SIAP: Penn State, Other State-Related Universities Reject Republican Lawmakers’ Request to Freeze Tuition After One-Time Federal Funding Boost

[StamfordBridgeVikingatLeftOffensiveTackle]

It's remotely possible that a discussion of this could not turn TOO political. I know. It's a REALLY remote possibility.

Penn State, Other State-Related Universities Reject Republican Lawmakers' Request to Freeze Tuition After One-Time Federal Funding Boost

Penn State and Pennsylvania's three other state-related universities plan to move forward with tuition hikes despite a call from House Republican leaders

www.statecollege.com

 

[psuro]

 

[BobPSU92]

barren: Now, Neeli. What did I teach you?

Neeli: Oh, right. Tuition up. Good. Tuition same. Bad.

barren: And what about tuition down?

Neeli:

barren: Perfect! Neeli, you’re going to make a fine Penn State president.

 

[Bison13]

It's remotely possible that a discussion of this could not turn TOO political. I know. It's a REALLY remote possibility.

Penn State, Other State-Related Universities Reject Republican Lawmakers' Request to Freeze Tuition After One-Time Federal Funding Boost

Penn State and Pennsylvania's three other state-related universities plan to move forward with tuition hikes despite a call from House Republican leaders

www.statecollege.com

Yep, dont care which side made the request, its crazy for psu to not consider it

 

[NittPicker]

Yep, dont care which side made the request, its crazy for psu to not consider it

To be fair, PSU did consider it but opted not to do so. Bendapudi noted reasons why the money wouldn't/couldn't be spent to freeze tuition. Whether or not someone agrees with those reasons is a different matter.

 

[TiogaLion]

Ok, I haven't followed this "covid" money very closely but it appears the headlines have been purposely misleading. Initially we were told (or lead to believe) that $40M was to be given to EACH of the four state-related schools. Turns out that about $30M is to be given to four schools in total including a small portion to Penn College. So, Penn State is being given a one time payment of about $12M. Now, the above article is a bit confusing about 5% vs 6% tuition increases but in any case $12M isn't going to be close to 5% or 6%. I would like these lawmakers should explain how $12M should eliminate a tuition increase assuming that the tuition increase was needed to balance the budget.

However, there is plenty of time to cut costs for the 23-24 budget so perhaps they should be working on that task.

BTW: there have been at least three of these covid money payouts at Penn State. I have two daughters and each one got anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 three different times by answering the question: "Have you been affected by covid?". Notice that the question didn't ask if you were negatively affected. Oh, and it was a word of mouth thing about how to apply.

Barry, could you please weigh-in on this one.
@PSUFTG

 

[Midnighter]

It's remotely possible that a discussion of this could not turn TOO political. I know. It's a REALLY remote possibility.

Penn State, Other State-Related Universities Reject Republican Lawmakers' Request to Freeze Tuition After One-Time Federal Funding Boost

Penn State and Pennsylvania's three other state-related universities plan to move forward with tuition hikes despite a call from House Republican leaders

www.statecollege.com

They likely know it’s too late to pump the breaks on the tuition hike so it’s low hanging fruit for political posturing.

What did the other schools say and when were their tuition hikes announced?

 

[91Joe95]

So... the university voted mere hours before the funds were officially announced, but it's somehow too late? They're getting what they asked for, but they're still raising tuition? There is something fundamentally wrong at these universities, and it has nothing to do with the amount of appropriations they receive.

 

[TiogaLion]

So... the university voted mere hours before the funds were officially announced, but it's somehow too late? They're getting what they asked for, but they're still raising tuition? There is something fundamentally wrong at these universities, and it has nothing to do with the amount of appropriations they receive.

Truer words haven't been spoken around here in a long time.

 

[step.eng69]

It's remotely possible that a discussion of this could not turn TOO political. I know. It's a REALLY remote possibility.

Penn State, Other State-Related Universities Reject Republican Lawmakers' Request to Freeze Tuition After One-Time Federal Funding Boost

Penn State and Pennsylvania's three other state-related universities plan to move forward with tuition hikes despite a call from House Republican leaders

www.statecollege.com

Nothing political coming from me, MN….
After Watching the circus performance over the past decade or so, I hate both fvcking parties.

My go to party currently is….

 

[GrimReaper]

Yep, dont care which side made the request, its crazy for psu to not consider it

They likely know it’s too late to pump the breaks on the tuition hike so it’s low hanging fruit for political posturing.

What did the other schools say and when were their tuition hikes announced?

All true, but it seems to indicate that relations between the University and Harrisburg have not improved since Dr. Bendapudi took over. I know it's early, but did somebody say something about financing a new football field?

 

[psuro]

All true, but it seems to indicate that relations between the University and Harrisburg have not improved since Dr. Bendapudi took over. I know it's early, but did somebody say something about financing a new football field?

