A recent study shows the large budget cuts expected for higher education next year will do more than just damage the University – they’ll negatively impact the entire city of Baton Rouge.Economics professor Dek Terrell conducted the study, entitled “The Economic Impact of Louisiana State University on the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Area,” which found the University pumps more than $1.2 billion into the Baton Rouge economy annually.
 
“This study shows that the state’s proposed budget cuts aimed at LSU are not just detrimental to the quality of education we provide, but are basically an anti-stimulus package for the Baton Rouge area and beyond,” said Chancellor Michael Martin in the news release.According to the study, the University accumulated 3 percent of gross domestic product for the metro area in fiscal year 2008 and generated an estimated 21,118 jobs in 2007.
The study also found the University’s payroll accounts for 2 percent of the area’s wages and salaries, and University professors and researchers attracted about $100 million in federal research grants in fiscal year 2008, the release stated.
“The state’s flagship university generates jobs and paychecks that not only sustain and expand a significant portion of Louisiana’s economy, but also enhance our quality of life,” Martin said.
The study looked at factors like job creation and sales generated. Terrell found that many residents and research dollars flock to the University because LSU is the flagship institution of Louisiana, the release stated.——Contact Kyle Bove at [email protected]