Key Takeaways from House Appropriations Hearings
HARRISBURG – Today the House Appropriations Committee held its ninth day of budget hearings. The committee heard from Penn State University, Temple University, the University of Pittsburgh, Lincoln University and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).
The governor’s budget proposes a total increase in higher education funding of $125 million:
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Included in this increase is a proposed 5% increase for the state-related universities.
Performance-based metrics tied to state funding for state-related universities are used in other states:
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Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) asked about introducing performance-based metrics in Pennsylvania. Temple President Jason Wingard said he is willing to discuss performance-based metrics and would like to have further discussions with the General Assembly. Penn State President Eric Barron discussed his experience with performance-based metrics during his time at Florida State University.
Watch their exchange here.
The governor’s proposal increases several scholarship programs through PHEAA:
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PHEAA Grants to Students would be $350.37 million, an increase of $39.64 million, or 12.8%
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Ready to Succeed Scholarships would increase to $16.38 million, a $10.83 million increase, or 195%.
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The Targeted Industry Scholarship Program would increase to $8.65 million, an increase of $2.35 million, or 37.3%.
Rep. Stan Saylor, Chairman
House Appropriations Committee
Pennsylvania House of Representatives