VIEW ON HIGHER EDUCATION IN PA

By Shane V. Richardson

As a product of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, I know first hand the importance of an affordable post-secondary education.

Currently, funding for the 14 state schools is under attack from the Corbett administration and an affordable education is beginning to be out of reach for many students. At a time when the governor is slashing higher education by 20% he is also cutting access to grants for many Pennsylvania students. When the state cuts funding for the state owned universities, tuition hikes are surely to follow from the universities. When the universities raise tuition and fees and state grants are decreasing this is another injustice to our future leaders.

I fully support the 14 state universities because of the affordable level of excellence they provide to the students of Pennsylvania and beyond. At a time when China and countries abroad are doubling down on education, Pennsylvania is turning its back to K-12 public education and higher education. If Pennsylvania is going to have a sustainable educated citizenry, the time is now to invest in education, our youth, and our future.