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.
HB1, the standard operating expenses bill, will address the higher education budget. Of 20 chapters, higher education is 19th.
The House Appropriations Committee will take up the higher education portion of HB1 on April 2 and will conclude with testimony on the bill by April 16, Droddy said. The full house will vote on the bill at least a week after.
The only filed bill that directly affects student tuition is HB137, which aims to give residency to student veterans regardless of how long they have held residency in Louisiana in order to allow them in-state tuition.
But a handful of bills could also affect a different group on campus — employees.
Passage of these bills could result in a higher retirement age and force employees to pay more for their retirement, among many possible resolutions.
If HB53 passes, the retirement age could change from 55 to 67, which is the current highest age for Social Security.
Retirement bills are often a source of much dissatisfaction among employees, Droddy said.
In past years, bills have also sought changes to the TOPS tuition system, and the possibility for another round of TOPS debate is likely, according to Droddy.
 
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Contact Brian Sibille at [email protected]