Reps. Briggs, Roebuck introduce legislation to create higher education funding commission

State Reps. Tim Briggs (D-Montgomery) and James R. Roebuck Jr. (D-Philadelphia) recently introduced legislation to create a higher education funding commission that would explore ways to improve access to higher education and job training in Pennsylvania.

The commission would develop a higher education funding formula, which would be used to help determine the optimal distribution of state dollars to state-supported universities and colleges.

“Pennsylvania ranks 48th, or third worst, in America at funding colleges, technical schools and universities,” Roebuck, who serves as Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee, said. “By underfunding our institutions, we are creating a crisis for our graduates. That needs to change, because everyone benefits from the skills and education gained by students at our public institutions of higher education. To secure these benefits, we must invest substantial public resources to aid these institutions and their students in this important work.”

The commission would base its recommendations off of information gathered by consulting with experts, receiving input from interested parties, holding statewide hearings and studying other states’ funding formulas. The commission would compile a report, including its findings and recommendations, that would go into effect if approved by the General Assembly.

“Pennsylvania has a diverse array of public institutions of higher education with a variety of missions and strengths,” Briggs said. “The future of the commonwealth depends in part on their ability to continue to fulfill their missions. Making them affordable enough to attend is a key component.

House Bill 993 has been referred to the House Education Committee for review.