Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB1154

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/26/24
• Refer: 4/26/24
• Refer: 5/1/24
• Report Pass: 6/10/24
• Engrossed: 6/11/24
• Refer: 6/12/24
• Refer: 7/10/24
• Report Pass: 7/11/24
• Refer: 7/11/24
• Enrolled: 7/11/24
• Chaptered: 7/17/24
• Passed: 7/17/24

Caption

Providing for institutions of higher education and for Performance-based Funding Council.

Impact

The bill, if enacted, is set to amend existing statutes related to higher education funding in Pennsylvania. By reallocating a portion of the appropriated funds based on metrics like graduation rates, student retention, and post-graduation employment, the bill seeks to foster an environment where educational institutions are incentivized to improve their performance. This can lead to significant changes in how state funding is handled, promoting a results-oriented approach that potentially confronts traditional funding methods that may not correlate directly with institutional performance.

Summary

Senate Bill 1154 establishes the Performance-based Funding Council in Pennsylvania, aimed at creating a new funding system for state-related universities based on performance metrics. The bill's goal is to encourage degree attainment and affordability in higher education while addressing workforce needs. The council will be responsible for determining the metrics that will guide how funding is distributed to these institutions, which are the Pennsylvania State University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Temple University. This act signifies a movement towards accountability in educational funding and aligns funding with the outcomes expected from these universities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 1154 appears mixed but leans towards optimism among supporters. Proponents assert that performance-based funding could drive universities to enhance their focus on outcomes, improving educational attainment and workforce alignment. Critics, however, may express concerns regarding the adequacy of resources for diverse educational institutions and whether such metrics adequately capture the complexities of education beyond mere numbers, which could lead to unintended consequences for institutions serving different demographics.

Contention

A notable point of contention arises from determining which metrics will be utilized for evaluating university performance. Questions about equity in funding distribution, particularly for institutions serving low-income or traditionally underrepresented student populations, may challenge the implementation of the bill. Additionally, the process of establishing a council with designated roles raises concerns about political influence in educational funding decisions, which could complicate the transparency and effectiveness of the funding model outlined in this act.