Update: Murray State University President Bob Davies' response:
"We recognize that our Governor, and all state leaders, face many difficult decisions, especially as they deal with the pension crisis that is hampering our state."
"Although the proposed cuts of 2 percent this year and 4.5 percent in the upcoming biennium will be extremely difficult for our campus if implemented, we will find a way to manage them if it’s necessary to ensure the passage of a budget during the legislative session. This decision did not come lightly and is based on the commitment of our state leaders to invest in higher education in the very near future.
Even with these cuts, we will remain committed to our vision of being a nationally-recognized University, noted for our student-centered values."
Original Story:
Kentucky's college and university presidents say they will agree to budget cuts of 2% in the current year and 4.5% over the next two years to end the gridlock over state spending.
State lawmakers have been unable to agree on a two-year plan to spend more than $65 billion in public money because they cannot agree on how colleges and universities should be funded. If lawmakers do not pass a budget by July 1 portions of state government would shut down.
In a letter to Republican Gov. Matt Bevin, Republican Senate President Robert Stivers and Democratic House Speaker Greg Stumbo, nearly all of the state's college and university presidents say they would agree to the cuts in order for lawmakers to pass a budget. Kentucky State University's president did not sign the letter.
