciplinary schools in areas like sustainability, projects with partners like the Mayo Clinic and Sichuan University in China, and dozens of new degree programs.

Read the whole story here (NY Times registration required)

Kate speaks on WAFB!! Check it out!

Link to interview:  http://www.wafb.com/global/Category.asp?C=151146&clipId=&topVideoCatNo=89761&topVideoCatNoB=92715&topVideoCatNoC=151875&topVideoCatNoD=89780&topVideoCatNoE=89943&clipId=3554940&topVideoCatNo=undefined&autoStart=true&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=flv

LSU students take to Internet to oppose state funding cuts

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/41356492.html

Jindal's budget proposal "destroys" higher education

...State Rep. Page Cortez voiced his budget concerns in Baton Rouge following the Governor's budget presentation, saying "we're destroying higher [education].”

Cortez says while the plan would use $3.6 billion in federal stimulus money to ease the financial pain, those funds dry up two years which would leave educators with a bigger hole down the road.

"I think from an economic development stand point we start sending our best and brightest to other states to get an education than we've lost that industry," said Cortez.

For now, the cuts are just proposals, still in need of approval from the legislature.

- WWL-TV.com 3/16/09 (Full Story)

Save Our Schools Press Conference

Come join us at Free Speech Plaza by the LSU Student Union tomorrow (Monday) at 1:30 p.m. for a press conference in response to the recent release of the budget expectations. Media and the public are invited to attend.

$219 million in cuts across LA public college campuses!!!

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/03/13/ap6164835.html

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/41145072.html

Two minute television clip from news 2 WBRZ 

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/paper-trail/2009/3/11/jindal-to-cut-219-million-from-louisiana-colleges.html

BusinessReport.com: Dumbing down higher ed

By JR Ball

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Just how serious is Louisiana about the importance of higher education?

That's the question Gov. Bobby Jindal, LED head Stephen Moret, the rest of the administration and the Legislature need to answer—and soon, considering the current plan is to whack $219 million, or roughly 15.5%, in university funding for the upcoming fiscal year.

Time after time, we've been told that a knowledge-based economy is the key to the economic future of the Capital Region and this state. We've been to places like Austin, Raleigh-Durham and Portland to see first-hand the economic boon that results when higher education is viewed with the same reverence as attracting an automobile plant or some multinational steel conglomerate.

READ THE WHOLE STORY

GUESS WHAT! NOW YOU CAN TAKE A BUS... TO AN UNACCREDITED SCHOOL??

Today's front page of The Daily Reveille included a quote from University Chancellor Michael Martin explaining that a $45.4 million budget cut would be "like the Flagship Agenda never happened... it's very disheartening." 

Strangely enough, this article appears on top of another piece, entitled "University sends bid invitations for new bus system." While I will give credit to the University for utilizing privatization to save some money, as opposed to the highly inefficient government-run CATS (Capital Area Transit System) bus program, there is one glaring issue. 

Why, if the University fears substantial budget cuts that will cause the whole system to collapse and ruin all of our lives, are they still going forward with a plan to expand and upgrade bus services? This will surely cost LSU boatloads of money... no, excuse me, taxpayer dollars.

As a former member of the current Student Government's Executive and Senior Staffs, I understand that it was an important initiative for them to get a new bus system in place. Certainly, there have been tons of complaints about surly and downright reckless drivers, inadequate service and inaccessibility of buses. There is no denying that there should be improvements to the bus system. But at what cost?

Is it worth purchasing a new fleet of buses that include GPS devices when they are threatening us with our school losing accreditation and, as Chancellor Martin woefully explained, the school "fall[ing] back to where we were eight or 10 years ago"? 

This is just another example of the mismanaged priorities of our school. Even though our bus system needs improvement, is now a time to worry about TomTom directing us to the Bell Tower?

I hope that this attempt at privatization will result in saving money. But, I fear that won't be the case. You see, what I expect to happen is that the money saved by using a private service will not be put in a lock-box, but instead, spent to purchase more buses or heaven only knows what else, for fear of not being allotted that money in future budgets. 

Please, LSU... prove me wrong. I beg you. I'd love to be wrong in exchange for the safeguarding of the interests of taxpayers and students. 

LSU Schools to Prepare $100 Million in Cuts

Wednesday, March 11, 2009
By Jan Moller
Capital bureau

LSU schools to prepare $100 million in cuts
System's chief says they may be permanent

BATON ROUGE -- The head of the Louisiana State University System is asking individual campus heads to detail how $100 million in permanent cuts would affect their schools as the state's colleges brace for a bare-bones budget.

In a letter to university chancellors, LSU System President John Lombardi also confirmed that the schools will ask the Legislature for a 5 percent tuition increase this spring to help mitigate the effects of spending cuts caused by the ongoing recession and the state's loss of energy revenue. He said the schools might also look at increasing some fees, though that could prove to be a tougher sell among lawmakers.

