[mpoverlay]Grambling State University today released a statement in response to Louisiana House Bill 1, a measure proposing a $5.5 million reduction in state funding to the university. GSU President Frank Pogue warned of substantial layoffs and program cuts if the bill is passed.

“The budget reductions over the past several years along with anticipated cuts, will result in a financial emergency for Grambling State University and threatens to undermine our ability to achieve our core mission,” said Dr. Pogue in the statement. “These cuts will lead to further restructuring at the university, a decline in program offerings and course availability, a threat to program accreditations, additional faculty and staff layoffs, curtailing enrollment growth and our ability to meet the requirements of the LA GRAD Act.”

“It will also continue to negatively impact our ability to support student events and activities.  Inasmuch as Grambling is primarily state dependent, an additional cut of $5.5 million will seriously impact the future of the university.”

According to Grambling, the proposed cuts would increase total funding reductions from the state to $17.8 million, or 56 percent, over the last three years.[/mpoverlay]

Grambling State University