Edwards wants higher education stability, but more cuts loom

College campuses, however, are unlikely to escape a second round of cuts before Louisiana's financial year closes, as the state grapples with a looming deficit expected to reach $300 million or more.

[...] Edwards said he will propose that Louisiana raise taxes in the upcoming regular legislative session to avoid reductions to campuses in future budget years — and to fully fund the TOPS college tuition program.

The statement is sure to put him at odds with House Republican leaders, who have said government needs to be restructured and trimmed further before lawmakers should consider tax increases in the spring session.

The shooting of Alton Sterling, a black man, by white police officers in Baton Rouge triggered protests and unease in July, followed fewer than two weeks later by the ambush-style killings of three law enforcement officers in the city.