The House has approved a budget that would slash spending in many state departments and it TOPS funding would only cover 70% of tuition for students.

The budget would provide money for nursing home residents to keep them from being evicted. It also provides money for the safety-net hospitals.

But to keep things in balance and account for expiring taxes, lawmakers have slashed money for colleges. Dr. Jim Henderson, the University of Louisiana System President says this budget will be devastating to higher education.

The spending plan would start July 1. But lawmakers will begin a special session on Tuesday and they will try to bring in tax dollars to help balance the budget.

The budget package is on the Governor's desk. Henderson tells KEEL News the Governor should not sign the budget yet. He should let it sit and wait to see what lawmakers do during the special session. The Governor has 20 days to act on the budget.

More From 96.5 KVKI