Dear Jayhawk for Higher Education,

Thanks for your continued advocacy on behalf of KU and the Kansas Board of Regents universities. 

As the 2025 session of the Kansas Legislature began, Gov. Laura Kelly on Jan. 16 released her Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, which included a slight increase to base funding for the state’s higher education system.

Traditionally, each year the governor’s budget proposal serves as the starting point for legislative debate in the months that follow. This year, however, the House and Senate introduced their own budget plan in bill form for consideration by the Legislature, which might make budget discussions different than they’ve been in recent years. 

The University joins the Kansas Board of Regents in requesting funds for initiatives that will empower KU to better serve students and Kansans.

First and foremost, KU is asking the Legislature for stable base funding to enable KU to keep tuition steady for students and parents, and to ensure students have the support services they need to succeed. This is especially important given KU currently has its highest enrollment in history and expects another strong class of freshmen to join us in fall 2025.

Additionally, KU is asking for funding for the following initiatives:

• Expansion of the Kansas Medical Student Loan Program, which provides loans to School of Medicine students who agree to practice medicine in Kansas after residency
• Enhancements to KU’s information technology infrastructure and cybersecurity
• Recruitment and retention of research faculty in areas that drive the Kansas economy such as engineering, cancer and brain health
• Construction of a new School of Architecture & Design building

For helpful facts and talking points to assist in your communications with legislators, please visit the Government Relations page.

Thank you, and Rock Chalk!

Heath Peterson, d’04, g’09

President, KU Alumni Association

Interested in learning more about Jayhawks for Higher Education? Visit kualumni.org/jhe.