Senate panel advances bill to fund ‘cutting edge’ research pathways in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) - Kentucky’s Senate has advanced a measure that would highlight universities working together to fund and establish research.

It’s Senate Bill 1 and is sponsored by Senate President Robert Stivers.

Stivers told a legislative panel that universities would work together instead of competing for research to move the state forward. He says Kentucky universities have received funding for research in the past.

“It came from excess fees, fines, court costs, traffic violations,” Stivers, R-Manchester, told the Senate Education Committee Thursday morning.

However, diversions and other avenues have severely reduced those funds, whereas millions are spent in other states. And benefits are seen.

“They used to be known in Pittsburgh as a coal and steel town. Now, they are an academic and intellectual incubator in research,” Stivers said.

Stivers says Senate Bill 1 would place Kentucky on a similar pathway by universities collaborating instead of competing.

“These are the types of investments we need to make to take us into a 21st-century provider of health care but also economic, exploration, and research components you see other states go after,” Stivers said.

The Council on Post-Secondary Education would review applications, but five groups would be chosen for seed funding for a five-year term.

Stivers says Eastern Kentucky University is already making headway in aviation.

“Could you see them and Morehead working together on aerospace and aviation? Some research projects they would bring,” said Stivers.

Along with state money, the program could also be financed by private individuals and groups.

Senate Bill 1 passed unanimously in the education committee and now goes to the Senate floor.