As the 2007 session of the Louisiana Legislature opens, our state legislators find themselves with a historic opportunity to give back to the citizens. As our elected leaders ponder the various ways to spend the surplus the state has amassed, Gov. Kathleen Blanco has proposed a budget which would fully meet the demands of the higher education funding formula for the first time in over 25 years.
The University has experienced cuts in funding in the past and still prospered in spite of the funding shortage. Now, as the administration continues to pursue implementation of the Flagship Agenda, money concerns have become even more paramount in the University’s pursuit of excellence. Blanco’s proposal has certainly quelled concerns and rumors that she is not fully committed to the University.
Local community groups have already come out in support of the the budget. The Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce has endorsed the governor’s proposal without amendment. While the business community has been generally ameniable to Gov. Blanco throughout her tenure, the fact that her budget was so enthusiastically endorsed by a traditionally Republican-leaning group seems to indicate the governor is operating outside of political concerns.
Since the governor has announced she will not seek reelection, the legislature might find it politcally convenient to oppose proposals that might not entirely meet the needs of their particular districts. This would be extremely short-sighted of their part if this proposal is not passed. Higher education, without a large natural political base, has consistently been the first area of the budget cut in times of need. With almost half of the legislature term-limited and barred from seeking reelection, this will give them a golden opportunity to vote for the interest of the state as a whole, not just their own constituents.
With a budget surplus of over $2 billion for this fiscal year, higher education must be made a priority. The governor’s proposal will ensure the University’s needs will be met. The proposal could impact higher education in hte state for a number of years, and it seems Blanco is willing to do her part to help address the state’s needs.
Now it’s the legislature that must act.
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