Eastern Kentucky University President Michael Benson says he's expecting some of the governor's proposed funding cuts to higher education to be included in the final state budget, but he's hopeful modifications will be made. Benson and other university executives testified Thursday before the House Budget Review Subcommittee. Richmond Representative Rita Smart said the proposed cuts would adversely affect gains made at Eastern Kentucky University. “As the president has said, we will be positive" Smart said. "But it is going to make a major major impact on the work that the university has started in the last two years.”
In addition to significant cuts, the governor wants to move forward with performance based funding for higher education sooner than many university presidents would like. Kentucky Community and Technical College System President Jay Box says competing for performance based funding could create challenges. “If we have to compete with UK for example on STEM graduates, we’ll never be able to get that kind of level of standards met,” said Box.
Governor Bevin's budget plan calls for a 4.5 percent cut for the current fiscal year, and 9 percent over the next two years. Bevin has indicated a willingness to allow for flexibility in carrying out cuts. He says reductions should be considered over a 30 month budget cycle.
This is the second such meeting held to hear comments from university presidents around the state. A final vote on the state budget is not likely for several weeks. ?