The tuition increase was initially approved last year, and requires only a majority vote in each chamber of the Legislature to implement for the 2009-10 academic year. But most fee increases require a two-thirds majority of the House and Senate.

"While it is possible that some relief may be forthcoming from the Legislature, due to the timing we cannot delay development of specific plans to implement the reductions required by the Governor's budget," Lombardi wrote.

Gov. Bobby Jindal is scheduled to make his 2009-10 budget recommendations to the Legislature on Friday. Higher education officials were told late last week that colleges and universities will be asked to absorb a $219 million cut, an amount that would have been twice as high were it not for federal economic stimulus dollars.

The cuts come after several years of growth in state spending on higher education, which brought Louisiana's public colleges and universities up to the level of their regional peers after decades of trailing behind.

Lombardi said the cuts translate to a 15 percent reduction in state support, and a 9 percent cut in "discretionary money," or state dollars and money collected from students.

A spreadsheet accompanying Lombardi's letter says LSU's main campus would be cut by $35 million, while the University of New Orleans is looking at $11 million in reductions. The LSU Health Sciences Center-New Orleans would be cut by $19 million.

The letter asks that individual campuses produce detailed budget plans by April 21, when the higher education budgets are scheduled for their first review by the House Appropriations Committee.

Although many economists predict the country will start to emerge from the current economic downturn next year, Lombardi said campuses should prepare for the cuts to be permanent, since the federal stimulus dollars that are propping up the budget will dry up in two years.
"Even with a substantial recovery of the economy over the next two years, we are likely to need to manage within constrained budgets for some period beyond the current two-year funding of the federal stimulus package," Lombardi wrote.
. . . . . . .
Jan Moller can be reached at jmoller@timespicayune.com or 225.342.5207.

University facing 15% in cuts

State college leaders were told Friday to prepare for more than 15 percent in cuts from their state funding during a private meeting at the Governor’s Mansion, higher education officials said.That represents about $219 million in cuts — nearly half of which applies to the LSU System — to colleges statewide in Gov. Bobby Jindal’s executive budget to be released Friday for the 2009-2010 fiscal year that begins July 1.The potential amount to cut was determined only after factoring in another $219 million in anticipated federal “stimulus” money, said Meg Casper, Louisiana Board of Regents spokeswoman. The two numbers being the same is a coincidence, she said.That means that without federal aid to ease the cuts, the cuts could have exceeded the feared “worst-case scenario” cuts of nearly 30 percent warned about in January.The state allocates $1.4 billion for higher education.State appropriations make up roughly 60 percent of most college budgets. Additional funds come from tuition revenue, federal dollars, research grants and private fundraising.College leaders have said 30 percent cuts would result in thousands of layoffs and the loss of many academic programs and students.The federal aid approved by Congress is only for two years. So, unless things change, the budget cuts could be significantly worse in 2012.State Commissioner of Higher Education Sally Clausen declined an interview request Friday, but she did release the $219 million number.“We have been anticipating a budget reduction for the coming year,” Clausen said in a prepared statement. “We expect to learn the final details of the governor’s budget when it is officially released on the 13th.”

For more of this story visit http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/40886642.html

Federal money - it's the only thing we got!

“Without federal aid to ease the cuts, the cuts could have exceeded the feared 'worst-case scenario' cuts of nearly 30 percent warned about in January," according to the Advocate.

Soooo… so far, the only alleviation for LA higher education has come straight from the federal package. Instead of rejecting the federal aid and finding its own solutions, Louisiana now finds itself relying solely on the federal dollars.

Jindal’s turnaround regarding the federal aid appears complete… from threatened rejection to complete reliance.

Couldn't the state add at least some relief on top of the federal money?

Even if it’s just to prove to itself that it’s somewhat capable?

The Battle Over Higher Ed's Budget Begins

The real battle over Louisiana's higher education budget begins in the coming week when Gov. Bobby Jindal releases his proposed budget (due on Friday, March 13). According to a story in today's Times-Picayune, Jindal will probably propose a 15 percent cut in higher education. That's about half of what he likely would have proposed without federal stimulus funds -- which he opposed and said he would have voted against.

Now the battle begins to persuade Jindal and the Legislature to take further steps to make that 15 percent cut even smaller.

Options: they can set priorities that protect higher education (yes, they do have some leeway, despite what you hear in the press); they can tap into some large, existing funds that haven't been spent or are proposed for increases (a $400 economic development fund that Jindal & Co. reportedly want to increase by an additional $400 million); or they can tap into the state's rainy day fund to close the gap.

Any of these options, or a combination of some or all, could save Louisiana higher education from crippling budget cuts.

University Sustainability Tip #3- There is No Visibility Through Fogged Glass: An Argument Against Partial and Superficial Transparency

What good is a room with a breathtaking view whose windows haven’t been washed in a decade? How useful are glasses with one shattered lens? How well can one drive without defogging his windshield on a cold day?