I don't think it matters who is in the President's chair at PSU. The climate in Harrisburg seems to indicate less emphasis and importance on higher education - frankly, that is something that seems to have gone on for a while.

Going back to my popcorn now....

 

[step.eng69]

All true, but it seems to indicate that relations between the University and Harrisburg have not improved since Dr. Bendapudi took over. I know it's early, but did somebody say something about financing a new football field?

We have a football stadium…..
Are you talking a stadium for soccer or rugby?

 

[BobPSU92]

All true, but it seems to indicate that relations between the University and Harrisburg have not improved since Dr. Bendapudi took over. I know it's early, but did somebody say something about financing a new football field?

How come Brandon Short isn‘t advocating football money to cover the university shortfall?

 

[psuro]

So... the university voted mere hours before the funds were officially announced, but it's somehow too late? They're getting what they asked for, but they're still raising tuition? There is something fundamentally wrong at these universities, and it has nothing to do with the amount of appropriations they receive.

There is also something fundamentally wrong in State Legislature. But, that is a discussion for a different bag of popcorn.

 

[91Joe95]

There is also something fundamentally wrong in State Legislature. But, that is a discussion for a different bag of popcorn.

Even if there is, I don't consider the transgressions to be even remotely equivalent. The legislature is tasked with appropriating funds, which btw they did, and for the amount the university requested. At best the university, a government entity, clearly lied to the government bodies about the amount of money it "needed." It also appears the higher ups at PSU lied to the PSU bot about the amount of funding they were receiving. And, they had no compunction or concerns about doing so.

 

[BobPSU92]

Even if there is, I don't consider the transgressions to be even remotely equivalent. The legislature is tasked with appropriating funds, which btw they did, and for the amount the university requested. At best the university, a government entity, clearly lied to the government bodies about the amount of money it "needed." It also appears the higher ups at PSU lied to the PSU bot about the amount of funding they were receiving.

PSU lying? Come on. That’s poppycock right there.

 

[Midnighter]

Even if there is, I don't consider the transgressions to be even remotely equivalent. The legislature is tasked with appropriating funds, which btw they did, and for the amount the university requested. At best the university, a government entity, clearly lied to the government bodies about the amount of money it "needed." It also appears the higher ups at PSU lied to the PSU bot about the amount of funding they were receiving. And, they had no compunction or concerns about doing so.

Did they say the funds would be needed, and used, to curb tuition rate hikes? Doubtful. And Penn State is not a government entity as far as I am aware. They, like Pitt, Lincoln, and Temple, have the autonomy to set tuition rates as they see fit. I'm sure they're all happy to take the $13mm or whatever it was, but that's like two years of CJF's salary. Let's be real - that hike was planned for some time and the vote was completely procedural.

 

[psuro]

Even if there is, I don't consider the transgressions to be even remotely equivalent. The legislature is tasked with appropriating funds, which btw they did, and for the amount the university requested. At best the university, a government entity, clearly lied to the government bodies about the amount of money it "needed." It also appears the higher ups at PSU lied to the PSU bot about the amount of funding they were receiving. And, they had no compunction or concerns about doing so.

I think the use of the word "transgression" is over the top here. But, it's your word, so you can have it. You are incorrect about the University being a government entity i nthe traditional sense. I have no idea what the University asked for, but if you look at the history of the relations between the University and the state legislature, which has indicated a continued increase in tuition over the years, I would highly doubt that this "lying" has gone on for so long that no one has exposed it until now (expose being my word to use).

This is all a smokscreen. Pa Legislature does not want to fully fund higher education, and no matter what the University asks for (or has asked for over the years), nothing will change that.

But, I don't live in Pa and don't have kids in the college system, so it's not really my issue.

 

[Midnighter]

I think the use of the word "transgression" is over the top here. But, it's your word, so you can have it. You are incorrect about the University being a government entity i nthe traditional sense. I have no idea what the University asked for, but if you look at the history of the relations between the University and the state legislature, which has indicated a continued increase in tuition over the years, I would highly doubt that this "lying" has gone on for so long that no one has exposed it until now (expose being my word to use).

This is all a smokscreen. Pa Legislature does not want to fully fund higher education, and no matter what the University asks for (or has asked for over the years), nothing will change that.

But, I don't live in Pa and don't have kids in the college system, so it's not really my issue.

The good news is the government is very interested in uncoupling itself from public education anyway. That will be fun.

 

[psuro]

The good news is the government is very interested in uncoupling itself from public education anyway. That will be fun.

That will help "Make America Great Again" - I am sure.

Edit- on a more local level, 68% of my property taxes supports public school system. I have no kids and don't plan on having them, yet they still want 68% of my property taxes to go to the public school system for other people's kids. None of the so called fiscal conservatives and those who promote fiscal responsibility have stepped forward to come up with a better plan or algorithm.

