Budget Update-Good News

Good Afternoon Adult Educators!

Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed HB 406, the House budget recommendation, that restored $1.5 million in each year of the FY2008-2010 biennium to Kentucky Adult Education.  This is not an increase over our current FY2007-2008 appropriation, but is restoration of half of the 12% ($3 million in each year) budget reduction proposed earlier.  This action still leaves us with a 6% reduction ($1.5 million in each year) over current funding.  Given the current budget climate in the state, this is very good news.

As you know, the Senate has yet to act on this budget recommendation and things can change.  This is an encouraging sign that the General Assembly sees the tremendous value of Adult Education and supports it even in these difficult budget times.

Congratulations to all of us – providers, students, KAACE, KYAE staff, Brad Cowgill, Lee Nimocks and others – who worked diligently to make sure legislators had the most up-to-date information possible to make their decisions.  We were all highly successful!

We have a great cause and that inspires great actions.

Thanks to each and every one of you.

Sarah Hindman Hawker