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From Southern University seeks review of Louisiana state funding formula

How could the underfunding of Southern University affect the state senate?

Possible What happens if… A possibility worth considering, not a forecast.

Southern University's funding gap may force senate to revise state formula The current state funding formula has created a $1.2 billion disparity in state funding between Southern University and LSU since the 1980s. Southern University leaders, including Interim President Orlando McMeans, have formally asked the Legislative Higher Education Funding and Formula Task to address this disparity when revamping the formula. This puts pressure on the legislature, which includes the Senate, to consider a significant revision to the funding structure to ensure Southern University is not financially harmed by the outcome.

Reported by 1 independent outlet Written Oct 14
Effect
Mild negative
How direct
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When
Within months
The story
Gone quiet

How it reaches senate

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The facts so far

As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.

  • The state funding formula has created a $1.2 billion disparity between Southern University and LSU since the 1980s.wbrz.com
  • Interim Southern University President Orlando McMeans asked the task force to consider the disparity when revamping the formula.wbrz.com
  • McMeans requested a $60 million to $100 million investment from the legislature to address infrastructure issues.wbrz.com

Why it matters

The underfunding is not merely a budgetary issue for Southern University; it represents decades of deferred maintenance and operational strain. The disparity reflects a historical pattern of shortchanging Black land grant universities, which are vital institutions for the state's workforce and education needs.

This situation is part of a broader crisis in Louisiana's higher education sector, where leaders have noted that public colleges and universities are underfunded by more than $800 million compared to the beginning of the Jindal administration. The issue is compounded by the fact that the state has not always met the requirement to match certain federal land grant funds.

What we don't know yet

  • Will the Legislative Higher Education Funding and Formula Task recommend a change to the current funding formula?
  • What specific legislative action will be taken to address the $1.2 billion funding disparity?

What would change this answer

The Senate passes a bill mandating a review of the funding formulaThe effect on Southern University would become stronger and more immediate as the legislative process would be formally engaged.
The state legislature refuses to address the disparityThe negative impact on Southern University's operations and infrastructure would likely continue or worsen.

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  • About Republican Supermajority

    How might the current political balance in the state senate affect the likelihood of them approving a formula revision?

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The full eventSouthern University seeks review of Louisiana state funding formula Everything aboutsenate

Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.