University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto says his school is an economic engine that deserves more, not less. Capilouto testified Thursday before the House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education. Governor Bevin is proposing a 4.5% cut for the current year, and 9% over the next two years. Capilouto says the reductions would impact the gains UK has made. “These cuts will have a chilling effect on our momentum," Capilouto said. "And we can’t simply absorb these cuts, even with our size."
Capilouto says since 2008, UK has seen a 15 % growth in total student enrollment. He says more than half of UK’s students don’t face school related debt after graduation.
Former House Speaker Jody Richards said he’s hopeful the proposed 4.5 % cut for the current year can be eliminated during the legislative process. “I’m going to try to find the money, and hopefully we can, to reduce those and hopefully erase that cut this year," said Richards. "Because I do think that’s particularly debilitating.”
Governor Bevin told reporters Thursday the overall reductions will be needed over time to deal with massive state pension shortfalls.?
