Holden: College cuts would hurt BR
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Mayor-President Kip Holden warned that steep cuts to state funding for higher education being considered by the Legislature would have a devastating economic impact on Louisiana’s capital city.
Speaking at a news conference Wednesday in the Metro Council chambers, Holden said the university system plays a significant role in the area’s economy.
“When I read the details of what the budget cuts will mean to these institutions, it is obvious we are moving down a dangerous road that can lead to long-term consequences,” Holden said.
The mayor was flanked by the chancellors of LSU, Southern University and Baton Rouge Community College and a representative from the Baton Rouge Area Chamber.
Each warned of layoffs and other dire consequences if $219 million in proposed cuts to higher education — about 15 percent of state funding for colleges — are made by the state.
“All three institutions in Baton Rouge are facing layoffs, which weakens consumer confidence and consumer spending and ultimately impacts our sales taxes,” Holden said. “It begins to take on a life of its own in negatively impacting a local economy, even one as strong as Baton Rouge.”
He also said deep cuts in state funding for higher education would “set Louisiana back in developing an educated work force,” harming economic-development efforts.
Michael C. Trufant, who chairs the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s legislative committee, urged lawmakers to tap $100 million to $150 million in state “rainy day” funds to avoid having to make deep cuts to higher education.
In addition, he said, BRAC is calling for a constitutional amendment that would give university governing boards the authority to raise tuition and fees rather than having to go through the Legislature to do so.
“We cannot build our future for the Baton Rouge area without the talent pool, the work force and the engine for new innovations provided by the higher education system,” Trufant said.
LSU Chancellor Michael Martin said administrators are looking at having to “lay off a large number of people at LSU” if the proposed funding cuts are made.
Southern University Chancellor Kofi Lomotey said that university would be forced to cut 100 positions from its budget, which includes 60 positions that are currently filled and 40 that are vacant.
Baton Rouge Community College Chancellor Myrtle Dorsey said that school also is looking at cutbacks.
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