Economic Development Official Urges PA. to Not continue to cut public university funding

[JPZenger]

http://www.publicopiniononline.com/opinion/ci_20532388/po-guest-essay-pa-higher-education-funding-must

The author is the long-time top staffperson of a very successful economic development organization in central PA. that has helped to create thousands of new jobs. He is L. Michael Ross, the president of Franklin County Area Development Corporation.

Excerpts:

"The funding level for PASSHE (State-owned universities) recommended in Corbett's 2012-13 budget is less than what the system received in 1989, when 23,000 fewer students attended member universities. In the current fiscal year, PASSHE is managing a loss of nearly $90 million in state and federal appropriations. The Board of Governors deferred a request to freeze an additional $20 million from this year's appropriation until it had had an opportunity to fully review the impact it would have on students and academic programs. When combined the with proposed reduction of more than $82 million for the 2012-13 fiscal year, PASSHE could be facing a loss of nearly $192 million within an 18-month period.

In addition, the proposed budget slashed capital funding by 50 percent, from $130 million to $65 million. This reduction will impede much needed new construction and facility renovations throughout the system. Furthermore, Corbett's proposal to eliminate the Keystone Recreation Park and Conservation Fund will curtail critically needed facilities maintenance dollars. The consequences of that decision will be experienced in future years as it will invariably result in much higher costs.

For too long, our public policies in Pennsylvania have created effective incentives to attract and retain senior citizens, while there has been an absence of comparable incentives to attract and retain our talented graduates. While I do not believe it is Corbett's intent, nonetheless his budget has created a perception that he is anti-education, and that perception stands to have long-term negative consequences.

We need all the brain power possible for Pennsylvania to retain its status as the Keystone State. Consequently, I implore Corbett to restore the proposed cuts to higher education. Pennsylvania's future depends on it."