| Keeping Our Promise of Accountability
Blueprint Louisiana’s second Accountability Report recaps our involvement in the 2009 legislative
cycle. In a legislative session dominated by lack of money, Blueprint was still able to accomplish both
of its “New Economy” agenda items — the pursuit of a strategic research alliance model for Louisiana
and the initial implementation of a performance-based formula to fund higher education in the state.
Strategic Research Alliance Model for Louisiana
Blueprint Louisiana was successful in passing its only stand-alone piece of legislation in the 2009
legislative session, Senate Bill 211 by Senator Dan Claitor of Baton Rouge. The bill ensures that key
topics such as technology transfer, high-growth industry segments and a strategic research alliance model for Louisiana will be evaluated by the council within the first year. The bill also requires the
council to report back to the Legislature in the first quarter of 2010.
Performance-Based Formula to Fund Higher Education
In our many higher education funding discussions with lawmakers and the administration, we
advocated for the implementation of a performance-based formula to fund our higher education institutions. The performance-based formula is a departure from funding based simply on enrollment,
which Blueprint believes failed to incentivize growth in alignment with workforce needs, research in
alignment with economic development potential, or achievement of overall state education priorities.
Performance-based funding will play a key role in producing a “right-sized”
higher education system that’s smarter, more efficient, and better at turning out qualified graduates
that can compete and succeed in today’s global, knowledge-based economy.
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