Senate Budget Panel Approves Higher Education Bond Issue

Press Release: Governor Brad Henry’s higher education bond issue is on its way to the full Senate for consideration. The Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 745, authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson, D-Lexington, on Wednesday. The $500-million capital bond issue is designed to address aging facilities and help colleges and universities keep pace with growing enrollment and technology. With more than 140 projects in 36 communities across the state, the bond issue is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs in the first year. The total economic impact of the projects is estimated at $737 million and 4,000 jobs in construction alone.