February 07, 2017
Gov. Wolf proposes third straight year of increased funding for State System
Contact: Kevin Hensil, khensil@passhe.edu
Harrisburg 鈥� Gov. Tom Wolf unveiled his proposed 2017-18 Commonwealth budget today, recommending
a third straight year of increased funding for Pennsylvania鈥檚 State System of Higher
Education.
The governor鈥檚 proposal would provide the State System about $453.1 million next year
to help fund the operations of the 14 state-owned universities, an increase of almost
$9 million from the current year鈥檚 funding level.
鈥淲e are so appreciative that both the governor and the General Assembly recognize
the immense value of the State System and continue to support our universities and
our students,鈥� said Board of Governors Chairwoman Cynthia D. Shapira. 鈥淭hat support
represents an important investment in Pennsylvania鈥檚 future; one that pays huge dividends
for the entire Commonwealth.鈥�
A recent economic impact study estimates that the State System generates $11 in economic
activity across Pennsylvania for every dollar it receives in state funding鈥攁n annual
impact of nearly $7 billion.
鈥淓ven as we seek greater investment from the Commonwealth, the State System is undertaking
an in-depth, strategic review to examine every aspect of how we are organized鈥攆rom
top to bottom鈥攆or the purpose of positioning our universities for a vibrant future,鈥�
said Shapira.
In addition to the base appropriation recommended by the governor, the State System
also would receive an estimated $17.1 million next year from the Keystone Recreation,
Park and Conservation Fund (Key 鈥�93) to help pay for deferred maintenance of campus
facilities. The fund is supported through a portion of the state鈥檚 realty transfer
tax.
The governor presented his third budget proposal this morning to a joint session of
the legislature, meeting in the House of Representatives. The separate House and Senate
appropriations committees will hold a series of public hearings on the spending plan
later this month. State System Chancellor Frank T. Brogan and other System representatives
will appear before both committees on Feb. 23 to discuss the proposed 2017-18 Commonwealth
budget and the System鈥檚 own funding request.
A final version of the budget is due on the governor鈥檚 desk by June 30.
鈥淭he increased funding recommended by Gov. Wolf would be welcome during these extremely
challenging times,鈥� said Mr. Brogan, who attended the budget address as a guest of
the governor. 鈥淲e are grateful for his support, and for that of the General Assembly,
especially at a time when the Commonwealth is facing significant challenges of its
own.
鈥淭his new investment would help our universities continue to provide high-quality,
high-value and affordable educational opportunities to our students鈥攈elping to secure
a brighter future not just for them, but for all Pennsylvanians.鈥�
Pennsylvania鈥檚 State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher
education in the Commonwealth, with more than 100,000 degree-seeking students and
thousands more enrolled in certificate and other career-development programs. Collectively,
the 14 universities that comprise the State System offer more than 2,300 degree and
certificate programs in more than 530 academic areas. Nearly 520,000 State System
university alumni live in Pennsylvania.
The State System universities are Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg,
Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery
Rock and West Chester Universities of Pennsylvania. The universities also operate
branch campuses in Oil City (Clarion), Freeport and Punxsutawney (IUP), and Clearfield
(Lock Haven), and offer classes and programs at several regional centers, including
the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg and in Center City in Philadelphia.