KENTUCKY — Already early in the legislative session, details are emerging around multiple budget proposals, along with their potential impact on higher education.

Both proposals — from Governor Andy Beshear’s (D) administration and the leadership in the state House — would make significant investments in higher education.

Republican State Representative James Tipton of Taylorsville joined this In Focus Kentucky segment to share his legislative priorities for higher education and what he hopes to accomplish before the session wraps up.

"Well, higher education, like K-12 education, faced so many challenges because of COVID that they've had to work through. Fortunately, they've received federal dollars to help them offset some of the costs they've had to implement, to keep things going. Now that we're back into this current school year, looking for students back in person, I think they're trying to get back to normalcy. However, they face challenges, but higher education is so essential. And we're not just talking about somebody going to school to get a four year degree or go on to be a doctor or a lawyer. We're talking about somebody who may be getting an associate's degree, they may be getting a credential or certificate in something like welding or some other field because is so critical. Statistics tell us that in the coming years, close to 70% of jobs are requiring some post secondary credential or degree. Here in Kentucky, we have a goal of having a 60% of our residents to have that credential or degree by 2030. We're well on the way to being there, but we still have work to do," explained State Rep. James Tipton.

You can watch the full In Focus segment above.