The State Budget Process Begins The State Budget Process Begins

Campus Community,

Last night, Governor Andy Beshear unveiled his budget proposal for the Commonwealth for the 2024-2026 biennium.

The proposal details continued investments in higher education, including annual appropriations over the next two years to help fund general operations on our campuses. The proposal also contains funding for what we call “asset preservation,” dollars that would be devoted to renovations of facilities in the core of our campus.

As always, we are very appreciative of the Governor’s sustained commitment to education at all levels. It reflects an understanding of, and belief in, the power of education to change lives and strengthen our state’s economy.

At the same time, last night’s budget proposal is the first step — one of many on a long, legislative journey over the next few months. The General Assembly will convene early next year, and we expect leaders in the state House to unveil their own budget proposal for the state. Both the House and Senate will weigh in on versions of the budget before a final budget for the next two years is adopted in April. 

There will be many changes throughout this process as well as a host of other issues our government relations team will work on throughout the session. From conversations I’ve had with legislators throughout the last several months, I know there is strong support for the work we do on this campus as well as interest in how we do that work and how we respond to Kentucky’s needs. 

I will be in Frankfort often, telling our powerful story to policymakers, who care deeply about our commonwealth and UK’s role in making it healthier, wealthier and wiser.

At important points along the way, we will communicate with you about the status of the budget and other initiatives critical to our efforts at UK to advance our state.

Thank you for all you do to make our mission to advance Kentucky possible. 

Eli Capilouto

President