Public Affairs Students See Budgeting in Action at the State Capitol

BATON ROUGE - Students in LSU's public affairs minor recently took their learning into the halls of the Louisiana State Capitol, where they explored firsthand how government budgeting shapes the state's priorities and policies.

As part of PADM 3020: Funding Government: Revenue, Taxation, and Public Policy, taught by Min Su, an associate professor in the Department of Public Administration at the E. J. Ourso College of Business, students met with members of the Louisiana House Fiscal Division (HFD). Director Daniel Waguespack, Deputy Director Alison Pryor, and other HFD staff provided an inside look at how their team supports legislators by drafting bills, analyzing revenues, and managing the state's financial responsibilities.  

"Public budgeting can feel abstract in a textbook," said Su. "By seeing the budget process inside the Capitol, students begin to understand how policy decisions are carefully analyzed, negotiated, and implemented in the real world."

The visit also provided a historical perspective as students toured the Louisiana State Capitol building, learning about significant events in its history, including the legacy of Huey P. Long and the evolution of state policymaking over the decades.

"The biggest takeaway from this experience was realizing how much influence non-elected staff have in the policymaking process," said Mia DiTullio, a junior marketing major. "This visit changed how I think about public service and government jobs by showing that important work doesn't always happen in front of the public. It helped me better understand how state budget decisions are made and why the HFD is so important in making sure those decisions are based on accurate information, not just assumptions."

LSU's public affairs minor equips students with essential skills in leadership, budgeting, data-driven decision-making, and policy analysis. Through experiences like the Capitol visit, students not only improve their understanding of policy and budgeting but also begin to see their potential impact as future public leaders. These opportunities help create informed, skilled citizens who will contribute to effective governance, responsible fiscal management, and stronger communities across the state.

Open to all undergraduate majors, the minor complements disciplines ranging from business to political science, sociology, and communications. It serves as a foundation for careers in law, public policy, nonprofit management, and government administration.

For students considering further study, the program also provides a valuable springboard to graduate degrees such as the Master of Public Administration.