The ability to perceive through observation is innately human. We seek to satiate our desires to know and understand through investigating firsthand things that interest and matter to us.

Money undeniably satisfies both of those requirements. And as a price for living in a civilized society, we pay a sizeable chunk of our earnings in taxes (that are too high and too tediously complex, but I digress…). And because we contribute to the creation and maintenance of government projects, we should enjoy the right to examine how those dollars are being spent. When taxes are hardly voluntary (unless you are a crafty politician), should compulsory fees we pay to the government be spent by politicians and bureaucrats without any accountability?

Interestingly enough, LSU System President John Lombardi appeared all too eager to disclose the system’s expenditures on the aforementioned LaTRAC website. Unfortunately for taxpayers, many of us, when delving into each budgetary component’s intricacies, were met with three dirty words: “SUMMARY DATA ONLY.” This phrase signifies the budgetary roadblock of an inability to further investigate a spending category’s specifics.

Sure, Lombardi had no problem telling Louisiana taxpayers that he spent XXXXX on teachers’ salaries. However, disclosing each employee’s salary is left up to the scoop-seeking DAILY REVEILLE and THE TIMES PICAYUNE. And Lombardi had no problem releasing the figures for the egregious $1.8 million in teachers’ conference fees. We just have no idea where these conferences were, which teachers went, how much each cost and what these conferences entailed. Heck, if I were a professor traveling to Greece for a three-day conference and the University footed the bill for an eight-day tropical vay-cay, I would be a little hesitant, as well.

While this problem can be found all over state agencies’ budgets posted online, it is particularly interesting that higher education gazes upon its budget cut fates with tear-filled eyes of desperation, with little or no attempts to meet Louisiana taxpayers halfway.

And how does higher education remedy this dilemma? While financial records can be public records requested and the government (Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA), government hardly expects ordinary citizens to request receipts from public sector purchases. This is why it is owed to the taxpayers of Louisiana that higher education provides every transaction, down to every last penny, in an online, searchable database. As mentioned in previous postings, the infrastructure is already in place and there is no excuse for refusing to comply with this appeal.

It’s time for the bureaucrats of Louisiana higher education to turn on the defogger for the collective windshield of the taxpayers. We’d really like to see what’s on the other side. And as mentioned before, if they are as noble and upright as they claim to be, it is my belief that Louisianians will support their fight for continued funding. We all know that a strong higher education system means a strong Louisiana. And for those who aren’t entirely convinced, this might just do the trick.

Just as a good report card means a trip to Celebration Station for a round of putt-putt for an eight-year-old, a chance at proving their responsibility can garner rewards greater than they could have imagined. But just as a third grader can’t run to his parents and claim he has a 4.0 without proving it with a stellar report card, the university should not reap the benefits without proof of its responsibility expressed with a fiscal report card.

Certainly, higher education wants to renew a public confidence that has long diminished through countless years of waste and mismanagement. And I can’t think of a better opportunity than now.

Success Stories

I was personally told today that some of our readers have been using the "Contact Your Representative" feature at the right side of our blog. This is great news!

This blog is nothing but wasted breath if its readers do not take action and speak out on your opinions regarding the budget situation. It can involve as little effort as posting a response on one of our own entries, or posting responses on the Advocate or Daily Reveille Web sites. You can write a letter to the editor, or submit your own ideas for a post to us, or start your own blog, or e-mail your representatives. It all starts with YOU.

University Sustainability Tip #2- Cut Classes That Don't Work

This might be the most unpopular in my series of university sustainability tips, but I think it's still pretty necessary to point out. It is time that university systems start cutting classes and programs that are low-enrolling, underperforming or just plain pointless.

Whether it's "African American English" or "Primary Trumpet," there are plenty of offerings throughout the entire university in many degree programs that are simply not generating enough interest to keep them around during an economic "crisis." I suggest the university systems go line-by-line and decide which programs do not garner enough student support to deserve remaining on campuses in our state.

This is not to say that during times of prosperity that the university systems can't examine reopening these classes for enrollment, but right now, I think we can all do without them. Period.

House leader asks whether Louisiana has too many colleges

09:15 PM CST on Thursday, February 19, 2009
Bill Capo / Eyewitness News

BATON ROUGE, La. – Does Louisiana have too many state colleges and universities? The speaker of the house wants to know whether expert opinions uphold his impressions.

"We have a facility almost on every corner, and in New Orleans that is particularly true,” said state Rep. Jim Tucker, who is the speaker of the house. “Where that becomes a problem is it is not the human capital side of higher education where the real dollars are lost. It is in the infrastructure where we are not utilizing buildings and facilities as efficiently as we could."

Find the rest of this story here.



What do you think? Do you think there are too many colleges? What ways could the higher education system in our state help eliminate wasteful spending?

Enrollment Issues

From the LSU Daily Reveille, 2/19/2009:

"...An estimated 8,500 students may leave the University if state funding is cut by 30 percent next fiscal year.

