Budget talks this week in Frankfort have focused quite a bit on funding for the state’s colleges and universities, and the impact on tuition rates.
Lawmakers are continuing to debate the potential impact of implementing a nine percent cut to higher education as proposed by Governor Bevin. Senate Education Committee Chair Mike Wilson says some university presidents have said that upping tuition rates is not feasible. “They’ve pretty much said you know we can’t really raise tuition much, if any anymore, because they’ll price themselves out of the market,” said Wilson.
Senate President Pro Tem David Givens doesn’t believe that spending cuts for universities would necessarily drive up tuition. House Budget Review Committee on Education Chair Arnold Simpson says the cuts would do just that. “It’s obvious it will, no doubt about it," said Simpson. "I don’t think anyone would dispute that.” Simpson. Simpson says universities have tightened their belts already to cope with previous state funding cuts.
Lawmakers have until April 15 to pass a two-year budget.?
