To soften the blow of a $1 billion state deficit, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has ordered a freeze of state agency spending. Despite the scope of the order, which effectively freezes all non-vital purchases made by the state of Louisiana’s executive branch, Southeastern’s campus will remain relatively untouched.

“At the time of the order, most of our spending was completed for that time,” said Vice President for Administration and Finance Stephen Smith. “But this freeze may slow down purchases for departments that would need new equipment, such as the Physical Plant.”

The only problem the university can expect is the inability to purchase equipment, such as computers or heavy machinery, during the months of May and June. However the need for new equipment during the duration of the freeze is unlikely. While the bill does prohibit spending for major repairs, its conditions are malleable. For instance, if a major system on campus required repairs or other extenuating circumstances occur, the campus would appeal to the Commission of Administration for funds. Ultimately the decision to grant these funds is made by Paul W. Rainwater, the Commissioner of Administration.

Executive order NO. BJ 2011 – 7, which outlines the conditions of the freeze, states that no department, agency or budget unit of the state’s executive branch may make any expenditure of funds for travel, operating services, supplies, professional services, interagency transfers, acquisitions and major repairs.

The freeze was issued on May 9 and will last until June 30 unless amended, modified, terminated or rescinded prior to then.  According to news reports from The Advocate and the Associated Press, House Representative and Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Jim Fannin, has stated that he asked the governor’s office to issue the spending freeze.

The bill is accompanied with two other pages listing state initiatives that are exempt from the freeze. All budget activities directly related to declared emergencies (hurricane recovery, oil spill recovery and flood protection) have been exempted. Also, essential travel and supplies for prisons, law enforcement, direct patient healthcare, state education and state military have been left untouched.