University Times

The University continues to await its state appropriation amid ongoing budget discord in Harrisburg.

A $30.8 billion compromise state budget based on a “framework” agreed to by legislative leaders gained approval in the Senate earlier this week but was derailed in the House, which presented its own spending plan.

As budget deliberations continue, the University’s appropriation bill (Senate Bill 915) awaits final approval in the House. As it’s currently written, it includes $140.69 million in general support and $2.5 million for rural education outreach, a $6.9 million, 5.1 percent increase over Pitt’s fiscal year 2015 appropriation.

The impasse in Harrisburg continues to put a hold on the University’s fiscal year 2016 budget, which won’t be approved until state funding is finalized.

This is the longest wait for a decision on Pitt’s appropriation since fiscal year 2010, when disagreement over table games legislation delayed funding for the University and other non-preferred appropriations.

Pitt’s FY10 appropriation was signed by then-Gov. Edward G. Rendell on Dec. 17, 2009 — 168 days after the July 1 start of the fiscal year. (See Jan. 7, 2010, University Times.)

—Kimberly K. Barlow