The 2012 Regular Legislative Session begins today at noon at the State Capitol Building, and changes for students, faculty and staff at the University hang in the balance.
But it will be a while until the University’s financial future is clear. The status of the 2013 fiscal year budget will not be known until April, after the annual state appropriations bill, HB1, is voted on in the House of Representatives.
Gov. Bobby Jindal’s proposed budget left higher education off the chopping block, but that fate won’t be certain until the regular session adjourns in June.
Several higher education issues will face debate during the session, including a potential change in TOPS that would allow student veterans more time to use the aid.
Legislators will also discuss the possibility of merging LSU Shreveport and Louisiana Tech. The merge was recommended by a consulting firm that studied the issue, but LSU System President John Lombardi has publicly questioned the suggestion.
Retirement could see an overhaul as legislators vote on bills proposing higher retirement ages for faculty and staff, who could also end up paying more for their retirement than in the past.
Lawmakers will also debate a proposal to conduct mandatory random drug testing for welfare recipients. Those who fail the drug test would have 90 days to pass a new test and regain their benefits.
 
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Contact Brian Sibille at [email protected]