SUNO-UNO Merger Bill Update

Opponents of a proposed merger of Southern University at New Orleans

with the University of New Orleans have lost another bid to stall

the consolidation effort. The House Appropriations Committee backed

the merger bill in a 17-4 vote, over criticism that financial

questions remain unanswered. House Speaker Jim Tucker, the sponsor

of the merger bill, says the analysis might be too high. And he says

the benefits out weigh the price tag.