This figure — among others like hikes in tuition and student fees — was not included in the LSU System’s “budget reduction exercise” released Feb. 4.

“We’ve tried to minimize any discussion of enrollment loss and avoid too much focus on alternative sources of revenue,” LSU System President John Lombardi told Chancellor Michael Martin in a Jan. 29 e-mail obtained by The Daily Reveille. “Those issues are likely to prompt questions we’re not ready to answer given the variable nature of the budget conversations at the present time....”"

Read the full article:

http://www.lsureveille.com/enrollment_could_drop_if_university_hit_with_budget_cuts-1.1485286

What do you think? How big is the enrollment issue to you?

What's YOUR take on the budget situation?

Let's allow our readers to let their voices be heard! Post a comment: what do you think about the whole situation regarding higher education's place on the Louisiana budget chopping block?

University Sustainability Tip #1: Privatization/ Competitive Sourcing

This is the first in a series of commentary in suggestions for LSU and other university systems to become sustainable through even the most uncertain of economic times. Because we are unsure about the road that our governor and legislature will take to protect higher education, we should examine long-term solutions to the ongoing budget problems that fiscal mismanagement create.

Take control of the crisis by urging university administration and our legislature to promote sound budgetary policies that save the students and taxpayers money!

A great way for universities to cut back spending and to save more than a few pennies is through privatization/ competitive sourcing. Simply put, privatization is the act of turning previously government-provided services over to private sector enterprises.

What does this mean in our higher education crisis? Instead of paying state workers to mow the grass (as an example), LSU can offer a competitive bidding process for different private companies to earn the contract. Oftentimes, this means doing the same job more cheaply, more efficiently and more quickly. Due to the nature of these contracts, the university could penalize a company for not completing a project in time. Additionally, this would stimulate our local economy by allowing small businesses the opportunity to grow.

Privatization would offer benefits to both the contractors and the customers, in this case, the university systems.

For more information about the privatization process, examples of its successes throughout the country and the enormous savings it provides, check out the Reason Foundation’s Privatization Center.

New Orleans City Business report -- LSU system waits to see how deep cuts will be

http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/viewStory.cfm?recID=32706

LSU system spokesman Charles Zewe projects that all departments will have to prepare for 18-30% cuts in the coming year. According to the story, each of the system's 10 colleges has already been asked to prepare a strategic budget in preparation, noting prioritized importance of programs. In the spirit of transparency, is this information available to LSU system students or the public? UNO's chancellor notes that cuts will be avoided in academics first and that their is a vested interest in higher education, especifically in times of economic trouble. All in all, nothing can be determined and no specific action can be taken until Gov. Jindal releases the executive budget ... so is it all just speculation?

BRAC head stresses higher ed importance

Let’s be smarter about cuts -- editorial

Houmatoday.com

It was just coincidence that a national teacher survey giving Louisiana a C- came out on the same day we ran a story about impending budget cuts to Louisiana’s higher-education system.

Coincidence or not, though, the two stories highlight a continuing need to improve education in Louisiana and a continuing willingness to make our colleges and universities take cuts when money gets tight.

The teacher survey, conducted by the National Council on Teacher Quality, rated the various states on their ability to hire and keep good teachers. It came out Wednesday.

Also on Wednesday, we ran a story detailing the effects of the $116.4 million cut the University of Louisiana System will undergo in next year’s budget.

The two stories weren’t related except that the matter of education was involved. Ironically, though, even as the state was told it wasn’t doing very well at attracting and keeping good teachers, our colleges were planning on cutting 1,500 jobs and 60 academic programs.

Clearly, higher education should be a public priority. Our colleges and universities train the next generation of leaders who will enter every field of endeavor, including education.

Cutting the money going into education -- the preparation of our future -- is counterproductive to any sort of long-term plan for the state.

Officials with the University of Louisiana System have estimated that the cuts on the table now could lead to 12,000 students leaving school.

That is a scary thought if only because young people trying to position themselves for success in the future deserve our encouragement and support. Their success will go a long way toward determining the future outlook of the entire state.

At Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, the cuts forced on the system this year have already led to reduced course offerings and shortened library hours, direct components to our students’ ability to succeed.

Our institutions of higher learning represent a significant investment. They take up a large part of the state’s budget.

But they are investments that return education. They turn out teachers, writers, mathematicians and judges.

More importantly, they represent an investment in our future. Making massive cuts to education might make sense on a written budget, but any concerted effort to bring our state into a better future must include adequate funding for our colleges and universities.

We urge our state leaders to take a long, hard look at state spending priorities and to make sure they are in order with our society’s goals.

If our colleges face disproportionately large cuts, it might be a sign that our priority system as a whole needs an adjustment.

While money is so tight, this could be the best possible time to look again at those priorities.

Editorials represent the opinions of the newspaper, not of any individual.

Another state's response

“How can you have prosperity by cutting higher education, the road to prosperity? I just don’t get it.”- UNLV Faculty Senate Chair and economics professor Nasser Daneshvary.

