Adult Education Colleagues,
As you are all aware, analyses of the condition of the state economy and projections for its future are discouraging. As a result, state agencies have been asked to develop plans for reducing current year budgets by roughly three percent. The 2008-2010 budget requests are being examined to determine what, if any, further reductions will need to be implemented.
The KYAE staff is working diligently to identify all ways possible to minimize the effects of any current or future reductions on our students. We have been able to determine that the three percent spending reduction for the current fiscal year can be achieved by budget cuts at the state level. We are glad and grateful that local programs and students will not be affected by this reduction. By absorbing this cut at the state level, you may spend your local funds as specified in your contract for allowable adult education activities.
Discussion and planning regarding budget requests for the next biennium are continuing. As you recall, our request is for an additional $2 million in FY2008-2009 and $4 million in FY2009-2010. The best indication we will have about future funding will be the release of Governor Beshear’s state budget plan in late January. After that, the House of Representatives will begin consideration and debate of the plan, followed by the Senate. KYAE will be responding to requests for fiscal and programmatic impact statements and spending scenarios.
We will keep you informed as actual developments take place, but ask that you understand there is likely to be a great deal of speculation about this topic.
As always, we must focus on our students and help them achieve higher levels of knowledge and skill. They are key to addressing the conditions we are facing now. They will be an important part of improving our economy and the quality of life for themselves and all Kentuckians.
If you have any further questions, please contact Reecie Stagnolia at KYAE. As always, don’t hesitate to contact me.
We all wish you and yours, as well as all your students, a Happy New Year!
Sarah Hindman Hawker