[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6080197,"mediaKeyId","2950762-7d10b3e8c1446f6e3c8174ff91be26e2","parentId",2950762,"title","Board of Regents budget review: higher education funding mostly steady, formula and enrollment shifts in focus","audioSeconds",1527,"startMs",97000,"endMs",1624000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2950762-7d10b3e8c1446f6e3c8174ff91be26e2&start=97&end=1624","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2950762-7d10b3e8c1446f6e3c8174ff91be26e2/thumbnail_97000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6080197/Louisiana/Board-of-Regents-budget-review-higher-education-funding-mostly-steady-formula-and-enrollment-shifts-in-focus","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080197-7f84b1f769453948bc8a935480bc497b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149584&Signature=AjYRVlIpYPMaqZr4BSzXraHz0pIxkwCDJtFubH-RS9crNmvuuWL~FlMDL3MiKBjUzIBT3Z8TSSbte6tjr-wL7-p~CwFqenyNv5XWrE47oviswu-ipZFPjpW60INxkYnnLt-4nmJA3R0zjOqskxN-0HIn7U8qCAiZMKhfyyItTh~B~t7ZDb5~~zk9Y4UT5CjwbOXQjgQdmJ3PHmHob4JZIl1N3B1Hw5WKr~7p8XZW8FjrcJJ7NE0CdbkueoJEGQp8LUoCeK4mwmlWD3o8t-XUboJEcuZokCzpB4acLV0l7L0eUkK1aRK1KvU~uYVz-b-Lhz9wO8uZ~cDCWa6q0C5UXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Louisiana Legislature","date","2025-04-09T00:00:00Z","article","Balair LeBlanc of the House Fiscal Division presented the House Committee on Appropriations with the executive budget review for higher education, noting a funding mix that relies heavily on self-generated revenues and significant one‑time items that have been removed from the FY26 starting point.

The review and remarks by Kim Hunter Reed, Louisiana Commissioner of Higher Education, emphasized the sector’s dependence on tuition and fees and the need to expand credentials for the state’s workforce. \"We proudly educate over 200,000 students across our colleges and universities in Louisiana,\" Reed said, adding the Board of Regents' goal for the state: at least 60% of adults holding a credential of value by 2030.

Why it matters: lawmakers heard that, while the FY26 starting point contained no across‑the‑board cuts, the executive budget removes one‑time investments used in FY25 and relies on a mix of state general fund, statutory dedications and self‑generated revenues (primarily tuition). Committee members and higher‑education leaders pressed on the potential effects on student aid (TOPS and GoGrant), the ability to hire faculty and staff under a statewide hiring freeze, and risks from federal research funding uncertainty.

Key details from the presentation:
- The Fiscal Division framed the sector as largely self‑funded (tuition and fees) with the state general fund covering a smaller share; presenters emphasized that one‑time FY25 investments were being removed in the FY26 baseline.
- The Board of Regents’ outcomes‑based funding formula was explained as shifting toward a 65% base / 35% outcomes split for FY26; outcomes metrics include completers, transfers and high‑demand fields.
- Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed highlighted deferred‑maintenance needs (a multi‑hundred‑million backlog), the MJ Foster workforce scholarship (credentialing program) and workforce demands tied to announced economic projects in the state. \"We are currently at 51% educational attainment, trending positive,\" Reed said, and asked the committee to consider recurring support for deferred maintenance and targeted financial aid.
- TOPS and GoGrant funding stability and competitiveness were raised repeatedly. LA higher‑education leaders described students choosing out‑of‑state options when other states offer larger packages; committee members asked for further data on acceptance and enrollment behavior.

What was not decided: the committee did not vote on any appropriation during the hearing. Members and higher‑education leaders agreed the FY26 discussion is an opening for negotiations; follow‑up data requests and meetings with system presidents and regents staff were scheduled.

What legislators asked for: more detailed, campus‑level information on TOPS/GoGrant impacts, the hiring freeze’s operational effects (faculty, student services, financial‑aid processing), and clearer proposals for recurring funding of deferred maintenance and workforce scholarships.

