By James Buckley
KU Statehouse Wire Service
TOPEKA – The University of Kansas Medical Center has proposed a $10 million spending budget over the next 10 years for the University’s Cancer Center.
The extra funding would double the state’s current contribution and help the center earn the National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Center designation.
Dr. Andrew Godwin, deputy director at the center, recently appeared before the Senate Ways and Means Committee to talk about the need for a funding increase.
In his testimony, Godwin said the designation would be a huge leap for KU. Across the nation, only 51 cancer centers have this comprehensive distinction.
“It is the gold standard given to cancer centers that are recognized for their trailblazing research and leadership in developing cutting-edge treatments,” Godwin said.
The application is due in less than two years. Before that deadline, the Kansas City-based cancer center aims to add 30 physicians to its staff to ensure it meets the requirements for the designation.
While senators on the committee seemed generally supportive of the bill, Sen. Kevin Braun, R-Kansas City, had hesitations about handing out the funding without assurance that the cancer center would achieve the comprehensive designation.
Although Braun brought up challenges to the bill, he emphasized after his questioning that he’s on board with getting the cancer center its comprehensive designation.
The bill will stay in committee, but Sen. Carolyn McGinn, R-Sedgwick, chairwoman of Ways and Means, said it could be revisited.
James Buckley is a University of Kansas senior from Omaha studying journalism.
The Eudora Times will use content from journalism students in the statehouse reporting class this semester to help provide legislative news.
You can reach us at eudoratimes@gmail.com.
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