Statement on budget from President Kirk Schulz
Thursday, March 5, 2015
MANHATTAN — The Education Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means issued its recommendations yesterday for FY 16 and FY 17, which included $3.1 million in cuts for Kansas State University. The proposed cuts come on the heels of a nearly $3.1 million cut to the university announced Feb. 5 for the current fiscal year, FY 15.
"Continued cuts in higher education have a harmful effect on the opportunities we can provide to the students and citizens of Kansas," said Kirk Schulz, president of Kansas State University. "At a time when we see increasing enrollment, the amount of state support continues to remain in flux. We had agreed to manage a flat budget for the next two fiscal years, and the proposed change in this agreement is disappointing.
"Budget cuts translate into fewer scholarships, higher tuition for our families and reduced research," Schulz noted. "Kansas State University has a mission to serve the entire state through the K-State Research and Extension arm. As the state's land-grant university, we are charged with reaching every county in the state with programs to assist with the health, education and economic well-being of our citizens. Continued state support is essential to maintain these programs, which are highly valued by Kansans."
Schulz said the university will continue to work with the Legislature and governor's office to protect the state's investment in higher education.
