South Lancaster News

HARRISBURG – Today, a group of Republican lawmakers unveiled a higher education reform plan named “Grow PA” aimed at providing more affordable post-secondary education options for students in Pennsylvania and creating pathways to quality careers within the state.

Leading the initiative, Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Senator Scott Martin emphasized the need for a fresh approach to post-secondary education in Pennsylvania, stating, “Pennsylvania needs a fresh approach to post-secondary education to ensure we can be more competitive and overcome the economic and demographic challenges that threaten our state’s future.”

Senate Majority Whip Ryan P. Aument highlighted the importance of a performance-based funding model, stating, “We cannot continue to invest more in our system without any respect to the outcomes that system is producing.”

Senate Education Committee Chair David G. Argall underscored the significance of quality higher education in improving lives and communities, expressing concern that Pennsylvania is falling behind in this aspect. Argall stated, “Quality higher education has the potential to improve the lives of our students and their families and breathe new life into our communities, but it’s clear that Pennsylvania is falling behind the competition.”

Senator Tracy Pennycuick emphasized the role of a highly skilled workforce in bolstering the economy, advocating for funding students over systems in higher education. Pennycuick remarked, “A highly skilled workforce is the bedrock of any strong economy and the best way for Pennsylvania to invest in higher education is to fund the student, not systems.”

The “Grow PA” plan includes initiatives such as the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program and the Merit Scholarship Program, aimed at incentivizing students to enroll in higher education programs and remain in Pennsylvania post-graduation. Additional components of the plan involve expanding existing higher education assistance programs and promoting career and technical opportunities.

The lawmakers behind the plan view it as a responsible alternative to Governor Shapiro’s higher education proposals, with Representative Jesse Topper, Republican Chair of the House Education Committee, set to lead the introduction of the bills in the House of Representatives.

The “Grow PA” plan strives to address the declining enrollment and migration of young people out of the state, aiming to make Pennsylvania more competitive in attracting and retaining students, ultimately strengthening the state’s economy and workforce.