PRINTER'S NO. 4038
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
1082
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY HANNA, STURLA, ROZZI, SCHLOSSBERG, KINSEY,
FREEMAN, ROEBUCK, HARHART, D. COSTA, YOUNGBLOOD, M. DALEY AND
GIBBONS, OCTOBER 18, 2016
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, OCTOBER 18, 2016
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to
conduct a study and issue a report relating to the long-term
sustainability and viability of our public institutions of
higher education.
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a diverse array
of institutions of higher education with a variety of missions
and strengths; and
WHEREAS, For the purposes of this resolution, public
institutions of higher education that receive public funds
include the 14 universities of the Pennsylvania State System of
Higher Education (PASSHE), 14 community colleges, the Thaddeus
Stevens College of Technology, the Rural Regional College of
Northern Pennsylvania, the Allegany College of Maryland and four
State-related universities; and
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth established PASSHE for the purpose
of providing high-quality education at the lowest possible cost
to its students; and
WHEREAS, There are 14 community colleges in Pennsylvania that
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offer a wide array of degree, nondegree and work force
development programs and training; and
WHEREAS, The Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is a
State-owned two-year technical college focused on the technical
work force needs of this Commonwealth, with a special emphasis
on supporting under-resourced students; and
WHEREAS, Act 126 of 2014 provided for the establishment of
the Rural Regional College of Northern Pennsylvania, which
offers two-year associate degrees as well as training and
certificate programs to underserved areas of this Commonwealth;
and
WHEREAS, The Allegany College of Maryland is a community
college with its main campus in Maryland's Allegany County and
branch locations in Pennsylvania's Bedford and Somerset
Counties; and
WHEREAS, Through an act of the General Assembly, the
Commonwealth conferred State-related status on four
universities: The Pennsylvania State University, the University
of Pittsburgh, Temple University and Lincoln University; and
WHEREAS, All residents of this Commonwealth benefit from the
skills and education gained by students at our institutions of
higher education; and
WHEREAS, To secure these benefits for its residents, the
Commonwealth invests significant public resources to support
these institutions; and
WHEREAS, To maximize these benefits for its residents, the
Commonwealth should continue to partner with the institutions to
promote greater accessibility, affordability and usability of
postsecondary education in this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, The future of this Commonwealth depends in part on
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the ability of public and private institutions of higher
education to continue to fulfill their missions; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the
Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and
issue a report relating to the long-term sustainability and
viability of this Commonwealth's public institutions of higher
education; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study include a detailed assessment of:
(1) projected revenue and expenses, including long-term
debt and the current and projected cost and funding status of
health and pension benefits for at least the next five years;
(2) college affordability, including its effect on
enrollment trends over the next five years;
(3) the potential for improved efficiencies and overall
cost reductions, including an analysis of shared services or
potential savings;
(4) shared governance, including a review of the powers
and duties of the Office of the Chancellor, the Board of
Governors, the university presidents, the Councils of
Trustees and other PASSHE entities;
(5) current and future infrastructure needs at all of
our public institutions of higher education, including
academic buildings, residence halls and other student-
financed buildings, as well as a review of deferred
maintenance projects and future information technology needs;
(6) the contributions made by any affiliates,
subsidiaries, foundations, local sponsors or other entities;
(7) the adequacy of State support for institutions of
higher education; and
(8) best practices undertaken by policymakers in other
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states to address enrollment and fiscal pressures in public
higher education;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
identify and review long-term critical issues that could
threaten the sustainability and viability of our public
institutions of higher education, including current policies,
procedures, regulations and legislation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance
Agency (PHEAA), using data from the most recent year available,
provide a list to the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
of all public and private institutions having students who
receive grant money from PHEAA; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee,
in compiling its report, seek input from PASSHE, the Board of
Governors, the Office of the Chancellor, the Councils of
Trustees, the Boards of Trustees, the presidents of the
universities and colleges, faculty, alumni, business leaders,
students, the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges,
PHEAA, the Department of Education and any individual who may
have relevant information; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
issue its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly
within 24 months of the adoption of this resolution.
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