Southwest PA News

As the budget deadlock persists in Harrisburg, a significant issue is the funding of higher education for Pennsylvania's four "state-related" universities: Pitt, Penn State, Temple, and Lincoln. A bill proposing $642.2 million in collective funding for these institutions during the 2023-24 fiscal year failed to pass due to a lack of a two-thirds majority vote.

Representative Bud Cook was among the 73 members who voted against this measure. He clarified his stance: "First and foremost, I do NOT oppose funding for higher education." However, he opposes taxpayer funding for institutions not fully controlled by the Commonwealth and that lack transparency regarding their expenditure of public funds.

Cook pointed out that three out of four university leaders indicated tuition hikes were inevitable regardless of state funding levels. Lincoln University was the exception, committing to a tuition freeze. Cook remarked on the financial health of these universities, noting that "The University of Pittsburgh has a $5.5 billion endowment. Penn State has $4.6 billion, and Temple $778 million."

In contrast, Cook highlighted the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), which includes PennWest California University and has frozen tuition over the past four years while remaining compliant with state transparency laws.

He emphasized his support for affordable post-secondary education but expressed concern over continually rising tuition costs at these institutions despite available funds. Cook suggested exploring alternative funding methods if universities remain unwilling to increase transparency or control tuition costs.

"If these universities are unwilling to be more transparent and to keep tuition affordable for in-state students," he stated, "it may be time to direct funding to students directly rather than institutions."

Representative Bud Cook represents Pennsylvania's 50th Legislative District.