The cuts made annually to the education system drive up tuition for colleges and public schools as well, as they become a gut-wrenching task when it comes to paying fees. Such cuts and policies make it nearly impossible for students to get into colleges for the education they need and deserve nowadays.

This directly and indirectly affects the state economy. As states withdraw higher education funding, the monetary value of attending private colleges and good university education has risen at a significantly higher rate than the growth in median income. 

In the last few years, many states have begun instating reforms in educational cuts despite the recession and other economic factors. Louisiana is one of the few states that lowered per-student funding by 30 percent since the recession hit the United States.

Though tuition increases have compensated for a small part of the revenue loss after the recession, universities and private colleges have considered cutting faculty positions and reducing student services, among other compensations. 

Louisiana ranks third in the United States regarding cutting education funding. Even after cutting education funding by 39.1 percent over the years, this does not compensate for the state's revenue loss. Thus, education reforms like the one put forth by the Pelican Institute must be evaluated on a larger scale. Policies that support education reforms that include education funding and good curriculum and faculty quality can be a strong base for generating a solid workforce to lift the economy. 

When it comes to private businesses, Louisiana’s business sector loses its meaning when there is no academic community and strong youth citizenship to support it. Technically, The Great Recession ended in 2009, but its repercussions on education are much higher than on the business sector.

The economy regarding business and private industries has gained momentum, yet, the cuts affect the education system. Compensating the revenue loss via cutting education funding seems like a temporary solution for Louisiana.

Considering the states of Wisconsin and Alaska have increased their education funding while simultaneously performing well in the revenue and taxes sector, Louisiana should follow in their footsteps and reform education funding to generate competent, educated citizens to strengthen the economy.