Senator White Issues Statement on State Budget

Extremely concerned on impact of proposed cuts to IUP

Senator Don White issued the following statement in response to Governor Tom Corbett's proposed 2012-13 state budget.

"As we prepare to thoroughly review the Governor's budget proposal, Senate Republicans remain committed to enacting a fiscally responsible budget in a timely manner while protecting the interests of Pennsylvania's taxpayers. This will not be a simple process. We have a responsibility to enact a budget that doesn't impose additional burdens on Pennsylvania's hard-working families who are struggling to make ends meet during these dismal economic times.

"That being said, the Governor's proposed 20 percent cut for the State System of Higher Education seems like déjà vu all over again. As I said, I truly recognize that we are facing difficult budgetary issues and I agree that we can't afford to raise taxes, but the assault the State System of Higher Education has been under for the last decade is also unsustainable and detrimental to families across Pennsylvania.

"I fought hard against the Governor's proposed 50-percent reduction in funding to SSHE last year and reluctantly accepted the 18-percent reduction with the sincere hope that it would bottom out there. An additional 20 percent reduction on top of last year's cut would be devastating, especially for Indiana University of Pennsylvania, which happens to be the largest employer in our region and the largest institution in SSHE.

"We still have four months before the end of the current fiscal year and hopefully we will see some improvement in state revenue collections to the point where the Governor's proposed cuts can be mitigated. If not, I plan to fight hard against the reduction in state funding for SSHE and will work to alleviate it as much as possible."

Contact:

Joe Pittman
(724) 357-0151