Ending: Commissioner Reed closed by saying the systems are focused on increasing completion and aligning training with projected employer needs; she and the Board of Regents will continue to work with legislators on targeted investments and workforce training priorities.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Appropriations Apr 9, 8:30 AM, HCR-5","oneSentenceSummary","Balair LeBlanc of the House Fiscal Division presented the House Committee on Appropriations with the executive budget review for higher education, noting a funding mix that relies heavily on self‑generated revenues and significant one‑time items that have been removed from the FY26 starting point.","taxTitle","Appropriations, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Louisiana","taxId",20967,"location","Louisiana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6080183,"GATOR scholarship applies to 33,000 applicants; committee hears LDOE outline phased priority and first‑come process",2015,12521000,14536000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2950762-7d10b3e8c1446f6e3c8174ff91be26e2&start=12521&end=14536","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2950762-7d10b3e8c1446f6e3c8174ff91be26e2/thumbnail_12521000.jpg","/articles/6080183/Louisiana/GATOR-scholarship-applies-to-33000-applicants-committee-hears-LDOE-outline-phased-priority-and-firstcome-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080183-61bf3ee1ddd123f916f7d23b49959dbe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149584&Signature=jBNywKZu-pZGD-Ur0zwyE7BBXi8hlFWy~J2K1vkXKHuHWkfaDm3BMJH7HkzIgxdQo1Q8QpcnKXo480jjJvgFeMrZJ7ySw4c2Ok6wH1wKWchZoRRl~QusQY63u10auLMFf9DkNmOL0jA6U~x7mF4PCMameCG-HWFcwLWAkeu-2AffxtHWStUh5mS9GCjalMaFSTz9UnoJRkKxF8eqVMuP7hPKDLHJFcezktGnt03-76RHmgZ2DlpYKu0K50raSYSGtKqzkpy0br16ohAVouTf1EKTamxTDkOIdtk0uWsgO2T-BBqL2f-Ve7OjQaVi3nx9X7Pu0nK5N-0ytvRBK1e6Nw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Louisiana Department of Education and House Fiscal Division summarized the state's new education savings account program (Act 1 of 2024, known in committee as \"GATOR\") and early‑childhood funding during the House Appropriations hearing.

House Fiscal analyst Ashari Robinson told the committee the application portal had received roughly 33,000 applications as of early April. \"33,000 applications are in,\" Robinson said, adding that roughly 5,000 of those are students who already received vouchers under the previous state program.

What the committee heard: LDOE (Superintendent Cade Brumley) and House Fiscal staff described the GATOR statute as structured in phases and priorities. Phase 1 gives priority to existing voucher recipients; within later priorities the law directs eligibility for students from families at or below certain income thresholds and for students with disabilities. If appropriation funds are exhausted inside a specified priority, LDOE will allocate awards by timestamp (first‑come, first‑served) within that priority. Ashari Robinson summarized the implementation approach: \"Phase 1 priority 1 is the voucher kids,\" and \"priority 2 ... those from a family with total income at or below 250% of the federal poverty guideline or a student with a disability.\" That means families who applied earliest in an eligible priority will receive accounts before those who apply later.

Why it matters: The governor's FY26 executive budget included funding to serve roughly 11,000 students under GATOR; the department's application count (33,000) makes clear demand could exceed that appropriation. Committee members pressed department staff on sequencing, available seats in schools, and how families will know whether a school or provider has space.

Key details from the hearing:
- Applications: House Fiscal reported ~33,000 total applicants (about 5,000 existing voucher recipients included in the count). The department expects to finalize counts after the application window closes.
- Priorities and process: The statute sets three phases with ordered priorities; LDOE has published administrative rules that define the sequence and clarifies that within a priority awards are allocated by timestamp so earlier applicants are served first if available funds are limited.
- Funding arithmetic: The executive budget would fund about 11,000 students under the GATOR approach; committee members asked for follow‑up estimates of what it would cost to serve the present applicant pool.
- School participation: LDOE testified that many nonpublic schools and some public systems have expressed interest in participating as providers; but a school must commit seats and staffing before families can be guaranteed a place. Department staff said program design intentionally provides families a choice platform (account + spendable balance) rather than a simple vouchers check mailed to a school.
- Early childhood: Separately the committee discussed early‑childhood funding (LA 4, CCAP). LDOE said CCAP continued but wait lists remain in some areas (reporting roughly 4,800 children on the CCAP wait list) and that some proposed federal programs (local food to school/childcare pilot) were not funded in the latest federal guidance.

