Budget Cuts Could Be Devastating For Louisiana Higher Education

While many consumers are gleefully filling their cars with some of most inexpensive gas we've seen in years, others are watching the falling prices with a very concerned gaze. The falling price of oil could mean an even larger shortfall in Louisiana's budget. That shortfall is projected to be as much as $1.4 billion dollars. Among the state services that will be hardest hit, higher education.

Louisiana State Senate President John Alario pulled no punches when he spoke to the Louisiana Radio Network about the budget and it's impact on higher education.

"I think you'll find some courses being shut down.  I think you'll find some institutions very much on the verge of shutting down.  I think that it would be just devastating, not only for those universities, but for the children who are seeking to improve themselves by seeking that higher education."

It is anticipated that budget cuts of $200 to $300 million dollars could impact as many as 16 campus across the state. Alario says that higher education won't be the only place these budget shortfalls will have an impact.

"The extension programs that go to each of the parishes, and in particular effect rural parishes, would certainly be in danger, also.  And that would be a big hurt to those areas."