South Lancaster News

HARRISBURG – Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin (R-13) has expressed his thoughts on Governor Shapiro's proposed changes to Pennsylvania's post-secondary education system. In a statement, Senator Martin emphasized the need to attract more students to the state's educational and job-credentialing opportunities.

"It is clear that Pennsylvania needs to do more to reverse the troubling economic and demographic challenges we face, and that starts with attracting more students to our post-secondary educational and job-credentialing opportunities that point them toward needed, family-sustaining careers here in the Commonwealth," said Senator Martin.

While Senator Martin acknowledges the importance of examining the higher education system and exploring potential efficiencies, he raises concerns about the potential cost to taxpayers and the long-term benefits for Pennsylvania's economic and demographic growth.

"The big question is how much these plans will cost taxpayers in the long run and whether that investment will benefit Pennsylvania's economic and demographic growth," Senator Martin stated.

He emphasizes the need for further discussions with the Shapiro Administration and his colleagues in the legislature to find a balance that meets the educational needs of students and the workforce development needs of job creators while remaining affordable for students, families, and taxpayers.

"I look forward to engaging in further discussions with the Shapiro Administration and my colleagues in the legislature about how we can better meet the educational needs of students and the workforce development needs of job creators in a way that is affordable for students, families, and taxpayers," Senator Martin concluded.

Contact: Jason Thompson