Earlier today, Governor Tom Wolf gave his 2020-2021 budget address in a joint session of the state house and Senate.
One of the main points of Governor Wolf’s Budget Address was his proposed increase in spending for the State System of Higher Education schools. Under Wolf’s budget, $490.4 million would go towards state system schools, which represents a $13 million increase. He also proposed $30 million more in the state grant program, which is expected to be matched by PHEAA, and a new $200 million scholarship program aimed at low- and middle-income students. The scholarship, which would be funded by money from the PA Race Horse Development Fund, is named for a famous journalist who actually has a history at the school that later became IUP.
As far as k-12 education is concerned, the governor is asking for $435 million in new investments, which includes a $100 million increase in the fair funding formula.
Governor Wolf also requested an increase in the minimum wage, and for funds for abatement of lead and asbestos in schools, day care centers, homes and public water systems. He also requested that this be done with no increases in taxes.