- jussssssttttt wanted to put that out there....

 

[91Joe95]

I think the use of the word "transgression" is over the top here. But, it's your word, so you can have it. You are incorrect about the University being a government entity i nthe traditional sense. I have no idea what the University asked for, but if you look at the history of the relations between the University and the state legislature, which has indicated a continued increase in tuition over the years, I would highly doubt that this "lying" has gone on for so long that no one has exposed it until now (expose being my word to use).

This is all a smokscreen. Pa Legislature does not want to fully fund higher education, and no matter what the University asks for (or has asked for over the years), nothing will change that.

But, I don't live in Pa and don't have kids in the college system, so it's not really my issue.

The university is a public institution, has government appointed members on the governance board, and receives public funding. The fact it is granted some autonomy does not negate these things. You can argue whether it's a government entity or not, but just because the PA government has granted/abdicated its power doesn't change any of this. If they are truly private they shouldn't be getting a dime, let alone feeling comfortable enough to deceive their funding source about anything, let alone the budget. Do that in the private sector and you get fired, or worse.

 

[91Joe95]

The good news is the government is very interested in uncoupling itself from public education anyway. That will be fun.

If government is funding it, they should have oversight of the funds. It is amazing how little bang for the buck government gets for its education dollars, but that is a completely separate topic.

 

[91Joe95]

Did they say the funds would be needed, and used, to curb tuition rate hikes? Doubtful. And Penn State is not a government entity as far as I am aware. They, like Pitt, Lincoln, and Temple, have the autonomy to set tuition rates as they see fit. I'm sure they're all happy to take the $13mm or whatever it was, but that's like two years of CJF's salary. Let's be real - that hike was planned for some time and the vote was completely procedural.

The university said it had to raise tuition because they did not receive the funding they asked for.

 

[GrimReaper]

That will help "Make America Great Again" - I am sure.

Edit- on a more local level, 68% of my property taxes supports public school system. I have no kids and don't plan on having them, yet they still want 68% of my property taxes to go to the public school system for other people's kids. None of the so called fiscal conservatives and those who promote fiscal responsibility have stepped forward to come up with a better plan or algorithm.

- jussssssttttt wanted to put that out there....

The argument that your local BoE would make is that your taxes support an excellent school system which increases your property value. Not commenting on the validity of that argument just mentioning it.

As an aside, you ought to attend a BOE meeting, very illuminating.

 

[psuro]

The argument that your local BoE would make is that your taxes support an excellent school system which increases your property value. Not commenting on the validity of that argument just mentioning it.

As an aside, you ought to attend a BOE meeting, very illuminating.

OH I know. It's the price we pay, right? My comment is not with the school system or taxation....it's more directed towards politicos who tout themselves as being fiscally conservative and - I will say it - hate "socialism" and yet make no effort to review this overtly socialist manner of funding the public schools.

I have been to BOE meetings as a consultant - several BOEs are my clients for redevelopment/engineering onstruction related activiites. It is like being on the Voyage Of the Damned.

 

[psuro]

The university is a public institution, has government appointed members on the governance board, and receives public funding. The fact it is granted some autonomy does not negate these things. You can argue whether it's a government entity or not, but just because the PA government has granted/abdicated its power doesn't change any of this. If they are truly private they shouldn't be getting a dime, let alone feeling comfortable enough to deceive their funding source about anything, let alone the budget. Do that in the private sector and you get fired, or worse.

Yes, they are government affiliated - I am not sure of the exact relationship, but they are not a true government entity and do have some autonomy.
If they have been lying for so long (your term), then why were letters like this not written in the past 30+ years.?
PA legisltature has also lied to the public have they not?

 

[GrimReaper]

The university is a public institution, has government appointed members on the governance board, and receives public funding. The fact it is granted some autonomy does not negate these things. You can argue whether it's a government entity or not, but just because the PA government has granted/abdicated its power doesn't change any of this. If they are truly private they shouldn't be getting a dime, let alone feeling comfortable enough to deceive their funding source about anything, let alone the budget. Do that in the private sector and you get fired, or worse.

"Public?" Certainly not like the PASSHE schools.

Look at the indentures of the bonds PSU issues. The Commonwealth is not legally on the hook for the vast majority, exception being specific building construction financed by the state.

 

[Midnighter]

If government is funding it, they should have oversight of the funds. It is amazing how little bang for the buck government gets for its education dollars, but that is a completely separate topic.

I think this has been mentioned many, many times, but the 'public' funding PSU receives is tiny compared to its operating budget. It might sting a bit, but they could probably operate without it just fine.

