Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education

CPE president praises Beshear's funding proposal for higher education

January 08, 2021

President Aaron Thompson, head of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, said Friday that the new budget plan from Gov. Andy Beshear would help shore up higher education and strengthen the workforce at an urgent time for the state's economy.

"This investment in education would expand opportunities for thousands of Kentuckians as we recover from the pandemic and prepare for the next generation of jobs," Thompson said. "It would also provide critical relief for our campuses and students during one of the most transformational and challenging periods in memory. I want to thank Gov. Beshear for his leadership and vision on these matters and for his commitment to higher education across the commonwealth."

Beshear unveiled his $12 billion budget proposal Thursday night in a virtual address to the Kentucky General Assembly, and education ranked high among his funding priorities.

The governor is pledging an additional $17 million in funding for postsecondary institutions – a 2 percent increase in general fund investment.

He also announced the Better Kentucky Promise, a new program that will expand the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship to provide "last dollar" assistance for nearly 6,300 Kentuckians to complete an associate degree or certificate.

Elsewhere in the proposal, Beshear is allocating $50 million toward much-needed asset preservation projects on postsecondary campuses and $5 million for roofing projects at Kentucky State University.

The budget also provides $19.9 million in additional funding to help regional universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System cover pension obligations.

"Higher education provides a tremendous rate of return on public investment, and I'm eager to continue our work with Gov. Beshear and the General Assembly to advance these proposals," Thompson said. "Our campuses have shown an incredible commitment to our state over the past year, and I anticipate even greater accomplishments in the year ahead."

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Last Updated: 7/21/2021