Louisiana House Bill HCR218

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/4/10
• Engrossed: 6/7/10
• Report Pass: 6/10/10
• Passed: 6/21/10

Caption

Requests the Board of Regents to restructure the performance-based funding formula and not to allocate funding based on performance until improvements to the formula are made

Impact

The resolution addresses significant concerns regarding the performance metrics proposed by the Board of Regents, which are intended to guide state appropriations to postsecondary institutions. Critics argue that these metrics may not accurately reflect institutional improvement or success, but instead lead to comparisons that could undermine the capabilities of specific institutions. The bill suggests that without a restructured formula that considers unique institutional characteristics, the existing approach could hamper the educational missions of these institutions, especially during a period of shrinking state budgets.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 218, known as HCR218, urges the Board of Regents to revisit and restructure the performance-based funding formula currently used for allocating state funding to public postsecondary institutions in Louisiana. The bill emphasizes the need for the funding formula to better reflect the unique roles and missions of these institutions, and it specifically requests that funding not be allocated on the basis of performance until improvements have been made. This request arises from concerns that the current formula does not account for disparities in admission standards and resources among institutions, potentially leading to unfair competition and misunderstanding regarding funding distribution.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR218 appears to be one of caution and advocacy for equitable treatment among varying educational institutions. Supporters believe that the performance-based model, as it stands, poses risks to the individual missions of schools, while opponents may question the efficacy of the proposed changes. Overall, the discourse indicates a strong desire for an improved funding formula that better serves the diverse landscape of Louisiana’s higher education system.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention in the discussion relates to how the funding formula's current metrics create disparity and competition among institutions, which could detrimentally affect their educational objectives. Proponents of HCR218 argue that a revised formula is essential to ensure that state appropriations reflect the distinct needs and historical commitments of each institution, while opponents may express concerns about the process of restructuring and the potential unintended consequences it could have on the funding distribution during a critical economic period.