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KY Supco Hears Cumberlands Pharmacy Case

By Tony McVeigh

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-862290.mp3

Frankfort, KY – In 2006, Kentucky lawmakers appropriated 11-million dollars of coal severance tax funds to the University of the Cumberlands for construction of a pharmacy school. A trial judge says the appropriation violates the state constitution. But Attorney Kimberlee Colby, arguing for the university, disagrees, saying the school will address a severe shortage of pharmacists and benefit all Kentuckians. "The Kentucky Pharmacists Association sent a letter in which they were expressing their great happiness that this school was being funded."

But Attorney David Tachau, arguing for opponents of the expenditure, says there's no evidence of a serious shortage of pharmacists and no binding agreement assuring the building won't be used for religious purposes. A ruling from the supreme court is not expected for several weeks.