KCTCS NEWS RELEASE - for immediate release
Contact: Bryan Armstrong, (859) 246-3210

KCTCS leaders make case for funding to promote economic development

FRANKFORT, Ky. (February 5, 2004) – Community and technical college leaders from across Kentucky traveled to the capital on Thursday to persuade legislators to adequately fund institutions in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS).
The KCTCS effort was coordinated with Higher Education Day in Frankfort, sponsored by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) and other colleges and universities.
During the day, KCTCS leaders scheduled meetings with their local legislators, seeking support for the following initiatives:

  • The CPE legislative agenda.
  • KCTCS special initiatives, which include implementation of a Classification and Compensation Plan, Remedial/Developmental Programs, Homeland Security, and development of a Center of Excellence in Automotive Manufacturing.
  • The KCTCS Capital Budget, which includes new construction projects, maintenance of existing facilities, renovation of existing facilities, expansion of existing facilities, capital equipment, information technology equipment or system acquisitions, and new or expanded leases of real property.
    The KCTCS effort on Thursday promoted the theme of “KCTCS: Education and Training that Sparks Kentucky’s Economic Engine.” The day began with a breakfast with Governor Fletcher and legislators sponsored by the Inter-Alumni Council, which is chaired by KCTCS alumni representative Mike Foster, Christian County Attorney, from Hopkinsville.
    “Our colleges are the primary provider of postsecondary education and workforce development in the Commonwealth,” KCTCS President Michael B. McCall said. “In this time of budget cuts, it is critical that legislators and other policy makers understand the key role that KCTCS plays in growing the economy of Kentucky.”
    KCTCS college presidents, accompanied by community leaders, discussed with legislators the impact that budget cuts are having on the ability of colleges to meet the needs of students, communities, and business and industry. After sustaining four funding cuts in three years, KCTCS colleges are preparing budget-reduction plans that include closing buildings, reducing programs and services, and limiting enrollment.
    “Now more than ever, Kentuckians deserve adequate funding of their community and technical colleges so KCTCS can continue to change the lives of students and promote economic development,” McCall said.
    For more information on the KCTCS legislative agenda, visit www.kctcs.edu on the web.
    KCTCS colleges change lives by providing academic and technical associate degrees; diploma and certificate programs in occupational fields; pre-baccalaureate education; adult, continuing and developmental education; customized training for business and industry; and distance learning. For more information, visit www.kctcs.edu .