HARRISBURG, Sept. 2, 2011 – Senator Vincent Hughes (D – Philadelphia/Montgomery), chairman of the Senate Democratic Appropriations Committee, today announced that a series of public hearings with the state-related universities, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and community colleges are set to kick off Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA.
“The budget adopted in June has dramatically reduced state support for higher education at all levels. My colleagues on the Senate Appropriations Committee and I need to hear firsthand the impact this budget will have on these schools and the students and communities they serve,” said Hughes. “These schools will play a pivotal role in shaping our future economy. It is imperative we understand the challenges our higher education institutions will face as they continue to carry out their education and research missions. The educational opportunities they provide must remain affordable to all our state’s students, while new and creative ways are sought to partner with private industry and the public sector to be a key research and economic engine for our commonwealth.”
The hearings, which are currently scheduled with all four of the state-related institutions, will give the presidents and chancellors of these schools the opportunity to address a variety of the issues and challenges they face. The four state-related universities, which receive direct state support but are independently operated, include Pennsylvania State University, Temple University, the University of Pittsburgh and Lincoln University.
The current schedule for the public hearings is as follows:
Wednesday, Sept. 7, 1pm
Penn State University
217 Forest Resources Building
State College, PA
Monday, Sept. 12, 1pm
University of Pittsburgh
Location to be determined
Pittsburgh, PA
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 1pm
Temple University
Sullivan Hall – Feinstone Lounge
1330 W. Polett Walk
Philadelphia, PA
Thursday, Oct. 13, 1pm
Lincoln University
International Cultural Center
1570 Baltimore Pike
Lincoln University, PA
A schedule of public hearings with the State System of Higher Education schools and community colleges will be released when it becomes available.
Be sure to visit Senator Hughes at www.SenatorHughes.com ( )and follow himon Facebook and Twitter (SenatorHughes).
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