 

[GrimReaper]

OH I know. It's the price we pay, right? My comment is not with the school system or taxation....it's more directed towards politicos who tout themselves as being fiscally conservative and - I will say it - hate "socialism" and yet make no effort to review this overtly socialist manner of funding the public schools.

I have been to BOE meetings as a consultant - several BOEs are my clients for redevelopment/engineering onstruction related activiites. It is like being on the Voyage Of the Damned.

Which politicians? Public school funding is largely decided at the local level. Any time I've asked about funding, I get "deer in headlights looks from BoE members, the Superintendent defers to the Business Manager, and the Business Manager punts ("I'll have to get back to you on that'" which never happens). Ultimately it's "for the kids."

 

[GrimReaper]

I think this has been mentioned many, many times, but the 'public' funding PSU receives is tiny compared to its operating budget. It might sting a bit, but they could probably operate without it just fine.

"Tiny?" Take out Penn State Health and research and we're talking $3bn. State appropriation accounts for 8% of that. It's still $240mm+ which ain't "tiny." Just look at the scrambling PSU had to do when the 5% proposed increase wasn't passed.

 

[psuro]

Which politicians? Public school funding is largely decided at the local level. Any time I've asked about funding, I get "deer in headlights looks from BoE members, the Superintendent defers to the Business Manager, and the Business Manager punts ("I'll have to get back to you on that'" which never happens). Ultimately it's "for the kids."

Yes - I know. If you look back on my post/edit - I did say it was local level. So, the answer to your question is -my local councilpersons. Touting themselves as fiscally conservative, but realistically, they are supporters of this type of socialism.

And I know that deer in headlights look. Its the same look I get when I tell them what the cost of the upgrade/redevelopment/additional construction will cost. For some reason, elected member of BoE seem to think schools should not pay for anything. That engineering services should be for free for the "greater good". (my term).

 

[Midnighter]

That will help "Make America Great Again" - I am sure.

Edit- on a more local level, 68% of my property taxes supports public school system. I have no kids and don't plan on having them, yet they still want 68% of my property taxes to go to the public school system for other people's kids. None of the so called fiscal conservatives and those who promote fiscal responsibility have stepped forward to come up with a better plan or algorithm.

- jussssssttttt wanted to put that out there....

I'm like you, but also pay for private school. So, fully subsidizing other children. I don't mind because the schools are excellent in our area (that is not the reason we chose private) and I believe in a rising tide raising all ships. But, there are definitely problems - namely, that because public schools are publicly funded, they are also political footballs. No thanks.

 

[Midnighter]

"Tiny?" Take out Penn State Health and research and we're talking $3bn. State appropriation accounts for 8% of that. It's still $240mm+ which ain't "tiny." Just look at the scrambling PSU had to do when the 5% proposed increase wasn't passed.

How much of that scrambling is because PSU pisses away money on crap it could otherwise spend on keeping tuition down and/or actually benefitting students?

I think 8% is tiny, but defer to your expertise in academia/public education.

 

[BobPSU92]

Is any of this going to make us better at football? Sorry to interrupt with the most important question.

 

[91Joe95]

How much of that scrambling is because PSU pisses away money on crap it could otherwise spend on keeping tuition down and/or actually benefitting students?

I think 8% is tiny, but defer to your expertise in academia/public education.

I always view public funding (for anything) in two ways - 1) should government be funding it? and 2) are they doing it in a competent manner? Screwing up #2 can easily affect #1 for most people.

 

[TiogaLion]

Is any of this going to make us better at football? Sorry to interrupt with the most important question.

Yes. Next question?

 

[BobPSU92]

Yes. Next question?

You answered the most important one, so there‘s really nothing left to discuss.

 

[GrimReaper]

Yes - I know. If you look back on my post/edit - I did say it was local level. So, the answer to your question is -my local councilpersons. Touting themselves as fiscally conservative, but realistically, they are supporters of this type of socialism.

And I know that deer in headlights look. Its the same look I get when I tell them what the cost of the upgrade/redevelopment/additional construction will cost. For some reason, elected member of BoE seem to think schools should not pay for anything. That engineering services should be for free for the "greater good". (my term).

Interesting. Our town council has nothing to do with the school budget. Nominally, it's the members of the Board of Education, but those folks are challenged to come up with a weekly grocery shopping list. So it's the Superintendent and Business Manager, with the Board being a rubber stamp.

You should work in my town. We have a board that's willing to pay for anything (because it's FTK).

 

[psuro]

Interesting. Our town council has nothing to do with the school budget. Nominally, it's the members of the Board of Education, but those folks are challenged to come up with a weekly grocery shopping list. So it's the Superintendent and Business Manager, with the Board being a rubber stamp.

You should work in my town. We have a board that's willing to pay for anything (because it's FTK).

You are up there in Bergen County, correct? Are you saying your property taxes don't fund the schools based on the budget submitted?