The PA Budget is due by midnight tonight, but it does not look like the budget may be passed on time.
One of the major sticking points concerns funding for state-related universities like Pitt and Penn State. An amendment was recently passed along party lines that would restrict state-related universities from receiving funding if they conduct fetal tissue research. This prompted several Democrats from Allegheny County to gather on Tuesday in Harrisburg to speak in favor of Pitt, which has conducted the research. The amendment is seen as an effort from state Republican lawmakers to take a stand against a 2020 research project at Pitt which they allege included illegal and unethical practices. An independent investigation showed the program was fully complaint with applicable laws, but some Republicans claimed that the firm’s review was incomplete and tainted by conflicts of interest.
As budget negotiations continue, Wolf Administration officials are hoping to include 200 million dollars proposed for what’s known as the Nellie Bly scholarship program. It would fully fund tuition and all other costs of attending one of 15 community colleges in Pennsylvania. It’s one of several allocations which would add up to a major increase in education spending the Governor wants to see.
If the budget doesn’t pass, the state will lose the ability to spend money, but the effect of that may not be felt for a few months.
Comments