EDITORIAL: State cannot ignore reform
News Star (excerpt)

Blueprint Louisiana, a group of business people formed to suggest ways to improve state government, has developed a 14-point plan that could plug at least $1 billion of the $1.6 billion deficit the state is facing this year. It's certainly worth thoughtful consideration, particularly since most business people have become experts at surgically trimming their own budgets during this down economy.

Besides cutting what the group terms "inefficiencies," like management costs, certain programs and too many state employees, the plan promotes raising new revenue by imposing higher tuition for college students and fees on hospital visits. The recommendations to be presented to the Legislature include suggestions in three basic areas: general government, health care and higher education. The cost savings and revenue-producing measures combined total $972 million to $1.6 billion, according to Blueprint figures.

Several of the proposals reflect ideas being pushed by Gov. Bobby Jindal, the Department of Health and Hospitals and higher education leaders