Pa. Budget Deal Means Big Cuts For Universities
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- Higher education will still see major cuts in a budget deal negotiated by Governor Corbett and legislative leaders, although the pain will not be as bad as in the budget the governor originally proposed.
Under the "agreement in principle" on the new state budget, the 14 state-owned universities and four state-related schools – Temple, Lincoln, Pitt and Penn State – will see funding reduced by a bit under 20-percent, as opposed to having their funding cut in half in the governor's proposed budget.
Delaware County Republican Bill Adolph, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, says he hopes any additional burden on students will be mitigated, in part, by a recent decision by the state student aid agency to provide an additional $50 million in aid.
"This is approximately a $700 increase for the maximum grant – from $3,500 up to $4,200, so that will also offset any type of tuition increases."
Staff negotiators are expected to continue putting the finishing touches on the budget agreement over the weekend with a full Senate vote expected Monday.
Reported by Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio
