Update on Governor's Budget

Dear Colleagues,

On Tuesday, Governor Sebelius issued her recommendations for the current and FY 2010 budget years. We are still analyzing the impact on KU, but clearly the state's poor economic condition has led to budget cuts to higher education.

The Governor's budget recommends a 3 percent cut this year, for which we had prepared. Her recommendation for FY 2010 is for a 7 percent cut to the Regents block grant, which we had also anticipated, in addition to cuts to deferred maintenance, the Wichita Center for Graduate Medical Education and other education initiatives.

The specific effect of these proposals on KU is still being determined, but even as we do everything possible to protect our core academic and research missions, it is clear that cuts of this level would have an impact on students and others served by KU.

We've already been meeting with policy makers in Topeka and will continue to advocate on behalf of KU. It is important to remember that this is just the first step in the budget process. Legislators will have their own proposals and a variety of changes are likely to occur as the budget is finalized in the coming weeks and months.

We want to maintain open lines of communication throughout the university as the legislative session proceeds. As we determine the effects of budget proposals on KU, I will share them with you. I also always want to hear your ideas for ways we can operate more efficiently.

Additionally, we will have a brownbag legislative forum for the university community on Friday, January 23, at noon in Alderson Auditorium in the Kansas Union. The Lawrence legislative delegation has been invited to attend. Provost Richard Lariviere, our State Relations Director Kathy Damron and I will be there to discuss the budget and answer your questions. I hope you are able to attend.

Together, we will weather this economic storm and ensure that KU remains what Governor Sebelius called "one of our state's greatest assets."

Sincerely,
Bob Hemenway
Chancellor