Westmoreland Review

Jun. 20, 2024

During annual budget discussions, the Commonwealth's investment in education is a frequent topic. It consumes a significant portion of Pennsylvania’s annual budget due to the priority placed on safe schools that help students become young adults.

Typically, discussions focus on spending for kindergarten through high school programs. This year, attention is also directed toward higher education programs with opportunities for substantial improvements.

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

The first bill, Senate Bill 1150, creates the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program and offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students attending college in Pennsylvania and pursuing degrees in high-demand industries. Recipients must agree to live and work in that industry within Pennsylvania for at least 15 months each year they accept the grant. Accepting the grant for four years translates to a five-year commitment.

Senate Bill 1151 aims to attract more young people from out of state by creating the Grow PA Merit Scholarship Program. This program allows high-performing out-of-state students to pay tuition at in-state rates if they pursue in-demand occupations at Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) schools. Recipients must live and work in Pennsylvania after graduation or have their scholarships converted to loans.

Another proposal expands income limits for the existing Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program from $126,000 to $175,000. Additional bills cover tuition for adopted and fostered children and create a task force to analyze further reforms while mandating high school seniors complete forms for federal college aid.

Governor Josh Shapiro has also suggested changes in his February budget proposal, including combining the ten state-run PASSHE schools with fifteen community colleges and capping tuition at $1,000 per semester for families earning up to around $70,000 annually.

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

Recognizing bipartisan interest in updating an antiquated system, there is hope that the General Assembly and governor can develop a plan that safeguards taxpayer funds while making secondary education more affordable and strengthening Pennsylvania’s economy.

Additional news topics include:

Join Me for a Telephone Town Hall - On Tuesday, June 25 at 5:30 p.m., Representative Jill Cooper will host 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 - New licenses will be available starting Monday, June 24. Antlerless deer licenses will initially be available only for three Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) where demand is highest: WMUs 1B, 2G, and 3A. Licenses will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis until sold out. Residents can purchase antlerless licenses online or at any hunting license issuing agent.

Celebrating PA Dairy - June is Dairy Month in Pennsylvania. The dairy industry generates $14.7 billion annually and supports over 52,000 jobs statewide. Nearly all dairy farms are family-owned. To support local dairy farmers look for milk with plant code "42."

Representative Jill Cooper

55th Legislative District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Jordan Frei

724-875-8450

jillCooper.com / Facebook.com/RepJillCooper

###