What the committee asked for: LDOE and House Fiscal were asked to provide a parish‑by‑parish breakout of applications and school participation, estimate the cost to serve the current applicant pool, and provide additional information on seats promised by providers.

Ending: LDOE said it will continue to run the application platform and provide follow‑up numbers to the committee; the House Fiscal analyst reiterated the need for the legislature to weigh demand and funding choices before finalizing any appropriation for GATOR in FY26.","The Louisiana Department of Education told the House Appropriations Committee that the state’s new GATOR education‑savings program had 33,000 applicants as of early April and outlined the phased, priority and timestamp (first‑come) rules that will be used to allocate awards if appropriation funds are limited.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6080187,"Pennington Biomedical warns NIH overhead cut will slash research margins, force program slowdowns",23,11504000,11527000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2950762-7d10b3e8c1446f6e3c8174ff91be26e2&start=11504&end=11527","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2950762-7d10b3e8c1446f6e3c8174ff91be26e2/thumbnail_11504000.jpg","/articles/6080187/Louisiana/Pennington-Biomedical-warns-NIH-overhead-cut-will-slash-research-margins-force-program-slowdowns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080187-c541fd371ddb81099ac230272543e2bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149584&Signature=aqw15jTto5V0dILtoMRn0m8T2oB0YbnwHnRLXHoG4inLFWUE9qNoliEsPpKed3t5J5bGyxhvLunmtI-bAbKNDVPuz-HzRJadXv4H6ir6TXJswdjG-u1KlkrRfsQ2rWMgtEgw9Ss7-AICFRRm0C~YjoquvmytHpCg4Z~O~4vgn7oIMAp2bmPnUH6Oq4OyQFKYly6LUDjb77prB003MuScg6GIqw8Fwa5OoimY2Oak5MF8dpDKuvlTTwqmOkaWhQq4AIFOFcRf-oWRCYn2ij4xnSQwrxUhSbvgBigmiWEnNC-POaIPLaRHVZWo7iOivCjmLwGyP-cVF5ZZVzXlW~eAdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pennington Biomedical Research Center leaders told the House Appropriations Committee that a sudden federal change to allowable indirect‑cost recovery on NIH grants is creating an immediate budget hole for their institution.

Dr. (name as given in transcript) Kerwin, Pennington’s executive leadership, said the NIH policy change cut the institution’s institutional overhead recovery rate from roughly 50% down to 15% on affected awards. \"The implications of that for Pennington in the fiscal year that we're currently in is $2,000,000. Next year, that would be $5,000,000,\" he told the committee.

Why it matters: Pennington is a major research center for nutrition and chronic‑disease research. Leaders said the reduced overhead recovery threatens support for ongoing research programs, laboratory operations and training resources — including graduate students who are typically supported through grant budgets.

Details from committee testimony:
- Dr. Kerwin said roughly 70% of Pennington’s research revenue is NIH funding; the overhead change is therefore material to operating capacity.
- He said a $2 million reduction in the current fiscal year and $5 million next fiscal year would force the research enterprise to slow some activity and could reduce the center’s ability to recruit and retain research staff.
- Pennington leaders said they are pursuing other federal partners (Department of Defense, NASA, other program lines) and have begun adjusting internal plans, but the near‑term impact is significant.

Committee reaction: Lawmakers expressed concern that shifts in federal policy are having disproportionate consequences for state research assets and asked Pennington to provide a list of grants and projected earnings at risk. Members asked how reductions might affect statewide priorities such as childhood obesity research and clinical translational programs.

