News at K-State
K-State Honors Graduates in Kansas Legislature, Opposes Cuts to Higher Education
February 10, 2010
K-State Alumni Association
The 2010 Kansas legislative session recenlty commenced, and lawmakers are already hard at work on the issues most pressing to Kansas.
In order to express appreciation and thanks to the 30 legislators who are K-State graduates, university representatives provided each legislator with a hand-painted nameplate. Made of native Kansas limestone and stamped with a Powercat, the attractive nameplates will allow the legislators to proudly display their support for K-State.
This effort was a collaborative endeavor between the President's Office, the K-State Alumni Association, Faculty Senate, Classified Senate and students. On Jan. 19, representatives of each group traveled to the Capitol in Topeka to personally thank each member and to present them with their nameplate.
"This was a great opportunity for K-State to honor all of our graduates who are currently serving in the Legislature and to express our thanks for their hard work and support of higher education while serving in office," said Sue Peterson, K-State director of governmental relations.
One of the prominent issues for the Legislature this session is the higher education budget for all Kansas Board of Regents schools. In the last 18 months along, more than $100 million has been cut from the higher education budget, with K-State reveiving $15 million less in state funds during that time.
More budget debates are currently underway, and Gov. Mark Parkinson and the Legislature still have many important decisions to make regarding future funding for higher education. In his recent State of the State address, Parkison reaffirmed that he would make no more cuts to higher education during the upcoming budgetary process. He reiterated that his intention is to continue honoring the 150-year commitment serving higher education in Kansas.
"K-State is making the need adjustments to continue to succeed following these recent budget cuts," said K-State President Kirk H. Schulz. "Right now, our most vital message to the Kansas Legislature is to prevent any further cuts to our budget. This will be essential to continuing the excellence K-State is known for and the benefits we offer to the Kansas communities."
During the remainder of the 2010 legislative session, alumni are encouraged to contact their local legislators to express how important higher education funding is to K-State and Kansas, and to communicate the message of no further budget cuts.
To stay informed on current legislative issues, look for updates in future issues of the @K-State e-newsletter or visit www.K-State.com.
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