Dr. Jim Henderson: Legislature 'Going To Have To Raise Revenue'

Dr. Jim Henderson, University of Louisiana System President, talks with 101.7 / 710 KEEL's Robert J Wright and Erin McCarty about the just passed House budget, and the effects the cuts in that budget could have on the state's colleges and universities.

In referring to that budget Henderson tells KEEL listeners that "I think all sides agree that it's certainly not the last version of the budget that will be voted on in the coming weeks." And when it comes to funding for higher education, Henderson says, "We're stable in our operation funding - direct state funding to institutions - which is one of the things we've asked fo. And we haven't asked for more money, we've just asked for stability."

Henderson does express concern about a 20% cut to the state's TOPS scholarship program: "TOPS is a commitment from the state to students that tells them that when they perform at a certain level, that the state will provide an amount of support for their college education and a 20% cut is not fulfilling that promise."