Higher education funding increases for the first time in five years
After suffering through six years of cuts totaling more than $625 million, Louisiana’s public colleges and universities are in line for a budget boost in the upcoming fiscal year. Gov. Bobby Jindal announced Tuesday that he will propose increasing the higher education budget by $142 million in his 2014-15 spending recommendations, being released on Friday. About $88 million of that amount would come from tuition increases, with the state pitching in $54 million. The governor also proposed using $40 million for higher education institutions to spend on high-demand job training, but universities can only access those funds if they identify a private investor or federal funding that will cover at least 20 percent of their new and expanded programs’ costs.

While the governor tries to pump money into training for high-demand jobs, a new report finds that traditional liberal arts majors don’t fare as poorly in the job market as popular perception would suggest. Among other key findings in the report by the Association of American Colleges and Universities and the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems: At peak earnings ages (56-60 years) workers who majored as undergraduates in the humanities or social sciences earn annually on average about $2,000 more than those who majored as undergraduates in professional or pre-professional fields. These data include all college graduates working full-time, including those with only a baccalaureate degree and those with both a baccalaureate and graduate or professional degree.

Louisiana state pension plans contribute to state, local economies
As the Legislature prepares for another session of tinkering with Louisiana’s public retirement systems, a new report by the Louisiana Budget Project looks at the ways public pensions pump money into local economies. Louisiana’s defined-benefit pension plans are more than just retirement security for teachers and state workers. They also represent a key economic driver that supports households and businesses in every city, town and parish of the state. Altogether, Louisiana’s 13 pension systems pay out more than $3 billion in benefits to 150,000 retirees and their families every year. In some rural parishes, pension payments make up nearly 1 in 6 retirement dollars, and in a handful of parishes they account for as much as 2.5 percent or 3 percent of all personal income.

Lawmakers hear case for legalizing medical and recreational marijuana
Almost 1,400 Louisianans are serving prison time for simple marijuana possession, and 10 people are serving life sentences for possessing a drug that is now legal in two states and decriminalized in two dozen states. More than 78 percent of those incarcerated for pot in Louisiana are black, compared to 32.4 percent of the state population.  While Louisiana Legislature is unlikely to follow the lead of Washington and Colorado during its upcoming session, the House Committee on the Administration of Criminal Justice is at least discussing the issue. Rep. Austin Badon, D-New Orleans, has filed House Bill 14 in advance of the 2014 legislature that reduces the criminal penalties for marijuana possession. If the bill passes, it will save the state $1.6 million in its first year and $4 million thereafter.

Nola.com Editorial Board: Medicaid expansion worth it for LA
Former state health secretary David Hood told reporters last week that he plans to lobby the legislature during the 2014 session to expand of Medicaid. While he faces an uphill battle, the Nola.com Editorial Board says Hood’s efforts are worthwhile: Mr. Hood understands that he faces an uphill battle in the Legislature. But he is right to keep trying. Eventually, surely, Louisiana’s leaders won’t be able to ignore all the good that could be done for so many people – people they were elected to serve. That “good” includes creating 15,600 new jobs in health care and other fields and providing more than 242,000 uninsured Louisiana residents with health coverage.

Bi-partisan Congressional group considers restoring Voting Rights Act
A bipartisan group of Congressional lawmakers is introducing legislation to restore the Voting Rights Act by modernizing the “preclearance” tests. The new formula requires clearance only from states where there have been at least five Voting Rights Acts violations in the most recent 15 years – with at least one committed by the state itself. Supporters said only Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas fall into that category.

United Way gears up for free tax preparation
The United Way is seeking volunteers to help provide free tax assistance through the VITA program, which is a free income tax preparation service that helps thousands of low and moderate-income taxpayers receive tax credits for which they qualify. To learn more about the VITA program, visit the IRS Tax Volunteer website or call “211” and ask for the free income tax sites (VITA) in your area. The Capital Area United Way is hosting its 7^th Annual Super Tax Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Feb. 8 at Baton Rouge Community College in the Student Center.

LBP hosts free screening of “Inequality for All,” featuring Rob Reich
LBP invites you to attend a free screening of the film “Inequality for All” on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at the Baton Rouge Kress Gallery (447 3^rd St., Baton Rouge). The film (you can view the trailer here) is narrated by former Labor Secretary Robert Reich and discusses how the massive consolidation of wealth by a few has a devastating impact on our economy and on the foundation of American democracy itself. With the 2014 legislative session fast approaching, this is a unique opportunity to discuss solutions to one of the most pressing issues of our time. The film will start promptly at 5:30 p.m., followed by a post-screening Q&A. Seating is limited and available on a first come first serve basis. Please RSVP here so we can provide an adequate amount of refreshments. Note that an RSVP does not ensure a seat at the event.