In the State System of Higher Education, providing for equalization of appropriations.
Impact
This legislation aims to rectify the funding disparities that exist between the State System of Higher Education and state-related institutions. By ensuring that the system is appropriately funded, it attempts to maintain the quality of education and resources available to students enrolled in state universities. The bill's outlined procedures for calculating and certifying differences in appropriations can lead to a more balanced distribution of state financial support, which is crucial for the sustainability of higher education in the state.
Summary
House Bill 727 focuses on the appropriations for the State System of Higher Education in Pennsylvania by establishing a mechanism for the equalization of funding. The bill mandates that the Secretary of the Budget annually assess the differences in the total amounts allocated to the State System of Higher Education compared to state-related institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh and Temple University. If the System receives less funding, the certified difference must be recognized and adjusted accordingly to ensure equitable appropriations.
Sentiment
The general sentiment regarding HB 727 appears to be supportive among educational advocates and those within public higher education. Proponents argue that this bill is a necessary step towards fairness and equality in funding, as it directly addresses long-standing inequities in how educational institutions are financed. However, concerns may arise among skeptics about the implications of reallocating funds and whether this would negatively impact other areas of the budget or educational priorities.
Contention
Notable points of contention may revolve around the priorities of funding within the state's budget. Critics might question whether the equalization of appropriations could come at the cost of other essential areas of public funding. Additionally, there could be debates over the impact this bill might have on the existing financial autonomy of state-related institutions, as the focus shifts towards ensuring adequate support for the public system.
In transfers of credits between institutions of higher education, further providing for definitions and for duties of public institutions of higher education, providing for guaranteed admission, for reports to General Assembly and for dispute resolution and further providing for Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee, for duties of department and for applicability; in higher education accountability and transparency, further providing for definitions and providing for student fee transparency; and providing for institutions of higher education and Dual Credit Innovation and Equity Grant Program.
In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and providing for Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program; providing for institutions of higher education, for Grow Pennsylvania Scholarship Grant Program and for intercollegiate athletics; in ready-to-succeed scholarship, further providing for agency; and making a repeal.
In Ready-to-Succeed Scholarship, further providing for agency; and adding provisions relating to funding for higher education by providing for limitation on funding for University of Pittsburgh, for limitations on funding for supplemental support to the agency and the State System of Higher Education and for study for divestiture of University of Pittsburgh.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.