For
Immediate Release
July
30, 2001
GOVERNOR
PATTON ANNOUNCES OPENING OF WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE
UK
and U of L join in historic partnership to pursue research dollars
Frankfort, KY – Governor Paul E. Patton announced today the opening of Kentucky’s Washington, DC office in order to forward the state’s federal agenda. Joining with Governor Patton were UK President Lee Todd and U of L President John Shumaker who pledged to partner with the state in pursuit of education and research dollars from the federal government.
“Education is the key to a successful future for all Kentuckians. Having made the innovative commitments and investments in education reform at all levels, including Bucks for Brains and Early Childhood Development, now is the time to partner with our new Washington DC office, UK, U of L and all of the postsecondary institutions to have a more focused approach to obtaining federal research dollars,” Patton said.
Patton cited education dollars as a priority area on which Kentucky’s Washington office would focus. “I am committed to making UK and U of L premier research institutions. Combining state and federal dollars with our talented people is a recipe for success. Everyone benefits when we work together,” Patton added. He also outlined agriculture, energy and transportation as key sectors for increased funding.
President Lee Todd noted, “UK will prosper with the additional funding and enable our students and faculty to enjoy a world class research institution as we drive toward our Top 20 goals.”
President John Shumaker stated, “A strong, visible presence in Washington is of critical importance to U of L as we build our research base and contribute to the economic and educational growth of Kentucky. This office is another step in building a strong and productive partnership between U of L and UK. A shared federal agenda and greater coordination will greatly benefit the state and its research universities.”
The historic partnership between the two universities known more for their rivalries than their cooperation is an outgrowth of Governor Patton’s commitment to funding and building nationally recognized research institutions in Louisville and Lexington. Already, the state has invested $230 million in Bucks for Brains to attract world-renowned researchers. The comprehensive universities have received $30 million of that funding and will also be able to utilize the resources of the new Washington office.
The
Washington DC office will be headed by Kentucky native Audrey Haynes whose
distinguished service includes work in both the Clinton administration in
Washington and the Patton administration in Frankfort.
She will work in close coordination with the Washington DC-based firm of
Barbour Griffith and Rogers which boasts strong ties to the new Bush
administration and the Kentucky congressional delegation.
-30-