Aug. 05, 2021
HARRISBURG – Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington) and Rep. Jesse Topper (R- Bedford/Franklin/Fulton) today announced the scheduling of a joint hearing by the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Education, chaired by Mihalek, and the House Education Committee Subcommittee on Higher Education, chaired by Topper, to review higher education funding in Pennsylvania.
“This year’s budget spends $1.86 billion on higher education,” said Mihalek. “We think it is appropriate to review our higher education strategy as a Commonwealth and explore whether we are appropriately supporting students, providing adequate educational opportunities, and accomplishing it in an affordable and accessible manner.”
“Reviewing our priorities and strategic direction from a budgetary perspective is not a conversation that should only happen in June each year when we enact a budget,” said Topper. “This is the start of what will be an ongoing conversation regarding our higher education funding strategy and whether it is effective for Pennsylvania’s students and families.”
The enacted FY 2021-22 budget allocates over $1.86 billion to support higher education, including funding for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE); state-related institutions of Penn State University, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, Lincoln University, and Penn Veterinary School; community colleges; and grants for students through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).
The hearing will take place on Monday, Oct. 4, at 9 a.m. in Room 140, Main Capitol Building.
Representative Natalie Mihalek
40th Legislative District
Representative Jesse Topper
78th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Neal Lesher
717.787.1711
nlesher@pahousegop.com
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
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