Anticipates savings from privatization of charity hospitals
Gov. Bobby Jindal's $24.7 billion budget proposal for next year plugs hundreds of millions in patchwork funding into public colleges and assumes hefty savings from the privatization of LSU hospitals to make the numbers balance.
The governor's spending plan for the 2013-14 fiscal year is being unveiled to lawmakers Friday.
The recommendation relies on $424 million in one-time sources of money and tuition increases to keep Louisiana's colleges funded at their current level.
The proposal also assumes $781 million in savings from the privatization of at least six of the university-run public hospitals, even though the contracts aren't final.
Jindal's budget includes minimal cuts to the health department and would keep spending rates flat for public schools.
Release of the proposal kicks off the start of legislative budget negotiations.
(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
