Chancellor Hemenway warns bleak budget could result in largest cuts in history to state higher education

Kansas Governor Bill Graves's statutory budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2003 contained "the largest cuts ever recommended for higher education in Kansas," Chancellor Robert Hemenway said.in a recent message to KU campuses.

The potential funding reduction for KU next year is $15.44 million, or 6.3% of KU's budget.

"Such cuts would undermine the state's long-standing commitment to postsecondary education and could potentially set Kansas higher education back for years to come."

Governor Graves proposed some restoration funding for higher education funding in his State of the State Address.

"We applaud his leadership," Hemenway said, "but the fact remains his latest proposal relies on the Legislature to enact revenue enhancements. And even if those proposed restorations are enacted, a significant shortfall for KU and other Regents universities will remain."

The potential $15.44 million reduction for KU includes $5.86 million in mandated (but unfunded) cost increases for annualizing salary increases, health insurance and other benefits.

"As the budget moves through the Legislature, we will work hard to secure support for the positive parts of the Governor's budget proposal," Hemenway said. "At the same time, we will seek to identify other parts of the budget that are still not adequately addressed by the Governor's recommendations."

Part 1: Chancellor Hemenway on state budget concerns
Part 2: Block Grants and Tuition Proposals
Part 3: Research Building Bond Initiative
Part 4: How to help KU during the Legislative session.
Part 5: KU's proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2003

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