Cyclin dependent protein kinases (CDKs) are well recognized regulators of the cell cycle.  Most members of this family of protein kinases are thought to function by phosphorylating substrates critical for progression of cell division.  However, despite their structural similarity and designation as cyclin-dependent kinases, several CDKs are not directly involved in regulating the cell cycle.  CDK8 does not mediate cell cycle progression, rather the role of this CDK is restricted to controlling transcription of RNA polymerase II-dependent genes. Recent work in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has identified CDK8/cyclin C as a disseminator of stress signals.  CDK8 acts as a device which simultaneously modulates transcription of multiple, independently regulated, classes of genes in response to growth conditions.  The nature of substrates identified for this CDK suggest that it regulates transcription via multiple effectors to ensure that energy required for transcription is invested wisely when nutrients are scarce.  Here we review details of work on Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDK8 (Srb10). These findings provide a framework of testable hypothesis for furthering our understanding of CDK8 function in higher organisms.