At this time of the year people always ask how KU did with the Kansas Legislature. The session was marked by spirited debate that at times turned into tumult. But as the session drew to its close in late May, we found much support for the University of Kansas, and consequently, many people to thank.
The legislature made an important down payment on maintenance needs, passing a package that over the next five years will provide $90 million in new state funding and $46 million in tax credits. An intriguing new tool, the tax credits would be earned because the donor contributed to deferred maintenance at a Regents institution.
The maintenance deficit will by no means be erased by this plan, but the legislation represents an important step. On the Lawrence campus, we will forge ahead on shoring up the network of century-old hand-dug utility tunnels, and at the Medical Center, much-needed upgrades to the Applegate Energy Center will begin. It is also fair to say that the issue of maintenance for university buildings will come forward again next year.
During the deferred maintenance debate, legislators heard from the grassroots voice of KU alumni, who sent hundreds of emails and phone calls to Topeka, as well as from Professor Rich Givens, who penned a powerful letter on the topic to several newspapers. Regents student leaders made deferred maintenance their cause, and our own university senate leaders and other staff engaged with legislators on this topic. Everyone should be thanked.
A network of affiliations to create a critical mass for medical research and education in our region clearly threatens those comfortable with the status quo. But we cannot forfeit our professional responsibility to contribute to medical decision making in Kansas. Just as we faced anti-evolution and anti-science forces in the past, so now we must trust the advice of medical authority as we pursue a nationally recognized comprehensive cancer center. The people of Kansas deserve life-saving cures created by dedicated Kansas doctors. Whatever disagreements may arise about strategies, surely they are all secondary to the effort to provide first rate cancer care.
Our goal is a KU Medical Center at the hub of a nationally recognized medical education and research community and a National Cancer Institute that offers Kansans the very best in medical treatment. Those of us who envision the best in medical education and research for our state will hold fast to the dream, and no one has worked more tirelessly or unselfishly on this goal than Dr. Barbara Atkinson, Dr. Karen Kelly, and Dr. Roy Jensen, the expert and experienced physicians who are trusted with patients' lives every day.
This all adds up to a reminder for all of us to thank those who supported KU and the Regents system. Please make an effort to know who those people are, and let them know how much we appreciate the legislature's efforts.
Out of all of our friends and supporters we must single out Governor Sebelius, who proved once again that the State of Kansas has a strong governor willing to go to bat for higher education.
In short, KU's interests were supported this year and the university is the better for that support.
Sincerely,
Bob Hemenway
Chancellor
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