Jun. 09, 2020
HARRISBURG – House Education Committee Chairman Curt Sonney (R-Erie) announced today that his legislation to update and reform the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support.
“I want to thank my colleagues for their bipartisan support of this legislation,” said Sonney. “As we all know, our state system of higher education is facing considerable challenges that threaten the sustainability of the system. The COVID-19 crisis has made the need for reform even more urgent. In an effort to confront these challenges, the state system has begun the process of a complete system redesign. But they can’t do it alone, which is why we have worked closely with them to develop this legislation.”
Sonney’s legislation,
House Bill 2171, will reform the governance and accountability of PASSHE’s Board of Governors and the university councils of trustees.
“My legislation will update our current laws allowing the chancellor and Board of Governors to better manage and optimize the state system, as well as be more flexible, responsive and competitive in today’s everchanging higher education landscape,” continued Sonney.
Additionally, in order to create a more streamlined governance structure, Sonney’s bill will add language to clarify the powers and duties of the Board of Governors, chancellor, university councils of trustees and university presidents.
Sonney’s legislation passed the House in a vote of 200-2 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Curt Sonney
4th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Brooke Haskell
717-260-6351
bhaskell@pahousegop.com
RepSonney.com