The House Appropriations Committee rounds out a busy first week in Harrisburg today, and for Chairman Jim Struzzi, there has been plenty to take away from the last few days.
Discussions centered around Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget for the fiscal year and where funds can be allocated across several different organizations. The committee heard from the Department of Revenue, Community and Economic Development, PennDOT, and the State System of Higher Education. The latter requested an additional $40 million in funding to hold tuition rates for an eighth consecutive year, as well as right-sizing campuses, similar to what is happening at IUP.
Struzzi said it was good to hear those topics, and he emphasized the importance of keeping tuition rates the same once again, but he said there are always challenges when accomplishing all of those tasks.
The final day of hearings started at 10 o’clock with presentations from the Departments of Health and Drug and Alcohol Programs in the morning, followed by PEMA and the Office of the Fire Commissioner in the afternoon.