Ending: Pennington urged continued state engagement with the congressional delegation and requested briefing materials on the specific grants and the dollar exposures so the committee could consider mitigation options during the FY26 budget negotiations.","Pennington Biomedical researchers told the committee a recent NIH change to allowable indirect/overhead rates for grants reduces institutional recovery from 50% to 15%, creating a projected $2 million hit this fiscal year and $5 million next year that could slow research and training programs",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6080192,"LSU president says record enrollments, rising research, and out‑of‑state tuition are central to campus finances",1210,6551000,7761000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2950762-7d10b3e8c1446f6e3c8174ff91be26e2&start=6551&end=7761","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2950762-7d10b3e8c1446f6e3c8174ff91be26e2/thumbnail_6551000.jpg","/articles/6080192/Louisiana/LSU-president-says-record-enrollments-rising-research-and-outofstate-tuition-are-central-to-campus-finances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080192-9755e35e33b6e2c311a7e2b015e56919/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149584&Signature=A95c2rjJL6I8DIx1pltYJ0YJvwGTcXAZg4y22h9~H2w1e96VwwoXdD1Pyoml1NqEV1scShOprK98iG3cMz7oR0v8poYUIJBEpFl-~aXtYfTlWfyuhP0Yf8g23~ukLFqFYSnJkPc0rLjFpjd9I9lzv8FI6a3joD0w7I6aYtebrtzEouAvaiVJXRqL~I0NsdSgpCfnnXQAKGY8v0fsUqHzfTaQRhUWNpZNLxi8AvVBxkiwyrTbqMuL6YKW3--yNShx-~KMAfxil4cOsvAkkzx1upCyHfKlmvRY7ZgVcU1wCuQrpYe8NWjAL3JjqkHQENo0jwZLTbHT0tV2r-My9ViMRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","LSU President William Tate told the House Committee on Appropriations that LSU’s system is recording consecutive enrollment highs and a rise in research activity, while also warning the committee the university competes for top students with better‑funded peers in other states.

Tate described FY25 as an \"all‑time system high\" for total students and highlighted growth at several LSU campuses. \"Since 2017 nearly 80% of the high‑achieving students ... 32% of all high school grads who are eligible for TOPS enrolled at the a and m campus,\" Tate said, flagging the school’s role in attracting and retaining high‑performing students.

Why it matters: Tate framed LSU’s budget and admissions strategy as a business model that uses out‑of‑state tuition revenue to support in‑state students and campus operations. Committee members pressed him on the implications of federal grant uncertainty, facility and staffing needs, and the role of out‑of‑state recruitment.

Details and evidence from the hearing:
- Research and economic impact: Tate said LSU recorded more than $488 million in research activity (a 14% increase), which he said yields broad economic benefit to the state. He also described ongoing large grants being pursued, including an NSF submission highlighted in his testimony.
- Out‑of‑state tuition and the business model: Tate explained the revenue difference between in‑state and out‑of‑state students in blunt terms: \"Every out‑of‑state student we take, after we give them our aid ... we get $19,000. It's $565 for an in‑state student,\" Tate said. He added the revenue from out‑of‑state students helps fund institutional aid and enrollments: \"Every out‑of‑state student pays the institutional aid for 2 students.\" The president argued this model allows the university to expand programming without displacing in‑state eligible students.
- Grants and federal risk: Tate and other system leaders said schools face uncertainty over federal grant reviews and overhead changes that could reduce sponsored‑research revenue. Committee members asked for details on potential impacts of grant pauses and indirect‑cost changes.
- Capital and facility needs: Tate highlighted the research‑related infrastructure investments and partnerships (coastal, biomedical, cyber and energy projects) and asked for continued investment to sustain research and workforce contributions.

Quotes:
- \"We're aligned with the workforce needs right now — 86% of our 2023‑24 graduates earn degrees in fields that are tied to high‑wage, high‑demand jobs,\" Tate said.
- \"Every out‑of‑state student we take ... we get $19,000. It's $565 for in‑state,\" he told the committee, arguing that out‑of‑state tuition helps cross‑subsidize vital university services.

What lawmakers asked and next steps: Members asked for follow‑up details on NSF/NIH grants the university expects, and on how LSU would manage cuts to federal research funding. Tate committed to follow‑up briefings, and staff asked LSU to provide more granular data on out‑of‑state tuition revenue versus institutional aid.

Ending: Tate framed LSU as competing at a national level for talent and research dollars and urged continued state support to sustain teaching, research and the economic returns those activities provide.","LSU President William Tate told the House Appropriations Committee LSU system hit enrollment records and research dollars grew, but warned the university competes nationally for top students and relies on out‑of‑state tuition to subsidize in‑state priorities","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board of Regents budget review: higher education funding mostly steady, formula and enrollment shifts in focus

GATOR scholarship applies to 33,000 applicants; committee hears LDOE outline phased priority and first‑come process

Pennington Biomedical warns NIH overhead cut will slash research margins, force program slowdowns

LSU president says record enrollments, rising research, and out‑of‑state tuition are central to campus finances