Grim news for higher education

The state's colleges and universities are being asked to absorb yet another round of budget cuts, according to this article by Advocate reporter Jordan Blum.

Last month, state economists declared a shortfall of nearly $250 million this budget year, and Gov. Bobby Jindal is adamant that no new revenues will be dedicated to filling the hole. So even though the state is enjoying a $450 million windfall because of the Tax Amnesty Program, colleges and universities will lose almost $84 million before the fiscal year ends on June 30.

Classes will be cancelled across the state, and LSU's flagship status will be endangered, but Jindal will keep his national bragging rights as a strict fiscal conservative. That won't help Louisiana, but may boost the governor's presidential aspirations.