Set Universities Free to Excel

Public universities in the Commonwealth need greater operational flexibility to compete in an increasingly global marketplace. Flexibility that allows for entrepreneurial endeavors while requiring overall accountability would improve quality and better serve the institution, Commonwealth, employers and students. As an example, most states allow public universities to issue their own revenue bonds to finance building projects that generate income sufficient to cover the debt service. To the extent that such an approach would not negatively impact the Commonwealth’s state bond rating, the Chamber believes a similar approach should be implemented in Kentucky with structural safeguards and oversight that ensure projects are consistent with the state’s vision for postsecondary education.