Sound familiar? Check out Nevada students' response to major higher ed cuts.

http://unlvrebelyell.com/2009/01/26/thousands-rally-against-budget-cuts/

How about that for an S.O.S. call?

Is the sky REALLY falling?

Ok, so there is some legitimacy to budget cutback claims. Certainly, there is a distinct possibility that there will be some belt-tightening, but while everyone is running around claiming that the sky is falling, let's examine what's really happening. It is my sincere hope that those reading this blog are able to thoughtfully discern what is real and what is sensationalism.

First of all, in terms of political expediency, does it make any sense for Governor Jindal to let LSU (or higher ed in general) tank in the state of Louisiana? Absolutely not. This Republican wonderboy has aspirations of being president (no secret there) and enjoys the backing of big-time conservative leaders, like Rush Limbaugh and Grover Norquist. Imagine trying to run for president with that skeleton in your closet. Simply put- it's not going to happen. Any smart politician will not let it. And Jindal has proven to be one of the smartest in the bunch. At least from Louisiana, anyway.

Secondly, the ongoing love affair between the Louisiana Legislature and LSU will not be soured. They enjoy their box suites and LSU enjoys getting the OK from the legislature for tuition and fee increases year after year. 

Third, does anyone honestly think that a legislature, probably half-filled by LSU grads, would let LSU crumble? If they're trying to ensure incumbency, is it not a threat if their home districts are angry about their inability to adequately fund local university systems? 

I'm not saying that there won't be cuts. There probably will be. And I mentioned before, LSU (and probably other university systems too) could probably learn to budget better without spending $1.3 million on office supplies each year. Our university family, just like every other in the country, must live a little more frugally during this economic hurdle. Learning to say "No, I don't need this _________," (insert conference, stapler, university vehicle), will be the first exercise of higher education self-control.

And as the flagship university, isn't it time we set an example?

It's easy to get caught up in the sensationalism in fear. We are threatened with class offerings being cut back, teachers losing their jobs and our university going to shambles. But we need to give ourselves some credit here- we are a good school and we are of value. And others see that and are trying, behind the scenes and on podiums around the state, to find a practical solution.

Don't act desperate, LSU. It's really not very becoming of you.

$587M stimulus share for education not to be taken as a sedative

Please read the Associated Press' article on Louisiana's share of the recently-approved economic stimulus package, in the previous post, and pay special note to all notes regarding education. Also note the voting tally by Louisiana's Congressional representatives. I'll also supply a link here (whichever you prefer):

Nola.com (Times-Picayune)
The Daily Reveille

Keep in mind that these numbers should not be taken as a tranquilizer or as set in stone. There are several scenarios and factors to keep in mind, including:

1) The state may not include this money in its budget, a possibility considering the similar stance taken by Mississippi's governor and the fact that most of La.'s Congressional contingent opposed the stimulus as it was written;

2) The consistently inconsistent nature of our country's economy and the increasing trend of government-funded bailouts;

3) The fact that the state MAY receive $587 million to alleviate educational cuts is not an assurance that it will; and

4) The fact remains that Louisiana has several educational institutions to support, and that all are facing budget cuts, and LSU A&M is certainly not guaranteed to receive anything close to the full amount. This same item should concern each individual institution who has a seat on the chopping block.

Going back to an e-mail Chancellor Michael Martin sent to the LSU community on Feb. 6, our main campus faces a maximum budget cut of about $72 million, as part of a maximum cut for the entire LSU system of $209 million. The minimum cut would still be at about $43 million for LSU A&M (coupled with the already-made cuts, mandated by the governor, at more than $10 million), which is still an enormous amount of money, and would still pose tremendous harm to the integrity of the institution.

It may not seem too difficult to just to give our campus enough money to offset all these proposed cuts, but nothing is ever simple. How often do you see decision-makers spurn the obviously correct solution? AND keep in mind there are several other campuses across the state in need of these funds as well, and each will fight aggressively to keep itself intact.

Do not feel placated by the threads of e-mails discounting the possibilities of maximum cuts. Do not be placated by the figures you see in the headlines and the titles of this post. Do not let your guards down until the situation has been completely resolved, because there are always curveballs to be thrown and plot twists to emerge.

LSUA defended: Comments about cutting college anger local supporters

Town Talk staff • February 14, 2009

Remarks made Thursday in Baton Rouge targeting the four-year status of Louisiana State University at Alexandria have local supporters defending the institution.

Both Sally Clausen, the state commissioner of higher education, and Senate Finance Chairman Mike Michot, R-Lafayette, mentioned LSUA during a meeting about state budget cuts and possible solutions. Gov. Bobby Jindal's office has warned state colleges and universities that it may be necessary to cut $212 to $382 million -- about 12 to 30 percent -- for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

Michot, according to The Advocate in Baton Rouge, said it was wrong for the Legislature to make LSUA a four-year institution.

