Universities Ask Pa. House To Reject More Aid Cuts

Representatives of Penn State, Pitt and Temple are asking the state House Appropriations Committee to reject Gov. Tom Corbett's second straight proposal for deep cuts in state aid for the universities.

Corbett's hold-the-line budget plan of $27.1 billion would slash about 30 percent, or almost $150 million, from the three schools. That proposal comes after the state cut about $140 million, or about 20 percent, from aid to the schools this year.

In opening comments to the panel, Pitt's chancellor, Mark Nordenberg, called the funding cuts the dismantling of a long commitment by the state to public higher education.

Corbett's budget proposal for the fiscal year beginning July 1 also would cut business taxes and slash funding for a range of services for the poor, elderly and disabled.