03/02/26 - Update from the 2026 Kentucky General Assembly legislative session — Make your voice heard

Dear NKU campus community,Last week, the House passed their revised version of the budget. The proposal includes base appropriation reductions across most state agencies, including public higher education. This is disappointing news for all of Kentucky's public universities.

The budget process, however, is still underway. The Senate will release its version in the coming weeks, and both chambers will then convene a conference committee to negotiate a final budget. 

The government relations team and I continue meeting with legislators to share NKU's impact and funding priorities. Your voice can help reinforce that message. 

Now is an important time for members of the NKU community to emphasize that message directly with their legislators. Here's what you can do and reach out to members of the General Assembly. 

Call the toll-free message line at 1-800-372-7181.

Please share your name, address and your relationship with NKU (student, faculty, staff, alumnus, supporter) and ask to leave a message for your legislator. If you reside outside of Kentucky, but attend, work at or support NKU, ask to copy this message to all legislators.

Please share the following key points:

• NKU is one of Kentucky's most cost-effective, high-value public universities in the country.
• House Bill 500 reduces NKU's operating budget support by 6% in year one and 10% in year two - more than $8.5 million.
• Please restore these cuts and address NKU’s $5 million funding gap.

We will continue to keep you informed as the budget process advances.Thank you for all you do each day in support of our students, mission and region.

Best Regards,

Cady