Regular Session 2017-2018 House Resolution 0331 P.N. 1716

PRINTER'S NO. 1716

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

No.

331

Session of

2017

INTRODUCED BY HANNA, ROEBUCK, STURLA, LONGIETTI, KINSEY,

CALTAGIRONE, BRIGGS, J. HARRIS, SCHLOSSBERG, THOMAS, DAVIS,

V. BROWN, WHEATLEY, MILLARD, D. COSTA, D. MILLER, O'BRIEN,

SIMS, HILL-EVANS, MURT AND DONATUCCI, MAY 11, 2017

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, MAY 11, 2017

A RESOLUTION

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to

conduct a study and issue a report relating to the long-term

sustainability and viability of our public institutions of

higher education.

WHEREAS, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a diverse array

of institutions of higher education with a variety of missions

and strengths; and

WHEREAS, For the purposes of this resolution, public

institutions of higher education that receive public funds

include the 14 universities of the Pennsylvania State System of

Higher Education (PASSHE), 14 community colleges, the Thaddeus

Stevens College of Technology, the Rural Regional College of

Northern Pennsylvania, the Allegany College of Maryland and four

State-related universities; and

WHEREAS, The Commonwealth established PASSHE for the purpose

of providing high-quality education at the lowest possible cost

to its students; and

WHEREAS, There are 14 community colleges in Pennsylvania that

offer a wide array of degree, nondegree and work force

development programs and training; and

WHEREAS, The Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is a

State-owned two-year technical college focused on the technical

work force needs of this Commonwealth, with a special emphasis

on supporting under-resourced students; and

WHEREAS, The act of July 10, 2014 (P.L.1053, No.126),

provided for the establishment of the Rural Regional College of

Northern Pennsylvania, which offers two-year associate degrees

as well as training and certificate programs to underserved

areas of this Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, The Allegany College of Maryland is a community

college with its main campus in Maryland's Allegany County and

branch locations in Pennsylvania's Bedford and Somerset

Counties; and

WHEREAS, The Commonwealth conferred State-related status on

four universities: The Pennsylvania State University, the

University of Pittsburgh, Temple University and Lincoln

University; and

WHEREAS, Higher education is a critical mechanism for

socioeconomic advancement among aspiring individuals and an

important driver of economic mobility in our society. Moreover,

a well-educated work force is vital to our future economic

growth; and

WHEREAS, Higher education institutions contribute to the

quality of life in their communities, providing services such as

medical facilities, research centers, libraries, sports, art and

cultural events; and

WHEREAS, In many parts of this Commonwealth, these

institutions account for a significant portion of local economic

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activity; and

WHEREAS, Higher education institutions also act as catalysts

for economic growth; and

WHEREAS, All residents of this Commonwealth benefit from the

skills and education gained by students at our institutions of

higher education; and

WHEREAS, To secure these benefits for its residents, the

Commonwealth invests significant public resources to support

these institutions; and

WHEREAS, To maximize these benefits for residents, the

Commonwealth should continue to partner with the institutions to

promote greater accessibility, affordability and usability of

postsecondary education in this Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, To significantly increase the number of individuals

in this Commonwealth who hold an associate degree or higher, the

Council of Higher Education unanimously supported the adoption

of a 60% postsecondary attainment goal by 2025; and

WHEREAS, The future of this Commonwealth depends in part on

the ability of public and private institutions of higher

education to continue to fulfill their missions; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the

Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and

issue a report relating to the long-term sustainability and

viability of this Commonwealth's public institutions of higher

education; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the study include a detailed assessment of:

(1) projected revenue and expenses, including long-term

debt and the current and projected cost and funding status of

health and pension benefits for at least the next five years;

(2) college affordability, including the effect on

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enrollment trends over the next five years. A study of

college affordability should take into account the costs and

fees levied on students who attend traditional classes and on

students who take online courses;

(3) the potential for improved efficiencies and overall

cost reductions between the public higher education

institutions, including an analysis of shared services or

potential savings;

(4) shared governance, including a review of the powers

and duties of the Office of the Chancellor of the State

System of Higher Education, the Board of Governors of the

State System of Higher Education, the university presidents,

the councils of trustees and other PASSHE entities;

(5) current and future infrastructure needs at all of

our public institutions of higher education, including

academic buildings, residence halls and other student-

financed buildings, as well as a review of deferred

maintenance projects and future information technology needs;

(6) the contributions made by any affiliates,

subsidiaries, foundations, local sponsors or other entities;

(7) the adequacy of State support for institutions of

higher education;

(8) best practices undertaken by policymakers in other

states to address enrollment and fiscal pressures in public

higher education;

(9) the current higher education landscape in this

Commonwealth, which should include an analysis of current

efforts by institutions of higher education to improve

financial literacy as it relates to the costs associated with

the attainment of an associate degree or higher; and

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(10) the economic impact of institutions of higher

education on their communities;

and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee

identify and review long-term critical issues that could

threaten the sustainability and viability of our public

institutions of higher education, including current policies,

procedures, regulations and legislation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee

identify gaps and opportunities for collaboration with basic

education, work force development programs, economic development

and other related systems; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance

Agency (PHEAA), using data from the most recent year available,

provide a list to the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee

of all public and private institutions with students who receive

grant money from PHEAA and the grant amounts awarded to each

institution; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee,

in compiling its report, seek input from PASSHE, the Board of

Governors of the State System of Higher Education, the Office of

the Chancellor of the State System of Higher Education, the

councils of trustees, the boards of trustees, the presidents of

the universities and colleges, faculty, alumni, business

leaders, students, the Pennsylvania Commission for Community

Colleges, PHEAA, the Department of Education and any individual

who may have relevant information; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee

issue its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly

within 24 months of the adoption of this resolution.

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