OPINION: See what was more important than the ‘Duck Dynasty’ scandal, p. 13
GYMNASTICS: Freshman all-arounder brings family expertise to team, p. 5
Reveille The Daily
BUDGET CUTS
Revenue down, budget unknown
www.lsureveille.com
MR. ALEXANDER GOES TO WASHINGTON Alexander travels to D.C., Wisconsin in push for higher education affordability JAN. 16
Fernanda Zamudio-Suarez
UNKNOWN CUTS, see page 15
Alexander will be in Washington, D.C. at the White House summit to discuss college affordability. He will be one of 100 university chancellors and presidents to attend the event.
MADISON
Senior Reporter
The Revenue Estimating Conference announced at a meeting Wednesday the state has $35 million less to spend in this year’s budget. The committee mapped out the income forecast, which could potentially affect midyear cuts for the University, but budget cuts will remain uncertain until the state budget is released. Director of External Affairs Jason Droddy said although the budget and revenue are separate items, they are still related, and the governor will present his budget plan shortly after the REC meeting. Gov. Bobby Jindal is set to present his budget proposal next week. The drop in revenue does not necessarily mean there will be cuts
Thursday, January 16, 2014 • Volume 118, Issue 72
JAN. 17 WASHIN GTON, D.C.
FEB. 5 BATON ROUGE
Alexander will fly back to Washington, D.C. along with other University system chancellors and deans to meet with the Louisiana Delegation to discuss college affordability.
Alexander will visit the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned his Ph. D in higher education administration, to talk about President Barack Obama’s proposed “College Scorecard” and ratings system as well as the need for more federal oversight of higher education.
SEE INSIDE Read a breakdown of Alexander’s trip on p. 4 and a columnist’s view on p. 12
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Senate approves transit fee increase Members agree on $20 for fee raise Jacquelyn Masse Contributing Writer
The Student Government Senate voted to raise the Mass Transit Fee by $20 Wednesday night, also discussing a potential ban of tobacco on campus. SG Senate spent hours debating whether or not to increase the current transit fee of $66.20 by $13, $18.53 or $20. According to the LSU Transit Survey, to keep the same quality of service the fee would have to be raised by $13 because of inflation over the years. The survey also found that students would be willing to pay an average increase of $18.53. The TRANSIT FEE, see page 15
CONSTRUCTION
Easy Streets II modifies plan for more pedestrian-friendly campus Emphasis on slow traffic, crosswalks Lyle Manion Contributing Writer
The University Office of Parking, Traffic and Transportation will continue to tweak its Easy Streets II project this semester in an effort to make streets safer and more convenient, said Tammy Millican, assistant director of
Facility Services. Easy Streets I began construction in the middle of 2007 with a goal to protect pedestrians and improve the efficiency of public transportation by closing off the center of campus. Easy Streets II, which began construction in summer 2013, aims to slow traffic by curving roads and adding crosswalks, said Gary Graham, director of Parking, Traffic and Transportation. The curves and crosswalks on Dalrymple Drive are visible examples of this,
Graham said. Also new is the permanent closure of Tower Drive, which will eliminate traffic congestion and allow for a spacious, safe walk through the center of campus, Graham said. Mark D’Ambrosio, electrical engineering sophomore, acknowledged the effects of Easy Streets II, recalling a new curb in front of the Music and Dramatic Arts building slowed his driving on CHANGING STREETS, see page 15
CONNOR TARTER / The Daily Reveille
The Easy Streets II initiative calls for slower traffic on campus as well as curved roads, more crosswalks and the permanent closure of Tower Drive.