Budget negotiations in the Kansas Legislature

Jayhawks,

As we celebrate KU’s spectacular national championship, it’s also time to support KU in critical budget negotiations in the Kansas Legislature. Lawmakers have adjourned for three weeks until they return to Topeka April 25 for the wrap-up session, so this is an ideal time to connect with your local senator and representative to share two key messages:

• THANK YOU for passing a preliminary budget that is the best in years for higher education, including support for need-based scholarships, expanded health-sciences education in Wichita, information technology improvements, economic development initiatives, merit salary increases and deferred maintenance projects.

• The final higher education budget MUST fully restore $45.7 million in base-budget funding for the state’s universities. Returning these operating funds to FY 2021 levels is absolutely vital for KU to hold tuition flat for a fourth consecutive year. Without these funds, KU will be forced to increase tuition to deal with the inflationary pressures we are all facing.

Legislators will debate this critical budget component during the wrap-up session, so now is the time to make your voice heard. Please strongly urge your senator and representative to restore $45.7 million in base-budget funds for universities and maintain affordability for Kansas students and their families.

Let’s advocate for higher education funding as fervently as we cheer for our national champions!

Thank you—and Rock Chalk!

Heath Peterson, d’04, g’09
President
KU Alumni Association