Gov. Corbett Announces Plans for Level Funding for Higher Education in 2013-14

Gov. Tom Corbett announced his plans to offer level funding for Pennsylvania’s four-year public universities in 2013-14 during a press conference on Friday afternoon in Harrisburg.

According to Penn State Live, Corbett said university leaders have pledged to keep tuition increases as low as possible in exchange for the $1.58 billion investment in higher education. Corbett entire 2013-14 budget will be revealed to the Pa. General Assembly on Feb. 5.

“Our message to college students today is that both my administration and the leaders of your state and state-related schools are committed to making the dream of higher education attainable,” Corbett said.

Joining Corbett at the press conference were Sen. Jake Corman and Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, whose districts encompass University Park. Representing Penn State were Rob Pangborn, interim executive vice president and provost, and Keith Masser, chairman of the Penn State Board of Trustees, Penn State officials said.

Pangborn expressed his thanks to the governor for the proposed stable funding for higher education, and said it is a “persistently difficult budget environment” that the Commonwealth faces. Pangborn also recognized Corman and Benninghoff for their ongoing support of Penn State, according to a press release. 

“We understand that this is the beginning of a long process and that legislative support is required, but this early indication of your support for funding at at least last year’s level, will allow us to give early assurance to our students – current and prospective – that they will be able to continue to afford a Penn State education. Dr. (Rodney) Erickson will be working with our Board of Trustees, and we are confident that the board shares our priority to keep an excellent higher education affordable to every Pennsylvania resident student.”

Penn State’s appropriation from the state last year was $279 million, according to Penn State.