February 14, 2024 - Erie, PA
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis stopped by Erie County Community College to highlight the Shapiro-Davis Administration's new blueprint for higher education and proposed 15 percent increase in funding for community colleges and the state system universities, which serve more than 300,000 students across the Commonwealth."Governor Shapiro and I believe that every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed," said Davis. "A stronger higher education system is key to Pennsylvania's future. Our community colleges and state-owned universities are doing great work - but they've been doing it without the support and resources they need coming from Harrisburg and without a broader strategic vision to ensure those resources are utilized effectively. That's why the Shapiro-Davis Administration has created a new blueprint for higher education. It's designed to help students build the skills and gain the credentials they need to fill good-paying jobs, ensure employers can find the skilled workers their businesses need to grow and thrive, and serve as an engine for our Commonwealth's economic success, setting us up for growth and prosperity for decades to come."The Shapiro-Davis budget invests $975 million into a new governance system that combines Pennsylvania's 15 community colleges and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) universities. That investment represents a 15 percent increase over last year's state budget for the state-owned universities and community colleges. This year's proposal also includes a 5 percent increase in institutional support for the Commonwealth's state-related universities - Penn State, Temple, Lincoln and Pitt - while ensuring greater accountability for taxpayer dollars to ensure the Commonwealth pays for performance. Speakers in Order:Dr. Christopher Gray - President, Erie County Community College Lt. Gov. Austin DavisState Rep. Ryan BizzarroCharles "Boo" Haggerty - Chief Development Officer, Hamot Health FoundationTara Murphy - Recent EC3 GraduateAmos Dean - Current EC3 Student
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