Senator McConnell Secures $70 Million for Kentucky Priorities in Education and Health Funding Bill

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that he secured $70 million in federal funding for institutions of higher education and health facilities included in Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies, which passed the Senate. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator McConnell played a key role in shaping the legislation. The measure now goes to President Trump for his signature.

The projects secured by Senator McConnell in the bill include:

• University of Louisville ($29.8 million)

• $12.5 million to support construction of the Kentucky Center for Precision Medicine.
• $8 million to procure computer systems and biobank equipment at the Kentucky Center for Precision Medicine.

"These federal investments will provide significant support to the University of Louisville's efforts in healthcare and medicine," said Senator McConnell. "The University's continued positioning as a premier health center throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky and our country is an important initiative that I'm proud to support."

"We sincerely appreciate Senator McConnell's support for the UofL Center for Precision Medicine. This center will unite new scientific strengths to help develop personalized treatments for some of our nation's and Kentucky's most serious and costly diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes," said University of Louisville President Gerry Bradley.

• University of Kentucky ($30 million)

• $15 million for construction of the new Healthy Kentucky Research Building #2.
• $15 million for equipment acquisition at Healthy Kentucky Research Building #2.

"This funding will help support the construction of a new Healthy Kentucky Research building, upgrading the University of Kentucky's research efforts targeting important health issues facing millions," said Senator McConnell. "Fighting cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and many other health challenges is extremely important and there is no better place to expand this research than our Commonwealth's flagship university."

"This investment in the Healthy Kentucky Research Building No. 2 helps build our capacity to answer the hard questions that matter to Kentucky communities and the families that call them home," said University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto. "This funding accelerates work already underway and expands the space where researchers, clinicians and students can collaborate to turn discovery into real-world solutions. We remain appreciative of Senator Mitch McConnell's continued leadership in guaranteeing Kentucky has the research infrastructure needed to ensure a Commonwealth tomorrow that is healthier, wealthier and wiser than it is today."

• $3 million for Campbellsville University
• • Campbellsville University will use this funding to support faculty salaries, professional development, and accreditation at a new College of Mental Health that will launch with three new degree programs.

"I'm proud to have helped secure this federal funding for Campbellsville University that will help pay teachers the salary they deserve and expand the university's College of Mental Health," said Senator McConnell. "Supporting our institutions of higher learning in Kentucky is essential for retaining the next generation of talented professionals. If our colleges and universities thrive, Kentucky thrives and our young people are granted more opportunities to succeed."

"We are deeply grateful to Senator McConnell for his continued partnership and support in gaining access to federal funding," said Dr. Joseph Hopkins, President of Campbellsville University. "These investments are especially meaningful as they advance the work of our newly formed College of Mental Health and strengthen a vital program that equips students for high-impact service. Driven by our mission, CU aims to increase enrollment in the College of Mental Health to more than 1,000 students preparing as agents of healing for our nation's mental health crisis, supported by the launch of three new graduate degrees designed for strong professional preparation."

• $2 million for Madisonville Community College
• • Madisonville Community College administers a new and rapidly growing aviation program. Funds will be used to procure propeller planes and helicopters that will be used by students.

"I'm proud to announce this federal funding for Madisonville Community college that will provide much needed equipment for its growing aviation program," said Senator McConnell. "Innovative programs like Madisonville's aviation program are what make Kentucky's post-secondary schools so successful."

"We are so grateful to Senator McConnell for his support," said Dr. Cynthia S. Kelley, President/CEO of Madisonville Community College. "This funding reflects the strong partnership between our college and Senator McConnell in advancing workforce education. By strengthening our aviation program and helping keep training affordable, this investment ensures more students can access in-demand aviation careers."

• $2.7 million for Life Learning Center (Covington, KY)
• • Life Learning Center will use these funds to provide life skills training, career readiness programming and placement, and care resources for those affected by the substance abuse and opioid epidemic.

"This federal funding will help the Life Learning Center provide many Kentuckians with the resources they need to continue on their journey of recovery," said Senator McConnell. "Throughout my time in the U.S. Senate, I have prioritized fighting the opioid and substance abuse epidemic that has so drastically affected Kentucky, and I'm proud to have helped secure funding for this organization that does such important work."

"This funding represents a significant investment in the individuals, families and community we serve," said Alicia Webb-Edgington, President of Life Learning Center. "We are deeply grateful to Senator Mitch McConnell for his leadership and support in this endeavor. This will have a meaningful impact on underserved and unrepresented populations of people as they get back on their feet and into the workforce.

• $1 million for Home of the Innocents (Louisville, KY)
• • Home of the Innocents will procure medical equipment for an expansion of the Kids Complex Care Center.

"These federal investments for the Home of the Innocents will go toward important equipment that allows this great organization to continue its work providing medical care for youth in Louisville," said Senator McConnell. "Kentucky youth are the future, and organizations like Home of the Innocents provide critical services for those children most in need. I'm proud to have helped secure support for this project."

"On behalf of the team members and children and families served by Home of the Innocents, we thank Senator McConnell for his efforts to secure funding for this important expansion," said Paul Robinson, President and CEO, Home of the Innocents. "We are grateful for Congress' acknowledgement of the need to care for these most vulnerable of patients, and look forward to meeting that challenge."

• $1.5 million for Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation
• • MCHC aims to develop a new autism center to support children and families.

"I'm proud to announce this funding for the Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation," said Senator McConnell. "These federal dollars will help MCHC work toward developing an autism center, enhancing the important health services they provide to many people throughout Eastern Kentucky."

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Senator McConnell on the behalf of the Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation for helping us secure this federal funding," said L. M. (Mike) Caudill, JD, CEO of the Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation. "This support will allow MCHC to construct and equip one of the only autism centers in the region for children and create 40 new jobs for the Letcher County community. After much work and external support toward this final product, we believe this funding, thanks to Senator McConnell, will put us over the top and help make this dream become reality."

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