Alleviates the need for other PASSHE Universities to subsidize
HARRISBURG – Senator Joe Pittman (R-41) issued the following statement today, emphasizing the need for a complete budget with implementation language to facilitate PASSHE funding:
“As part of this year’s budget, $65 million will be allocated to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) to provide relief on years-old debt for academic and student services buildings at Clarion University, Edinboro University, and California University. The support will be held in a separate account and PASSHE will draw funds down to make debt service payments on specific series of bonds. Implementation language in the fiscal code is necessary to create the account and outline the bond series for which the funds can be used. We continue our work to complete a full budget, which will allow realization of these investments.
“Preserving access to affordable higher education options for families has been one of our top priorities within the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget. Between debt relief measures and a 6% increase in the PASSHE appropriation, PASSHE is able to not increase tuition again for the fifth year in a row, while also alleviating the need for other PASSHE schools to subsidize the PennWest Universities. These substantial investments will work together to provide for the long-term viability of our state institutions, which are a pivotal part of our communities and help students to learn needed skillsets to compete in the workforce.”
Media Contact: Kate Flessner kflessner@pasen.gov