Clausen mentioned LSUA when asked for specifics on changes expected to be unveiled on Monday during the Louisiana Board of Regents meeting.

"I think you need to take a look at what you did in Alexandria," Clausen was quoted in The Advocate story.

The rumblings from Baton Rouge didn't sit well with Charlie Weems, who played a large role in LSUA's transition to a four-year university.

"It's a shame for them to be so short-sighted," said Weems, a member of the LSUA Foundation board of directors and former LSU board of supervisors member. "I would like for them to explain that to the 4-5,000 students up here that would be a black-hole" for higher educational opportunities.

"They are dead wrong about it. That would be a terrible mistake, in my opinion."


Find the rest of this story here.

La's share of stimulus pegged at $3.8 billion -- Saturday, Feb. 14

$587M tabbed to help avoid cuts to education

Melinda Deslatte
The Associated Press
Published: Saturday, February 14, 2009
Updated: Saturday, February 14, 2009

Louisiana stands to receive an estimated $3.8 billion for education, health care and other services from the $787 billion economic stimulus bill that passed Congress on Friday.

Among the largest pools of money are $1.7 billion for Medicaid, $587 million to help the state avoid cuts to education programs and $455 million for road and bridge work, according to data from the Federal Funds Information for States, which was tracking the legislation for both the National Conference of State Legislatures and the National Governors Association.

The money will flow to the state over two to three years.

Louisiana officials are grappling with how the dollars can be used — and which pieces might help the state close a gap in next year's budget, which is projected to include $1.2 billion less in state general fund income than this year. The new fiscal year begins July 1, and lawmakers will craft that budget in the regular session that begins in April.

Gov. Bobby Jindal said he isn't sure the state will take all the money it's eligible to receive, depending on the strings attached.

"We're going to be looking very carefully at the restrictions and conditions attached to these dollars and programs before we recommend that we include those dollars in our budget. And I would certainly expect the Legislature to do the same thing as they review our budget before any of these dollars can be spent," Jindal said this week.

On Friday, the U.S. House approved the spending and tax cut package, which supporters said would help create and retain jobs and keep the country from sliding deeper into a recession.

The U.S. Senate approved the measure Friday evening.

Louisiana's senators split their vote: Democrat Mary Landrieu supported the measure; Republican David Vitter opposed it.

Only one of Louisiana's seven congressmen, Democrat Charlie Melancon, supported the measure.

"With so many people hurting, we can't afford to sit back and wait for the perfect solution to come along," Melancon said. "We must take bold action now to stop the downward spiral."

All the state's Republican congressmen — Rodney Alexander, Charles Boustany, Anh "Joseph" Cao, Bill Cassidy, John Fleming and Steve Scalise — voted against it. Republicans said the package contained too much unnecessary spending and not enough tax breaks.

"Liberal spending pet projects fail to create long-lasting, good-paying jobs. Rather, this bill creates thousands of new bureaucratic jobs, which will slow our system down even further," Boustany said in a statement.

While several states have tapped "czars" or hired outside help to oversee their stimulus spending, it was unclear Friday who would guide the spending in Louisiana.

Before many of the dollars can be spent, the Louisiana Legislature or the Legislature's joint budget committee will have to approve the spending. Some of the dollars will flow directly to local government agencies, however.

According to the preliminary review released by the Federal Funds Information for States, Louisiana could receive:

—$1.7 billion for the state's Medicaid program.

—$587 million in education dollars to help prevent layoffs and cutbacks.

—$130 million in flexible dollars to help stave off budget cuts.

—$455 million for road and bridge work.

—$269 million for high-need schools.

—$197 million for special education.

—$77 million for transit projects.

—$72 million for clean and drinking water projects.

—$53 million for state and local law enforcement to hire officers and purchase equipment.

—$27 million for homelessness prevention.

—$16 million for the Head Start program.

Colleges coping with cuts

By Icess Fernandez • http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20090213/NEWS04/902130330/1063 • February 13, 2009 2:00 am

With the economy in flux, funding for higher education from state government isn't looking too good in Louisiana.

It isn't looking good in other places either.

Most Southern states had midfiscal year cuts to their budgets. Colleges and universities in 10 out of 16 states took hits, according to information collected by the Southern Regional Education Board.

And it's only going to get worse.

"In the 30 to 35 years I've been in higher education, I haven't seen it quite this bad," said Gale Gaines, vice president of state services for the Southern Regional Education Board.

Louisiana's higher education system hasn't been immune to the economy's spiral. After sustaining midyear cuts of $55 million, campuses are seeing fewer courses taught with more students sitting in classrooms. Adjunct faculty was cut on some campuses and travel was frozen for faculty and staff.

But next fiscal year, more cuts are on the way.

In January, the Louisiana Board of Regents was told to prepare for a budget decrease that could be anywhere from $212 million to $382.2 million. The LSU system announced additional cuts recently for its campuses in an attempt to trim $175 million from its budget. At schools like LSU-Shreveport, that means as many as 64 faculty and staff positions could be eliminated.

