Moffett calls Governor's budget proposal 'exciting' for Southeastern
Contact: Rene Abadie
3/15/07
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University President Randy Moffett called Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco’s proposed 2007-08 budget appropriation for public postsecondary education announced in Baton Rouge Thursday “a bold, clear message that education is a priority in Louisiana.”
“For Southeastern, this proposal would mean an infusion of more than $22.4 million, which would allow us to add additional faculty and staff, upgrade technology, and develop new programs aimed at helping our students succeed,” Moffett said. We’re extremely excited about the proposal and will work actively with our legislators, the business community and alumni to encourage their support as well for this initiative.”
The proposal provides for faculty and employee salary increases, financial aid for disadvantaged students and full coverage of mandated cost increases incurred each year for items such as insurance rate hikes and civil service employee salary increases.
Under the plan, Southeastern traditionally underfunded compared to peer institutions will receive $17.6 million in new operating funds, more than $2.8 million for faculty and unclassified staff salary increases, and nearly $440,000 for library and scientific acquisitions.
“Education is the key to Louisiana’s economic future,” Moffett added. “We think this is a great investment and pledge to use these resources wisely. The additional funding would enable us to improve educational access for students, add needed services directed toward student success, strengthen our outreach and collaboration with public schools, and expand our continued efforts in the area of economic development and job creation.”
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