re: Nicholls considering temporary closure

quote:

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February 11, 2016


Dear Alumni and Friends,


I am taking the unusual step of asking for your immediate support for higher education. 


Governor John Bel Edwards and state legislators are facing an unprecedented budget scenario.  On January 22, higher education was told to prepare for a $131 million cut, and this may go higher.  A cut of this magnitude would represent a $2.9 million cut to McNeese, a large percentage of our general fund appropriation. 


An even larger budget shortfall is forecast for the next fiscal year that begins July 1.  This shortfall could have a catastrophic impact on higher education in Louisiana.


McNeese has already sustained a reduction of over $20 million in annual state general fund appropriations since 2009. We have trimmed expenses, found efficiencies, and coped with the loss of 200 employees by reorganizing staff to take on additional duties. We have also depleted reserves and increased student tuition and fees to provide necessary operating funds.


These are challenging times that will require thoughtful deliberation, compromise, and clear communication between the Governor’s Office and the Legislature. I am not suggesting that any particular scenario to solve the budget deficit should be preferred.  What I am asking is that you make your voice heard with a very clear message:  that you support McNeese and that it is imperative that the Governor and Legislature take whatever reasonable steps are necessary to end these cuts to higher education.  You can find contact information by inserting a Louisiana address in the boxes found at the following website: LINK


Thanks for supporting McNeese!

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