Conklin: Proposed PASSHE integration plan a bad deal for PA

Students, faculty and taxpayers deserve better

Rep. Scott Conklin    June 7, 2021 | 12:25 PM

STATE COLLEGE, June 7 – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, has issued the following statement regarding the proposed integration plan for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s 14 universities:

“The so-called plan that was presented to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors in late April is anything but a good one. This proposal is not financially sustainable and forces a hybrid model upon students, requiring them to take virtual college courses. Many students across our state have technology challenges, including reliable computer and internet access. This plan also lacks details on branch campus oversight, and it does not include any cost savings or tuition rate decreases.

“PASSHE was first established in 1983 to provide students and families with an affordable, quality education, and it’s imperative we get back to that mission immediately. We need a plan that stimulates the universities and adequately funds them, not one that puts them on the back burner. We need PASSHE to continue to provide the training and education needed to help students prepare for the demands of our workforce.

“I have recently sent a letter to the Board of Governors, urging them to vote “NO” on this consolidation plan. Our students and families deserve better, and I am also urging my colleagues in the House and Senate to join me in fighting for a plan that provides better funding that truly puts our students first.”

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