Anxiety on Louisiana college campuses over possible budget cuts - ELIZABETH CRISP, the Advocate

Across the state, people are bracing for potentially devastating cuts to college and university funding that could change higher education in Louisiana for years to come. The talk of deep — many have been throwing around figures around 40 to 60 percent — cuts to campuses has prompted responses from faculty, students, alumni and administrators, though most are left with only speculation and concern. Gov. Bobby Jindal’s proposed budget, which his administration says will include recommendations for paring back costs, is slated to be revealed Feb. 27. The state faces a $1.6 billion funding shortfall in the coming year, largely a result of Jindal’s reluctance to touch any measure that could be seen as increasing taxes, plus the impact of slumping oil prices. Higher education and health care are the largest pieces of the state budget that aren’t protected by the state constitution — leaving them most vulnerable to such large-scale cuts. http://theadvocate.com/news/11514751-123/anxiety-on-louisiana-college-campuses