Dive Brief:
- Louisiana Gov.-elect John Bel Edwards says the higher education funding cuts made under Bobby Jindal’s administration were major factors in his decision to run for the state’s top office, where he hopes to reverse much of the damage.
- The Times-Picayune reports that leaders of Louisiana State University and the Louisiana Higher Education Commission have both been heartened by conversations with Edwards and his plan to boost the state contribution to higher education dramatically in his first term.
- Edwards wants the state to match what students are paying in tuition and fees, bringing their joint split up to 50/50 in the next four years — an ambitious plan given the state’s financial situation.
Dive Insight:
Louisiana voters likely had education in mind when they went to the polls. Outgoing governor Bobby Jindal was accused of trying to dismantle the public education system in the state when he proposed his initial budget last year. Lawmakers found a way to cushion the blow, and now that Edwards has swept to power, higher education institutions likely will not have to face such a threat in the next cycle. The governors in Wisconsin and Illinois also have been harsh to higher education, creating passionate enemies in their states. In Illinois, newly elected Gov. Bruce Rauner has at least three more years in office.
Institutions in states facing similar threats should take Edwards’ recent advice to Louisiana's college and university leaders: Get alumni involved in political advocacy on their behalf.