University Times

The governor’s budget proposal is one step in Pennsylvania’s budget process. Typically delivered on the first Tuesday in February, this year’s message was delayed until March 8 to allow transition time for Gov. Tom Corbett’s new administration.

A comparison of current funding and Corbett’s proposal as part of his budget for higher education shows:

Current; 2011-12 proposed

Pitt                      $167,995,000              $  80,245,000

Penn State        $333,863,000               $ 165,094,000

Temple               $172,737,000                $  82,487,000

Lincoln                $ 13,782,000                 $   6,812,000

State System of

Higher Education    $503,355,000              $232,599,000

Community Colleges    $214,217,000              $212,167,000

The governor’s budget proposal triggers hearings in the House and Senate appropriations committees before legislators vote on a general appropriation bill and separate bills for non-preferred appropriations for agencies not under the complete control of the state. Pitt’s is among the non-preferred appropriations, requiring a two-thirds vote of the House and Senate for approval.

Representatives of the state-related universities testified before the Senate committee March 16 (see related story this issue) and are scheduled for a March 28 hearing in the House.

The deadline for passing a state budget bill is June 30.

—Kimberly K. Barlow