February 17, 2012
Contact: Michele Sparks, Director of Communications (859) 257-0040
For Immediate Release

Gatton Panel Discuss UK and State Budget

The University of Kentucky has a statewide mission to serve the people of the Commonwealth in all 120 counties. Yet, these days, what happens in the heart of one particular county will have a significant impact on UK and its constituents. That one county, of course, is Franklin County, home to the state's capital city of Frankfort where the General Assembly is now in session.

On Tuesday, Feb. 21, the Gatton College of Business and Economics hosted a special panel discussion, "The State Budget & The University of Kentucky." The event was held in the UK Student Center's Worsham Theater at 7 p.m. It was free and open to the public. Members of the audience were able to ask questions following the formal part of the program.

Moderating the discussion was Gatton Endowed Professor of Economics John Garen. Panelists were: Merl Hackbart, interim dean of the Gatton College, professor of finance and public administration, and former state budget director; William Hoyt, director of the Martin School and professor of economics; Angie Martin, UK's vice president of financial operations and treasurer; and, David Wildasin, endowed professor of public finance, Martin School of Public Policy and Administration and professor of economics.

Gail Hoyt, professor of economics and director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Economics, helped to coordinate the event.

"This proved to be an enlightening and engaging examination of the state budget situation and how it relates to UK," Gail Hoyt said. "We encouraged, students, faculty, staff and the general public to come out and be a part of it."

Sponsors of the panel discussion include: The Economics Society, the Department of Economics, the Gatton College, UK Students for Liberty, UK Student Government, the Martin School, and the Wildcat Interest Group.