Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB727

Introduced

3/28/23

Refer

3/28/23

Caption

In the State System of Higher Education, providing for equalization of appropriations.

Impact

This legislation aims to rectify the funding disparities that exist between the State System of Higher Education and state-related institutions. By ensuring that the system is appropriately funded, it attempts to maintain the quality of education and resources available to students enrolled in state universities. The bill's outlined procedures for calculating and certifying differences in appropriations can lead to a more balanced distribution of state financial support, which is crucial for the sustainability of higher education in the state.

Summary

House Bill 727 focuses on the appropriations for the State System of Higher Education in Pennsylvania by establishing a mechanism for the equalization of funding. The bill mandates that the Secretary of the Budget annually assess the differences in the total amounts allocated to the State System of Higher Education compared to state-related institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh and Temple University. If the System receives less funding, the certified difference must be recognized and adjusted accordingly to ensure equitable appropriations.

Sentiment

The general sentiment regarding HB 727 appears to be supportive among educational advocates and those within public higher education. Proponents argue that this bill is a necessary step towards fairness and equality in funding, as it directly addresses long-standing inequities in how educational institutions are financed. However, concerns may arise among skeptics about the implications of reallocating funds and whether this would negatively impact other areas of the budget or educational priorities.

Contention

Notable points of contention may revolve around the priorities of funding within the state's budget. Critics might question whether the equalization of appropriations could come at the cost of other essential areas of public funding. Additionally, there could be debates over the impact this bill might have on the existing financial autonomy of state-related institutions, as the focus shifts towards ensuring adequate support for the public system.

Latest PA HB727 Activity

View All Events: PA 2023-2024 Regular Session HB727

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB432

In the State System of Higher Education, providing for educational opportunities for foster and adopted children.

PA HB773

In the State System of Higher Education, providing for free tuition for school board members.

PA HB938

In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for Board of Governors.

PA SB1214

In institutions of higher education, abolishing the State Board of Higher Education and its powers and duties; further providing for Performance-based Funding Council and for public institution of higher education reporting; and providing for reversion of certain powers and duties of the State Board of Higher Education to the State Board of Education and Council of Higher Education.

PA HB345

In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and for powers and duties of councils of trustees.

PA SCA5

Education finance: Education Equalization Act: Equalization Reserve Account.

PA SB327

In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and for powers and duties of councils of trustees. Amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in employees, further providing for automatic certification.

PA HB1271

Providing for free speech in higher education.

PA HB2888

Higher education; Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant; effective date.

PA HB2888

Higher education; Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant; effective date.

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB0390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.