Louisiana House Bill HCR92

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/16/12
• Refer: 4/17/12
• Report Pass: 5/15/12
• Engrossed: 5/21/12
• Refer: 5/22/12
• Report Pass: 5/23/12
• Passed: 5/24/12

Caption

Requests the Board of Regents to study executive compensation at the university system offices and boards

Impact

The resolution aims to ensure transparency in the handling of public funds by examining the salaries and additional emoluments, such as car or housing allowances, received by system presidents and other executives. By identifying peer systems and analyzing compensation data from credible sources like the Southern Regional Education Board, the Board of Regents is tasked with presenting findings that could potentially lead to policy revisions regarding executive pay in the context of broader budgetary constraints.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 92 (HCR92) urges the Board of Regents of Louisiana to study the compensation of executive officers within postsecondary education systems and to submit a report to the legislature in advance of the 2013 Regular Session. The resolution arises amid financial challenges faced by the state, with a projected budget shortfall of $895 million, prompting scrutiny of expenditures within the public postsecondary education budget, which was previously set at $3.012 billion.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HCR92 is supportive of increased transparency and accountability in the management of state funds. Legislators and stakeholders express a collective need for clearer insight into administrative costs, which ties directly to equitable fund distribution among postsecondary institutions. This focus on oversight reflects an overarching objective to align compensation with regional standards while balancing the fiscal responsibilities of the state.

Contention

While there is bipartisan support for greater oversight, there may be underlying contention regarding the potential implications for executive recruitment and retention in higher education. Concerns have been raised about how salary caps or stricter scrutiny could impact the ability of the state to attract talent capable of navigating complex educational environments during financial crises, without compromising the integrity of public spending.