Latest news with #AmendmentTwo
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Louisiana colleges, universities present stand-still budget, facing federal funding uncertainty
A. O. Williams Hall on the campus of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Baton Rouge. (Photo courtesy Southern University) Louisiana college and university leaders have followed Gov. Jeff Landry's direction and presented a proposed budget to lawmakers that would effectively keep their state funding at current levels. Lawmakers could choose to deviate from the governor's proposed budget, but it is unlikely higher education will get a significant boost beyond the proposed funding. Landry's budget would decrease state funding for higher education by about $68 million, largely the result of one-time expenses from the previous budget cycle. The proposal also acknowledges an increase in tuition and fee revenue, meaning the overall budget for higher education would increase just over $4 million. Lawmakers could have had more money to allocate if voters had supported Landry's proposed Amendment Two in the March 29 election. It would have reworked the state's tax structure and moved hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue from state savings accounts into Louisiana's general fund, where it could have been more easily spent. Landry's budget plans come amid uncertainty in federal funding for higher education and other state government entities. As President Donald Trump's administration seeks to shrink government spending, universities are preparing for the possibility of substantially slashed federal research grants. Under the proposed budget, the Southern University System, the nation's only system of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, would see a budget decrease of about $33 million, primarily from decreased tuition and fee revenue as well as a small dip in state appropriations. The LSU System would experience a budget increase of about $46 million, driven by a boost in self-generated revenue from record enrollments at its campuses. The University of Louisiana System, which enrolls more students than any other system, would also see a budget increase from raised revenue. Its overall budget would increase about $14 million. The Louisiana Community and Technical College System would also see a slight boost of $3 million. When the legislature convenes for its annual session next week, lawmakers will consider what changes they will make to the state budget. Both House and Senate members will get a chance to make adjustments. In addition to the primary state government operations bill, higher education receives money in the state construction budget and in a supplemental bill that covers a lesser amount of one-time money. Colleges and universities typically receive a substantial chunk of this funding. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Louisiana lawmakers discuss key issues ahead of Regular Legislative Session
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Key issues, including property insurance, tax reform, the state budget, and teacher pay dominated Monday's Baton Rouge Press Club meeting with House Chairs Jack McFarland and Julie Emerson. Emerson, who serves as the House Ways and Means Chair, acknowledged Louisiana's pressing challenges in property and auto insurance. 'We know that we have to address it. We know that we have some of the highest rates in the country, if not the highest rates,' she said. While she noted improvements in property insurance, Emerson emphasized that more work is needed, particularly concerning auto insurance rates. 'This session we're hoping to address everything on the auto insurance side, which does encompass some legal reform as well. So we will be looking to those things to try to create a better environment for insurance,' Emerson added. Tax reform was also a key topic, with Emerson discussing the recent failure of Amendment Two, which sought to combine Louisiana's budget and revenue stabilization funds. While acknowledging mixed public feedback, Emerson emphasized the proposal's long-term benefits. 'When you combine those two funds, that does help remove that $600 million limit we have on corporate and franchise tax collections that goes into revenue stabilization. And so that frees up more money from the general fund and further helps us reduce rates moving forward,' she said. House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland addressed the state's budget and the ongoing discussion around funding for education. He proposed using a $2 billion fund to reduce debt, which would, in turn, free up funds for teacher raises. 'The teacher stipend is a priority,' stated McFarland. 'Our education system is on the rise in Louisiana. You've heard that reported. Teachers are playing a large role in that.' McFarland also highlighted efforts to reduce teacher burdens, particularly concerning testing, and discussed the state's projected $194 million budget shortfall. 'There are still things that we have to begin to do to prepare for the shortfalls, not just this year, but for those in future years,' he said. He suggested using the Revenue Stabilization Fund for one-time expenses instead of recurring costs as part of a strategy to address the budget gap. With the legislative session set to begin on April 14, both Emerson and McFarland expressed optimism that progress could be made in tackling these critical issues. As the session unfolds, lawmakers will continue to work on addressing Louisiana's fiscal challenges and the needs of its citizens. The public can expect updates on key decisions that will impact their communities in the coming weeks. Southern University's first female student body president dies Louisiana lawmakers discuss key issues ahead of Regular Legislative Session Volunteers of America surprises Sorrento preschool with $15K classroom makeover China threatens countermeasures after Trump threatens additional 50% tariff Growing opposition from House conservatives threatens to derail Trump's agenda Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bear hunt backlash: FWC to hear public comment on first proposed bear hunt in 10 years
The Brief Florida officials are reconsidering bear hunting, nearly a decade after the last hunt was cut short. Conservationists argue habitat loss, not overpopulation, is the real threat, while proponents say hunting helps manage bear numbers. A virtual meeting on March 13 will gather public input, with a final decision expected in May. ORLANDO, Fla. - The controversial topic of bear hunting is back up for discussion in Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting a virtual public meeting to gauge the public's interest in hosting their first bear hunt in 10 years. What we know The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is considering hosting the state's first bear hunt in nearly a decade. A virtual public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, to gather public input. The last permitted hunt took place in 2015 but was cut short after just two days when more than 300 bears were killed. The commission will not make a final decision until a meeting set for May 21-22. Proponents of the hunt argue that Florida's bear population has grown significantly and could sustain a limited, regulated hunt. FWC estimates that the bear population, which was once over 11,000, now stands at around 4,000. What we don't know It remains unclear whether the FWC has already reached a decision or if public input will significantly influence the outcome. Conservation groups argue that habitat destruction, rather than population growth, is the real issue threatening bears in Florida. Additionally, there is no consensus on whether a hunt would effectively manage bear populations or if alternative, non-lethal methods would be sufficient. The backstory Bear hunting in Florida has long been a controversial issue. The state's last hunt in 2015 was met with significant backlash, particularly after it was cut short due to the high number of bears killed in a short period. Since then, bear hunting has remained a contentious topic, with environmental groups advocating for stronger conservation efforts while hunting organizations push for controlled population management. The renewed discussion follows the passage of Amendment Two in November, which enshrined a constitutional right to hunt and fish in Florida. Some view this amendment as a stepping stone for reinstating bear hunting. What they're saying Katrina Shadix, executive director of Bear Warriors United, believes the FWC commission already has their minds made up. "There's no right way to do a wrong thing, and bear hunting in Florida is a wrong thing," Shadix said. "It would be a very bad look on the FWC if they participate in something like this – again." The proposed hunt comes on the heels of amendment two passing in November. Amendment Two established a constitutional right to hunt and fish in Florida. Proponents of the hunt argue the bear population is on the rise. "There is plenty of data," said Mark Barton of Back Country Hunters & Anglers. "It shows that Florida's bear population is thriving, and it could easily support a limited and highly regulated bear hunt." FWC estimates Florida's bear population was once well over 11,000; it's now estimated to be around a third of that – somewhere closer to 4,000. "This is not about wiping out bears," said one proponent of the hunt. "It's about maintaining a balanced population and high-density areas where non-lethal methods alone may not be enough." According to Shadix, the problem is not the bear population, it's the loss of their habitat. "We have development and roads taking away their homes. That is what is threatening the future of bear survival," Shadix said. "These are obstacles the bears probably will not survive. Maybe in our lifetime they'll go extinct." What's next The virtual FWC meeting starts on Thursday at 6 p.m. You can watch it here. No decisions on a bear hunt will be made until the FWC meeting on May 21-22. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Bear Warriors United, Mark Barton of Back Country Hunters & Anglers, and from previous reporting from FOX 35 News.
