Higher ed support vital

A recent survey listed journalist as one of the most stressful, least desirable jobs in America. While our chosen profession may not be getting the accolades we would like, right now we'd say there are at least a couple of positions that didn't make the list but are much more challenging.

The first is member of the Louisiana Legislature. Our state senators and representatives have the unenviable task of trying to balance a budget with huge revenue shortfalls. Adding to their plight, most options to increase revenue come with more strings and handcuffs attached than even Houdini could break free from on his best day.

The second is head of a Louisiana state university. It was revealed earlier this week that officials in the LSU system are doing their homework on what it would take to seek financial exigency, or, in layman's terms, academic bankruptcy.

Let that sink in a moment. Officials at the state's flagship university and their associated campuses are to the point they have to consider that drastic a measure. Incredible.

In his column Sunday, Gov. Bobby Jindal said the administration seeks to protect higher education from severe cuts. The reality is, higher education has already taken a huge hit. As state support has dropped from about 70 percent of funding to less than 30 percent, fees and tuition costs have soared. In the past 15 years, tuition costs have increased way past the rate of inflation.

We understand our representatives in Baton Rouge face a tough task. They will have to make difficult choices, and there will be screaming from all who get cut. But we also believe that education is vital to our state's future.

We can't afford to cut higher education to the point that we drive our best and brightest out of state, or prevent them from getting a college degree. We need to keep them in state and make sure they have the knowledge and skills to lead us in the future. And, hopefully, we'll get some economics majors who can help the state better manage its finances so we don't find ourselves in such a bind ever again.

The editorials in this column represent the opinions of The News-Star's editorial board, composed of General Manager and Executive Editor Kathy Spurlock, Business and Politics Reporter Greg Hilburn and Education Reporter Barbara Leader.