NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)
Date: February 18, 2005

Contact: Brendan Lehane, (859) 256-3305, brendan.lehane@kctcs.edu
Terri Giltner, (859) 256-3186, terri.giltner@kctcs.edu
President's budget deals crushing blow to workforce training in Kentucky
KCTCS stands to lose $18.4 million in funding

President Bush delivered a crushing blow to Kentucky's workforce and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) in his $2.6 trillion budget by eliminating the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education program, among other education programs. The 2006 budget requested no funding for Perkins, eliminated a total of 48 education programs, and slashed education funding for the first time in 10 years.

"These dollars are critical to achieving the state and federal objectives of creating jobs and opportunities for citizens," said Michael B. McCall, president of KCTCS.

For KCTCS, the state's number one provider of postsecondary education and workforce training, the cuts would eliminate over $18.4 million in funding for workforce development, vocational education training, and college readiness programs in Kentucky.

The cuts would eliminate $8 million in Perkins funds, $1.6 million for the GEAR UP program, $5 million for the Upward Bound and Talent Search programs, and $3.8 million for adult basic education programs.

Perkins funding for KCTCS colleges allows for new developments and improvements in technical programming. These funds are used to supply colleges with current, state-of-the-art technology in order to provide workers with the skills needed by Kentucky's industries such as:

  • A heavy-duty, high-rise truck transmission jack for the automotive technology program at Ashland Community and Technical College
  • Cavitron jet with SPS technology air polishing system for dental program at West Kentucky Community and Technology College.
  • Dell Dimension 4600 computers for medical assisting program at West Kentucky Community and Technical College.
  • Intra-oral camera and model trimmer for dental program at West Kentucky Community and Technical College.
  • Differential cell counters and cell washer for the clinical lab technology program at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College.
  • Therma Cam E4 for technical instruction program at Hazard Community and Technical College.
  • Production logic controllers for industrial maintenance program at Central Kentucky Technical College.
  • Computer workstations for allied health building at West Kentucky Community and Technical College
  • Surgical table and accessory package for surgical technology program at West Kentucky Community and Technical College.
  • Orthopedic and surgical fracture table for radiology and surgical technology programs at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College
  • Mega Code Kelly Vitalslim Advanced and trauma module for paramedic students at Hazard Community and Technical College.
  • Computer scan toll for Chrysler vehicles for use in technical programs at Big Sandy Community and Technical College.

    "Perkins funds are used for the establishment of up-to-date training programs and equipment," said McCall. "Without these dollars many of our programs will cease to exist or be forced to use outdated equipment that is in many cases obsolete."

    The Perkins program, named in honor of U.S. Rep. Carl D. Perkins of Kentucky, was established to provide individuals with the academic and technical skills needed to succeed. A native of Hindman, Rep. Perkins presided over the Education and Labor Committee from 1967-84. He was instrumental in the passage of the Vocational Education Act of 1963, the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

    In addition to the Perkins funding, the 2006 budget request from the Bush administration proposes the elimination of several programs designed to help prepare low-income students for college such as GEAR-UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), Upward Bound and Talent Search.

    Funds received by KCTCS through GEAR UP allow colleges to work in partnership with local middle and high schools. The program provides counseling for low-income families on career and college opportunities, and strengthens academic programs and student services so that graduates are prepared academically and financially to enter college.

    Upward Bound and Talent Search, which are part of the federal TRIO programs for disadvantaged students, serve young people in grades six through 12. In addition to counseling, participants receive information on college admissions requirements, scholarships and various student financial aid programs.

    "Many of our students are the first in their family to attend college," said McCall. "These programs change their lives by preparing them for success."

    For specific impacts of proposed funding cuts on individual colleges, please visit http://www.kctcs.edu/newspublications/releases/Funding2004.htm
    KCTCS is changing the lives of Kentuckians by providing affordable and accessible postsecondary education at 16 community and technical colleges on 65 campuses throughout the Commonwealth. For more information, visit www.kctcs.edu