Westmoreland Review

June 20, 2024

Changes Proposed for Higher Education in Pennsylvania

By Rep. Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland)

During annual budget discussions, the Commonwealth's investment in education is a frequent topic. It consumes a large part of Pennsylvania’s annual budget because safe schools that help students become young adults are a high priority.

Generally, discussion centers around spending on kindergarten through high school programs. This year, attention is also being paid to higher education programs where there are opportunities for significant improvements.

Earlier this month, the Pennsylvania Senate unveiled and passed a series of bills titled Grow PA. They focus on affordability and accessibility.

The first bill, Senate Bill 1150, creates the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program and would offer grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania and pursue a degree in a high-demand industry.

There is an important catch. For at least 15 months each year they accept the grant, students must agree to live and work in that industry, and in Pennsylvania, after graduation. Accepting the grant for four years would translate to a five-year commitment.

It is a common story that many Pennsylvania young people face. They graduate from school and chase work out of state while employers here are constantly looking for staff. This bill aims to reverse that trend, as does Senate Bill 1151, which hopes to attract more young people from out of state to the Commonwealth.

Senate Bill 1151 creates the Grow PA Merit Scholarship Program to attract high-performing out-of-state students to programs in Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) schools. The merit scholarships would allow students from out of state to pay tuition at in-state rates if they are pursuing in-demand occupations.

Like the scholarship program for in-state students, scholarship recipients would be required to live and work in Pennsylvania after graduation or have the scholarships converted to loans.

An additional proposal expands the income limits for the existing Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program from $126,000 to $175,000. Another bill covers tuition for adopted and fostered children. Also included are bills to create a special task force to analyze more reforms and mandate high school seniors complete forms for federal college aid.

"I am optimistic that positive updates can be made to our higher education program," said Rep. Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland), "because changes are also being sought by Gov. Josh Shapiro." In his February budget proposal, Gov. Shapiro suggested combining the 10 state-run PASSHE schools with 15 community colleges and capping tuition at $1,000 per semester for families earning up to around $70,000 annually.

To ensure taxpayer funds are allocated responsibly, there is discussion about distributing state appropriations using an outcomes-based funding formula.

"Recognizing that both sides of the political aisle are suggesting changes," Cooper added, "I am hopeful the General Assembly and governor can assemble a plan that safeguards taxpayer funds makes secondary education more affordable and strengthens Pennsylvania’s economy."

Additional News:

Join Me for a Telephone Town Hall - On Tuesday, June 25 at 5:30 p.m., please tune in for another Telephone Town Hall with House Republican Appropriations Chairman Seth Grove discussing ongoing budget negotiations and other topics from Harrisburg. Call directly by dialing 877-229-8493 using ID code 122184.

Antlerless License Sales Begin Monday - With the 2024-25 hunting license year set to begin July 1 new licenses will be available starting Monday June 24 without needing a general license first. Licenses will initially be available only for three Wildlife Management Units (WMU): WMUs 1B, 2G and 3A on a first-come first-served basis until sold out only residents may purchase initially.

On Thursday June 27 antlerless licenses for remaining WMUs go on sale guaranteed until July 8 when nonresident sales begin all remaining licenses sold until exhausted hunters can buy online or at any issuing agent prices remain $6.97 resident $26.97 nonresident antlerless license.

Celebrating PA Dairy - June is Dairy Month perfect time enjoy extra dairy products dairy generates $14.7 billion economic activity ranks second number dairy farms seventh milk production nearly all family-owned supports over 52 thousand jobs check grocery store milk PA Preferred logo plant code beginning “42” learn more choosepadairy.com