Weeks ago, the Jindal administration sought to lessen state-wide tensions over the future funding of postsecondary education by announcing that any budget cut for the 2011-2012 fiscal year would not amount to more than 10 percent.  While providing no specificity regarding how that cut would be applied, almost immediately everyone with whom I spoke seemed to think that the pending “cliff” crisis had been averted.  From the media to business and governmental leadership to faculty and students here at Nicholls, the message was the same, “the heat is off!”

Governor Jindal has indicated that the state’s colleges and universities will not see a funding reduction next fiscal year if his proposed budget is adopted.  The governor is proposing a $24.9 billion budget next year—down $1 billion from this year.  It assumes the sale of three state prisons and increased state employee retirement payments.  His budget replaces nearly $290 million in federal stimulus dollars, which is disappearing, with $105 million in state general fund dollars and $98 million in one-time statutory dedications.  The rest made up for with $90 million in self-generated revenue or tuition and fee dollars.

 However, even today, with the Governor’s Executive Budget being presented to the legislature last Friday, no one knows how the budget will play out in Baton Rouge.  Final action must await the work of the 2011 Regular Legislative Session that begins on Monday, April 25th.  And, to be very honest, clarity regarding budget outcomes may not be known until close to or even just after final adjournment on Thursday, June 23, 2011.  Therein lies the annual challenge, to bring closure to the current 2010-2011 fiscal year on June 30th and to prepare for the new fiscal year that begins on July 1st.

 Additionally, since the early days of the current 2010-2011 fiscal year, guidance from Baton Rouge has cautioned higher education to expect a “second” budget cut this year that could amount to 1.4 million dollars or more for Nicholls.  While we have managed conservatively against that eventuality, recent state-level revenue estimates bring into question whether or not that cut will actually occur.

 With a lack of clarity regarding this second budget cut and confusion remaining as to just how the governor’s 10 percent further reduction would affect higher education, we must watch with cautious optimism the work of the forthcoming legislative session as well as the leadership of the Jindal administration.

 As in the past, I will keep the Nicholls community informed as to actions being taken by the legislature and the Board of Regents.  Together we must remain vigilant in order to safeguard Nicholls State, its students, faculty, and staff, during this time of uncertainty.