SENATE ADVANCES BILL TO ENHANCE PERFORMANCE FUNDING FORMULA FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
Senate Bill 191, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore David Givens
FRANKFORT, KY (February 22, 2024) – Today, the Kentucky Senate took steps to strengthen Kentucky's higher education system by passing Senate Bill (SB) 191. Sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore David Givens (R-Greensburg), SB 191 seeks to refine the performance funding formula for public universities, emphasizing academic performance and student success.
This measure seeks to bolster academic excellence and workforce development across Kentucky. By fine-tuning the existing performance funding model, SB 191 introduces adjustments that prioritize low-income students and adult learners, addressing educational gaps and aligning with evolving workforce demands.
"SB 191 represents our commitment to cultivating a robust and inclusive educational landscape that empowers all students to thrive," said Senate President Pro Tempore David Givens. "Our goal is to enhance student success outcomes and promote equitable access to education throughout the Commonwealth."
The bill has received widespread support and collaboration, reflecting a collective effort to ensure it aligns with the state's educational priorities. Co-sponsors Senator Matthew Deneen (R-Elizabethtown) and Senate Minority Leader Gerald Neal (D-Louisville) emphasized the significance of SB 191 in advancing Kentucky's educational objectives.
"This initiative marks a crucial step forward in securing quality education for every Kentuckian," Deneen noted. "SB 191 is positioned to pave the way for a brighter educational future in our state."
"I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation with my good friend, Senator Givens, said Senator Neal. “By passing Senate Bill 191, we affirm our dedication to nurturing academic excellence and ensuring that every student, regardless of background or zip code, has the chance to succeed. This legislation is not just about refining formulas; it's about investing in our future, empowering our learners, and building a stronger Kentucky for generations to come.”
SB 191 builds upon ongoing legislative discussions surrounding the performance funding formula for Kentucky's public universities. Council on Postsecondary Education President Dr. Aaron Thompson highlighted the pivotal role of financial resources in driving academic success.
"Ensuring equitable access to quality education is paramount. Through strategic investments in our postsecondary institutions and a steadfast commitment to addressing the needs of underrepresented populations, we lay the foundation for a brighter future for all Kentuckians,” Dr. Thompson stated.
As SB 191 progresses through the legislative process, stakeholders remain actively engaged in discussions aimed at refining its provisions and maximizing its impact on the state's educational landscape.
The bill passed with bipartisan support in the Senate and now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. For more information on SB 191 and other 2024 legislative initiatives, please visit www.legislature.ky.gov.
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Senator David Givens, R-Greensburg, represents the 9th Senate District, which includes Barren, Edmondson, Green, and Hart Counties, as well as northwestern Warren County. He serves in Senate Majority leadership as Senate President Pro Tempore. Additionally, he serves as co-chair of the Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity. Givens is also a member of the Senate Standing Committees on Agriculture; Education; and Appropriations and Revenue.
For a high-resolution .jpeg of Givens, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate109.jpg.
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