Murray State University’s president says the House committee’s version of the state budget that restores higher education funding was the result of a ‘significant’ team effort.
In a letter to the campus community on Wednesday, Davies said the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee’s biennial budget scales back cuts that had been proposed by Governor Matt Bevin.
The governor had recommended a reduction to state appropriations of 6.25% – which amounts to $2.8 million to Murray State. There was also a proposed $1.2 million reduction to the Breathitt Veterinary Center in Hopkinsville. Both of these are not included in a budget bill that goes to the full House.
“I am encouraged by what had occurred,” Davies said in the release.
Davies said efforts now focus on the Senate process. He said there’s still a “long way to go” before the budget is finalized and signed by Bevin.
Davies said the removal of the reductions is the result of a ‘team effort’ by members of the campus community. “The removal of these reductions is the result of a significant team effort by many on behalf of Murray State – faculty, staff, students, legislators, alumni and community members,” he said.
He also said there is still much work to do on managing increased pension costs and revenue shortfall.