What Louisiana has seen is common to other states, Gaines said.

"Anecdotally, I've heard of layoffs, re-educated class sections, reduced the entering freshman class, furloughs," she said. "In general, institutions are trying to protect instruction as much as they can."

But it's not all bad news out there, said Jeff Stanley, senior policy analyst for the State Higher Education Executive Officers, a national organization that represent statewide higher education governing and coordinating boards.

The group is in the middle of conducting a survey of higher education funding. Although the group is in the early stages of its work, they know of only a handful of states that have increased their funding for colleges and universities. Of the surveys they have received so far, no state has increased its funding above one percent, Stanley said.

"So far only a handful have released their budgets," he said.

Around the nation:
-In Missouri, Gov. Jay Nixon vowed to keep higher education funding static as long as university officials did not raise tuition or fees for the 2009-10 academic year.
-Maryland Gov. Martin O'Mally has a proposal to fully fund his state's higher education system and set aside money for the university system to freeze tuition. The freeze would be in its fourth year.

Butchering Our Future

BusinessReport.com

Butchering our future

By JR Ball

Monday, February 9, 2009

Bobby Jindal repeatedly has told us the major priorities of this state—as well as his 1-year-old administration—are, in no particular order, 1] improving the quality and funding of higher education, including university-affiliated research facilities like Pennington Biomedical, 2] building the foundation for and growing a knowledge-based economy, and 3] stemming the 20-plus year mass exodus of our most educated and most talented young people.

The three are inescapably linked, and there’s no debate that all must happen [along with improving our failing K-12 public education system) if Louisiana is to have any hope of being competitive in a fast-changing global economy.

How big a role this state can realistically play on the world’s economic stage is a matter of debate. What’s certain, however, is our failure to reverse decades of neglect, denial and ambivalence toward higher education, a knowledge-based economy and retaining and attracting highly educated young people will lead to an escalation in already alarming poverty numbers and almost complete economic irrelevance. In short, Louisiana becomes even more of a welfare state than it is today.

Jindal, the wunderkind governor who many believe is destined to become president, knows this; heck, he’s even said it, albeit in a kinder, gentler, politically correct way.

So why doesn’t Jindal appear more concerned about the academic Armageddon that will play out if the state’s colleges and universities are forced to take a $212 million to $382 million budget hit?

Maybe he is as nervous as an LSU fan on National Signing Day, but his cool, and an ample supply of Dry Idea deodorant, never lets us see him sweat.

Nevertheless, anyone and everyone who sucks the polluted air in this state ought to be screaming in budgetary outrage.

How does the Jindal administration expect LSU to retain its nascent Tier 1 status if the system has to absorb a $175 million cut, $60.2 million coming at LSU’s Baton Rouge campus?

Granted, those are worst-case numbers and with the state facing a $2 billion shortfall every institution has to accept some cuts, but why are LSU and higher education getting butchered?

If the answer is, “There’s no choice, almost everything else in the budget is Constitutionally protected,” then what’s being done to start “un-protecting” some things? If Jindal won’t call a Constitutional convention, who, other than Rep. Franklin Foil and his gang of legislative allies, is actually working on something to right this decades-long wrong?

Who knows, maybe Jindal is counting on a plan he doesn’t support—President Barack Obama’s spending-spree-disguised-as-a-stimulus-plan—to solve the state’s looming fiscal crisis? Louisiana and its local governments, after all, are in line for as much as $3.1 billion.

Jindal says improving higher education, building a knowledge-based economy, and retaining and attracting smart young people is a top priority. OK, well what’s the plan? Where’s the strategic vision? Jindal is a McKinsey alum and lover of bullet-point plans, so where’s the one addressing this state’s long-term economic life?

On the same day LSU President John Lombardi was releasing an ominous 100-page worst-case scenario [detailing 2,000 layoffs, losses of program accreditation and the gutting of almost everything that doesn’t serve the system’s core academic mission], Jindal was in North Carolina bemoaning the woes of the national Republican Party and talking about family values. The next day there was still no plan, but the governor was in Lafayette and Monroe detailing his plans to crack down on sex offenders in the upcoming legislative session.

Who’s not for cracking down on sex offenders—other than sex offenders—but I’m thinking the governor ought to give some attention to a little something I like to call our economic future.

Without question, the flagship university’s dire budget reduction plan assumes every worst-case scenario and is one-part reality, one-part public relations and two-parts a shot across the administration’s bow. Still, very real cuts are coming and the damage to this state’s long-term economic growth could be devastating.

Jindal is a smart guy, so maybe he knows something the rest of us non-Ivy League educated folks don’t? If so, I’m saying it’s time for Jindal to give the rest of us a sneak peak at his brilliance.

Our future depends on it.

Effects of the Federal Stimulus Package

Looks like the federal stimulus package could help. You guys might have already read this in a recent email from LSU Chancellor Mike Martin.

