CPE Study: Kentucky's Public Universities in Disrepair

Press Release

In a report released today, the state Council on Postsecondary Education says that the state's public universities will have to spend billions to repair facilities and replace aging buildings and systems.

"Tens of thousands of Kentuckians with kids under the age of 5 have thought about sending their child to college in Kentucky," commented Anne Northup, candidate for Governor. "The message I have for them is ‘we will not fail you."

The report detailed that future investment may have to reach $12.7 billion in spending over the next 15 years.

"Being Governor is all about priorities," said Northup. "For too many years, Kentucky has had no long term plan, just long term problems and Ernie Fletcher has done nothing to change that."

"The first step to leadership is developing a plan to address the problems Kentucky faces," according to Northup. "The second step is actually being there day after day working with both parties in both chambers to get things accomplished."

After the 2006 legislative session, Governor Ernie Fletcher vetoed $370 million worth of projects, most of which were infrastructure projects for our state colleges and universities. During the 2007 legislative session Ernie Fletcher failed to build a consensus and restore the projects he vetoed.

"As much as I hate to say this, Ernie Fletcher has failed on both accounts- having a plan and being there to get things done," concluded Northup. "He was too busy traveling around Kentucky trying to get reelected by handing out oversized checks instead of staying in Frankfort during the legislative session to make sure our universities get the funding they need."

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