University officials updated the LSU community today about looming budget cuts in a broadcast e-mail that highlighted growing support for funding higher education more fully and Chancellor Michael Martin’s involvement with the state legislature while outlining impacts of possible budget cut scenarios.
According to the e-mail, two former University chancellors — Paul Murrill and William Jenkins — have written to The Advocate explaining “how detrimental large cuts to LSU’s budget would be.”
Additionally, Baton-Rouge based company The Shaw Group announced it will decline funding from Louisiana Economic Development to build a nuclear manufacturing plant and has instead asked these funds go to higher education, according to the e-mail.
“This is significant because it shows that business and industry are acknowledging the importance of higher education,” Public Affairs officials said in the e-mail.
The e-mail also mentions a bill the state legislature is considering that would provide amnesty to delinquent tax payers, allowing those who owe back taxes to pay without penalty so the state can acquire those funds.
“These delinquent tax payments could infuse the state’s budget with additional funds, some of which could go toward higher education,” Public Affairs officials said in the e-mail.
According to the e-mail, Martin has “attended many of legislative proceedings,” which began April 27 and continue until June 25. Martin testified to the House Appropriations Committee when higher education funding was discussed, where he told the committee the proposed cuts would “cause harm to the University” and prevent it from staying in the U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” list’s top tier.
The e-mail also outlined the following scenarios:
“2009-10 Budget Cut Overview
These are the effects of cuts to state appropriations on LSU for mid-year FY09 and proposed FY10, and the implications for the Flagship Agenda.
FY2009:
Amount: $10.3 million budget reductionAction: Slashed operating budgets and tried to preserve academicsEffect:• Froze staff positions• Reduced travel and supplies
FY2010, Proposed:
Amount: Unmet Mandated Costs (excluding retirement) — $1.3 millionAction:• No merit pay increases• Must cover health and retirementEffect:• Diminishes ability to hold on to talented faculty and staff
or
Amount: $2.6 millionAction: All of the above, and cut in statutory dedicated funds, Overcollections Fund, and SELF FundEffect:• Terminate digital media and truancy programs
5% CutAmount: $11 millionAction:• Cut funds to fire training, museums, and Louisiana Library Network• Less maintenanceEffect:• Reduces student services• Less community engagement and service• Economic development efforts slow• Deferred maintenance list grows
10% CutAmount: $21 millionAction:• Cut some scholarships• Cut/Close research institutes• 60 layoffsEffect:• Lower enrollment; average ACT score may decline• Loss of at least $10 million in research funds and the associated talent
15% CutAmount: $32 millionAction:• Deep cuts to academic support units, such as tutoring• Student services reduced• 170 total layoffsEffect:• Students really start to see a slowing of services and quality of life• Educational programs outside the classroom reduced
20.6% CutAmount: $46.2 millionAction: TOTAL CUT to LSU”
——Contact Nicholas Persac at [email protected]