FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — The president of Kentucky’s community and technical college system says he would have to raise tuition more than 8 percent if the legislature approves Republican Gov. Matt Bevin’s budget cuts.
The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education must approve all tuition increases. President Jay Box told House lawmakers Thursday that if he can’t raise tuition, the system’s 16 colleges would have to lay off 539 workers and eliminate 61 instructional programs.
Box is one of a number of college and university presidents who have criticized Bevin’s cuts.
Later, Bevin spoke at a rally in support of the community colleges. He defended his budget proposal, saying Kentucky faces a financial crisis because of public pension system shortfalls.
Bevin then signed a proclamation officially declaring it Kentucky Community and Technical College System Day.