Though Louisiana's higher education system seemed unscathed when Gov. Bobby Jindal released his fiscal year 2012-2013 budget earlier this month, uncertainty still looms as state legislators prepare to reconvene March 12. The University's $8.1 million 2012 midyear budget cut became permanent for the 2013 fiscal year, but Jindal's budget proposal seemingly left higher education alone. The situation was the same in 2011, with higher education initially free from direct cuts in Jindal's budget, but in the hands of state legislators and with administrative prodding, tuition increased. "When the budget enters the process, we're always concerned about getting less," said Jason Droddy, director of External Affairs. "The governor's budget is a starting point."
Several bills concerning higher education have been filed so far.
