The Kansas legislature adjourned last night and I thought you might like to know the results of several bills that affect us.

First, the pharmacy school expansion was approved. This is great news for our Wichita campus, since it will be the site of part of the expansion.

Second, the Wichita Center for Graduate Medical Education (WCGME) received $2.5M in funds, and the KS Bioscience Authority is expected to consider a request for an additional $7.1M for research infrastructure for WCGME.

Third, the Board of Regents received an additional $10M in the block grant and another $15M for employee pay. Unfortunately, this is $10M less than the Governor proposed in her budget. The Regents have yet to determine our share of the $25M, but we estimate it will be about $4.1M.

Finally, I am  happy to report that the legislature  did not pass any bills restricting stem cell research. They did, however,  miss a huge opportunity to enact meaningful health reform legislation as recommended by the KS Health Policy Authority.  

To learn more about the legislative session, visit the KHI Web site. 

Education

Katie Herrera, a KU School of Nursing student, has recently been honored as Volunteer of the Year by the United Way of Wyandotte County. Read More.

Next week is Commencement and it is one of my favorite times of the year. While I'm always sad to see many students go, I know we are celebrating their futures and we are excited about the opportunities ahead of them. See the schedule of events for Commencement.

Research

The Healthy Hawks program, which focuses on pediatric obesity, is highlighted in a NPHHI monograph as one example of successful case studies of obesity programs in public hospitals and health settings. Read More about Healthy Hawks.

Kudos

The KU Hospital was recognized by the Commission on Cancer for Outstanding Achievement. Read more.

Congratulations to Dr. Mary Redmon who was installed last week as the new Kansas Medical Society president.

Community

KU Medical Center employees and students are encouraged to sign up for the Heart Walk on May 31. Money raised will benefit the American Heart Association. If you'd like to sign up, please contact Paula Baum at 8-1017. Find out more or sign up.

Johnson County Education Research Triangle was discussed with the Johnson County Commissioners today, and they are expected to vote in a few weeks on whether the JCERT proposal will go on the ballot in November. If passed, a sales tax will fund a clinical research building for KUMC. Read More.