The 2017 regular session comes to a close tomorrow, and Capitol observers say not much was accomplished. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the state has been dealing with budget deficits for the last decade, and this was supposed to be the year to address the problem.

Cut 10 (11) “hurt us”

Erwin says a special session is imminent to address a looming fiscal cliff.

A measure heading to the governor’s desk prohibits colleges from asking students about their criminal history on an application. Syrita Steib-Martin was incarcerated at 19. Once released, she applied to the University of New Orleans where she checked the felon box on her application.

Cut 12 (09) “institution”
Budget negotiations continue at the Capitol, but the House and Senate say they plan to fully fund TOPS next fiscal year. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says education leaders are still holding their breath until the session ends tomorrow evening. He says funding TOPS gives students some certainty, but its possible scholarship recipients will pay some money towards tuition costs.

Cut 4 (10) “70 percent”

Rallo says all of the uncertainty surrounding TOPS and higher ed funding in Louisiana could impact enrollment numbers. He says other states like Mississippi, Texas, and Alabama are trying to recruit Louisiana students.

Cut 5 (10) “on it”