FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Eugene DePasquale D-York www.pahouse.com/DePasquale

DePasquale bill would require in-state board meetings

HARRISBURG, March 14 – State Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York, said he plans to introduce legislation to require state-related colleges and universities to hold their board meetings within the Commonwealth.

Recently, Penn State University’s Board of Trustees announced plans to hold a board meeting in New York City. Gov. Corbett has stated he will not attend. DePasquale's legislation would require these institutions to hold such meetings within the state as a condition of state funding.

"At a time when state dollars are pressed thin and state-affiliated and state-related universities could take an unprecedented monetary hit due to decreased state appropriations, all university Board of Trustees’ meetings must be held within Pennsylvania," DePasquale said. "Plus, this is an opportunity to keep tax dollars in our state to help grow our economy."

The 14 institutions which comprise the State System of Higher Education, as well as state-related universities like Penn State and Temple, are a crucial component of Pennsylvania's overall educational system.

"As such, their contribution to the state’s economy and overall quality of life cannot be downplayed, and because of their value, the state allocates hundreds of millions of dollars each year to the support of these institutions," DePasquale said. "Issues this vital to Pennsylvania's economy and future shouldn't be taken out of state for discussion."

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