McNeese State University is facing a possible budget cut of more than $7 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year and the administration is taking measures to address the cut that will affect all areas of the campus.

On Wednesday, McNeese President Dr. Robert told employees, "The state budget is facing an unprecedented $1.2 billion decrease in general fund revenue. As of today, June 17, the state budget indicates McNeese funding will be reduced by $6.7 million for the fiscal year that begins July 1. When added to the $1.9 million mid-year cut the total budget reduction for 2009-2010 will be $8.6 million compared to the 2008-2009 budget," Hebert said.

Budgets for all McNeese departments were reduced following the mid-year cut and have been further reduced for the upcoming fiscal year. "We have already severely reduced or suspended funds for supplies, operating services, travel, maintenance, and general repairs, and will continue to not fill vacant positions," Hebert said.

Hebert announced that McNeese is requesting approval from the Department of Civil Service to implement a Layoff Avoidance Measure due to the severity of the 2009-2010 budget cut. In a message to all employees, Hebert said, "Our highest priority is to avoid layoffs or unpaid furloughs. In order to avoid layoffs or unpaid furloughs, we must suspend merit increases for all classified and unclassified employees, including faculty," Hebert said. The freeze on all merit raises is effective July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010.

The regular legislative session must end on June 25 and Governor Jindal has said that he will veto $278 million in the budget that was tied to other legislation. "Much of that money is for higher education and the department of health and hospitals," Candace Townsend, McNeese director of public information and communications said. "Final budget figures are still very much uncertain, but we know that higher education, and McNeese, will have significantly reduced state funding."

The Legislature approved a five percent tuition increase for higher education effective for the fall semester. "The tuition increase is expected to generate about $1.2 million to help close the cut," Townsend said. After the tuition increase is factored in, the projected shortfall to the McNeese budget will still be $7.4 million." The tuition increase for McNeese students will average about $85 for the fall semester.

"The decision to suspend merit increases has been a difficult one, and it was not made hastily. The work and dedication of our faculty and support staff are the keys to fulfilling our promise to students of "excellence with a personal touch. This decision is a layoff avoidance measure," Hebert said.

In his message to McNeese faculty and support staff Hebert said, "We must all work together to continue the progress we are making at McNeese, and to support our core mission of academic excellence."

The Layoff Avoidance Plan that McNeese submitted to the Department of Civil Service may be viewed in the Office of Human Resources located in Smith Hall on the McNeese campus.