With a nearly $2 billion shortfall facing the state budget next year, lawmakers and administration officials are weighing their options in hopes of staving off the most drastic budget reductions.The LSU System could face up to a 30 percent cut in funding in the worst-case scenario.A reduction of this size would total $208 million and could force 1,900 layoffs, according to a Feb. 4 WBRZ report.Universities are particularly exposed to reductions in their budgets during times of economic hardship in Louisiana. Other recipients of state funds are protected constitutionally and have funds dedicated specifically to them. Higher education and health care don’t have similar dedications, and as a result are first on the chopping block when cuts need to be made.In 2007, the administration of former Gov. Kathleen Blanco established a fund known as the Louisiana Mega-Project Fund. The fund was created after the state failed to seal the deal with the ThyssenKrupp steel mill, according to a report by The Advocate on May 2.This fund was created with the intention of attracting major projects to locate in Louisiana. A mega project is defined as one that creates “five hundred new direct jobs to the state” and offers “a substantial return on the investment by the state as measured by projected tax revenues,” according to R.S. 51:2365.The “megafund” has about $415 million currently, and lawmakers see this as an enticing option to fill the gaps in next year’s budget.Some lawmakers are advising administration officials to use the money if they want to keep the fund.But state Economic Development Secretary Stephan Moret has said he is already pursuing projects and should have most of the fund earmarked by the end of the current fiscal year  — June 30.When money is in short supply, consumers must make sacrifices — they must determine what’s essential and what’s a luxury.There are times when a person must decide whether they should spend their last few dollars to pay a house note or put food on the table.This seems to be the problem facing Louisiana today.Money’s tight, and times are tough. Consequently, the state is being forced to prioritize its commitments.The Louisiana Constitution already mandates that some programs are more important than others — and that’s the problem affecting our university.Some worry without something like the megafund, the state will be at a disadvantage in attracting new business.Others see the money sitting in the fund as an opportunity to lessen the severity of the budget shortfall.Most observers agree the economy is in crisis.For the most part, Louisiana has been able to avoid the worst of the economic slowdown until now.It is time for the leaders of the state to step up and lead.The administration needs to perform budgetary triage. It must look at all the demands made against the budget and determine which are the most important.Those deemed a top priority must be addressed first.Lawmakers should look at all available funds to help ease the strain on the state’s budget — including the megafund. The state must decide whether to continue to relegate higher education and health care to the status of a luxury.Drew Walker is a 24-year-old philosophy major from Walker, LA.—-Contact Drew Walker at [email protected]