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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Gabrielle
A. Prutisto |
State Rep. Thomas
Caltagirone |
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Caltagirone pushes for equal responsibility of operating costs of community colleges
HARRISBURG, April 30 – Every year, the operating costs of many colleges increase faster than inflation. At community colleges, figuring out who will make up the difference when prices rise is often a struggle.
State Rep. Tom Caltagirone is reintroducing legislation that would divide the operating costs of community colleges equally between the state, the students and the local sponsor.
“If the students alone had to pay for the annual increases, many would not be able to afford community college at all. If it were the school itself and local sponsors who had to pay the entire increase, cuts might have to be made in other vital areas. The state can’t afford to pick up the whole tab either. My legislation is the fairest way to ensure that our community colleges keep running and having the burden shared fairly, “Caltagirone said.
Caltagirone's legislation would place a cap on the amount community colleges could charge for tuition, setting the limit at no more than a third of the institution’s annual operating costs.
The current funding formula for community colleges recommends, but doesn’t require, proportional funding, with community college sponsors, students and state each providing a third of the funds. To date, many of the sponsors, which can include school districts, cities and counties, are not contributing their share, putting more pressure on both the state and students to contribute more. Increases in college tuition have been used to fill in the funding gaps, further burdening students.
Residents with questions or comments may call Caltagirone’s office at (717) 787-3525.
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