<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><item href="/news/stories/legislature-reconvenes-with-focus.html" dsn="news"><hide/><featured/><pubDate>02/03/2021</pubDate><title>Legislature reconvenes with focus on passing new state budget</title><description>State lawmakers kicked off the remainder of the 2021 General Assembly this week with nearly a dozen bills related to higher education – and a new state budget – awaiting action in committee. Before legislators gaveled out last month, Gov. Andy Beshear unveiled a $12 billion budget proposal that would channel $17 million in additional funding to postsecondary institutions.</description><image><img src="/_resources/images/kentucky-lawmakers.jpg" alt="KY Capitol"/></image></item>