A Message from the President
February 13, 2012 - Campus Budget Update
As you know from recent media coverage, the 2012-13 Executive Budget for the State of Louisiana was presented on Thursday, February 9, to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. Governor Jindal’s proposed budget for next fiscal year maintains "total means of financing" for higher education at the same level as the current fiscal year. This is welcome news, and we are thankful for Governor Bobby Jindal’s commitment and support for higher education.
"Total means of financing" reflects all resources for higher education, including self-generated tuition and fees, appropriations for operations, funds for TOPS awards, etc. We will not know final specific budget amounts for individual institutions, like Southeastern, until details of legislative proposals that may impact the budget and nuances in the funding formula play out in the weeks and months ahead. As additional details for our institution become clear, I will share them with the campus community.
I am sure everyone is also aware from recent news reports that there are several proposals that will be coming before the Legislature which could significantly impact State retirement systems and participating employees. We are just now beginning to learn some of the details of these proposals and analyze the potential impact. As we learn more facts about these proposals, we will endeavor to keep the campus and affected employees apprised.