What they get:
The two-year budget for postsecondary education cuts spending by 6.4 percent next year, but fully funds student financial aid programs, including the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship, among others. Appropriations would essentially remain constant in the second year of the biennium.
Funding is not allocated for a proposal to bring the University of Pikeville into Kentucky’s public university system. But Gov. Steve Beshear said ample funds are available in the multi-county coal fund if the legislature decides to move forward on the proposal.
The budget also authorizes $451 million in bonds for public institutions, including $39 million for the University of Louisville. In addition, it allows the University of Kentucky to begin the first phase of its dormitory rebuilding program.
What it means:
Although cuts to higher education are less than to other areas of state government, the new spending plan is expected to cause more strain on resources, faculty and student finances at public universities and slow progress in educational attainment. The budget will help universities embark on crucial building campaigns, but only at debt levels they can support independently.
What they're saying:
“Such reductions, without question, would have a significant impact on the University of Kentucky. It would force all of us to make strategic and, yes, tough decisions. But the bottom line is this: While the governor’s budget proposal is important, it represents the first step in a long process.”
University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto
“We understand the fiscal problems the state faces. It’s a tremendous challenge to keep moving forward and to meet our statutory mandate. Our faculty and staff have made great progress, and we will do everything we can to keep moving forward.”
University of Louisville President James Ramsey
“We are all cognizant of the condition of the state’s treasury, but we are obviously disappointed that the needs of our campuses and our students are going to be stressed substantially because of the impact of cuts on higher education.”Bob King, president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education