PITTMAN ISSUES STATEMENT ON BUDGET IMPASSE’S EFFECT ON PASSHE SCHOOLS

As the budget impasse enters its 26^th day, Senator Joe Pittman has issued a statement once again concerning the state spending plan.

In that statement, Pittman said it was important to pass a budget with implementation language to facilitate spending for State System of Higher Education Schools.  His statement focused on supporting the PennWest School, made up of the joint campuses of Clarion, California and Edinboro Universities.  He said that $65 million that was set aside for PASSHE will go to provide relief on years-old debt for academic and student services buildings at the three campuses.  It would be held in a separate account and drawn down by PASSHE to make debt service payments.  But that cannot happen until a budget with implementation language is in place.

Pittman said that access to affordable education at the post-secondary level continues to be a priority for Senate Republicans in the 2023-24 budget.  He said that “These substantial investments will work together to provide for the long-term viability of our state institutions, which are a pivotal part of our communities and help students to learn needed skillsets to compete in the workforce.”