"...$53.6 billion in the state fiscal stabilization fund, approximately $39.5 billion is dedicated to public education, both K-12 and higher education. The bill requires states to use federal resources to bring public higher education back to the higher of either the FY2008 or FY2009 level. When calculating the level of state support for state FY2008 and FY2009, the legislation explicitly excludes tuition and fees paid by students. Federal funds would also be available for state FY2009, FY2010, and FY2011.

Education infrastructure language was deleted during the negotiation of the conference report, but some stabilization funds may be accessible for infrastructure needs.

As we learn more about the effects of the stimulus package on Louisiana and LSU, we will let you know."

What do you think the federal bill will really do for LA higher ed?

Jindal's Options

In this article from Forbes.com, Jindal talks about the need to perhaps loosen the protection over other areas in the state budget so higher education and health care wouldn't take the worst of cuts during times of deficit. Would this take a state constitutional ammendment?

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/02/13/ap6050334.html

Consolidation Might Be a Good Option

Legislators consider college consolidation to save money

By JORDAN BLUM
Advocate Capitol News Bureau
Published: Feb 13, 2009 - Page: 6A - UPDATED: 12:20 a.m.

Lawmakers on Thursday discussed the possibility of restructuring higher education and consolidating some colleges.

A recurring assessment voiced by some legislators was that it was a mistake to morph LSU at Alexandria, called LSU-A, from a community college into a four-year university in 2001.
State college leaders met with the state Senate Finance Committee Thursday to discuss the budget cuts and possible restructuring.

State Sen. Nick Gautreaux, D-Meaux, said the time is now for seriously discussing consolidating schools and reorganizing college systems. “The reasons these systems were created was for power – political power,” Gautreaux said. “People in this state are tired of the rhetoric from everybody.”

Citing a potential $1.2 billion budget drop in state general fund revenue, the Governor’s Office alerted colleges of the possibility of cutting $212 million to $382 million for the upcoming fiscal year that begins July 1. That roughly represents a 12 to 30 percent range of the state’s $1.4 billion appropriation to colleges.

State Commissioner of Higher Education Sally Clausen said she is willing to make hard decisions on possible restructuring. “But it is only irresponsible for me to recommend it when we don’t have a number,” Clausen said.

Gov. Bobby Jindal’s executive budget with recommended cuts is due March 13. Jindal said he does not expect colleges will be cut as badly as 30 percent.

“The conversation will get very specific very fast once there’s a number,” said LSU System President John Lombardi. “You don’t want to target people you’re not going to actually have to kill.”
The saving grace for colleges may come from the federal government, legislators said.

Click here for full article- Legislators consider college consolidation to save money

Governor Jindal outlines six fiscal reforms (WAFB report)

By Tyana Williams (WAFB link)

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - As Louisiana legislators work to balance the budget, there's talk of closing or merging some of the state's four year colleges.

Chairman of the senate finance committee, Senator Mike Michot, says the state's community and technical college system is asking for $200 million to build new schools across the state. But he says higher education is already on the budget chopping block.

"We need to take the approach that everything is on the table," says Jindal. His slogan: It's a new day in Louisiana. And it may just ring true, saving health care and education from cashing out."

"Let's look at shutting down some of our smaller four year institutions," suggests Senator Michot, "and converting those to community colleges."

The senator says the state cannot continue asking taxpayers to foot the bill for 17 four-year schools, countless community colleges and techinical schools, especially after the community and technical schools have asked for $200 million to expand.

Jindal say his six-point plan would find savings in all areas, making government more transparent and accountable to taxpayers, eliminating money that is potentially wasted.

"One of savings DHH implemented," Governor Jindal explains, "eliminated travel funds in their budget for an advisory council that doesn't exist anymore."

Right now if the state faces a deficit, certain funds can only be cut by five percent every two years. Jindal wants that changed to 10 percent every year.

"If we had the ability to cut 10 percent every year," Jindal says, "we could've reduced up to $338 million in mid-year reductions."

Jindal says every year school districts ask for money to help at-risk, poor, and gifted students, but the state never knows how the money helps.

His reform would require schools to report how the funds are used, making the information available on the internet.

The legislature has to vote on the reforms before anything is changed.

As far as the stimulus package is concerned, Jindal says they'll look at how those dollars will help the state, and see what strings are attached before they decide whether or not to use it in the budget.

Jindal has outlined the following six fiscal reforms:

Increase the annual five percent cap on cutting dedicated budgetary units to ten percent
-Eliminate the two-year limit on dedicated fund reductions
-Enhance dedicated fund accountability
-Enact a four-year sunset for all statutorily created funds
-Ensure that public education spending is accountable, transparent, and targeted to areas that improve student performance
-Create a user-friendly website to post school information for parents and the general public

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So this appears to address the transparency issue, but is that acceptable at the expense of CLOSING or MERGING some of the state's four year colleges??