Louisiana House Speaker Rep. Chuck Kleckley plans to fight any plan that would significantly reduce higher education funding in the spring legislative session.
Last week, a spokesperson for Gov. Bobby Jindal stated the administration was looking at a cut of $200 to $300 million for state colleges and universities. "That would not set higher ed back by years, but, by generations," said Kleckley. Jindal's staff is considering ways to reduce state spending as a result of an anticipated $1.4 billion shortfall. A reduction would occur in the fiscal year budget starting July 1.
University of Louisiana System President Sandra Woodley believes the legislature would not allow such a significant blow to budgets at the state's college campuses. "Cuts of that magnitude would take away 50 to 60 percent of what an institution operates on now."
Kleckley plans to look at other options for cuts. He says, "slashing higher ed when the state needs to bolster it's workforce is not the answer."
