2008 Woodie Awards
Governor gives more money to state colleges
By Jeremy Johnson
Rocket Staff Writer
Issue date: 2/17/06 Section: News
Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell said he will increase statewide spending from $923.8 million to $25.4 billion, with $601.4 million allotted for education.
This is a 3.8 percent total spending increase and a 4.5 percent state university funding increase from his 2005-2006 budget plan.
This message was delivered during his 2006-2007 budget plan on Feb. 8.
Slippery Rock University President Robert Smith said this is the best budget plan the governor has introduced in his tenure, and is very excited about the increases in education funding.
"I think it's the best plan Rendell has put forth so far, but unfortunately, we still need more until business picks up around here," Smith said.
He added that he is grateful Rendell has shown such a commitment to the state's education system, pointing out that it is important to our state's continued success.
Despite these increases, Smith still expects the university to be at a $2 million shortfall. He said state appropriations account for about 35 percent of the university's income, with the remaining 65 percent coming from tuition.
Expenses continue to increase, and if enrollment remains the same then the university will continue to be in a deficit. Smith said it's like having a personal budget, where you have to factor in your allotted income and subtract your expenses from that. If your expenses are higher than your income, then something has to give.
"This is a problem that athletes in the recently dropped sports know all too well. The university has to look at what is most beneficial to students, and so the sports programs go before academic areas," Smith said.
He added that it is unfortunate because he feels this is the best budget plan Rendell has proposed to this point. However, the university needs more to overcome its spending.
Students wishing to voice their opinions on the matters at hand are encouraged to attend a Student Government Association sponsored forum being held Feb. 28 at the University Union. Smith has been asked to attend, and said he is looking forward to speaking with the students.
This is a 3.8 percent total spending increase and a 4.5 percent state university funding increase from his 2005-2006 budget plan.
This message was delivered during his 2006-2007 budget plan on Feb. 8.
Slippery Rock University President Robert Smith said this is the best budget plan the governor has introduced in his tenure, and is very excited about the increases in education funding.
"I think it's the best plan Rendell has put forth so far, but unfortunately, we still need more until business picks up around here," Smith said.
He added that he is grateful Rendell has shown such a commitment to the state's education system, pointing out that it is important to our state's continued success.
Despite these increases, Smith still expects the university to be at a $2 million shortfall. He said state appropriations account for about 35 percent of the university's income, with the remaining 65 percent coming from tuition.
Expenses continue to increase, and if enrollment remains the same then the university will continue to be in a deficit. Smith said it's like having a personal budget, where you have to factor in your allotted income and subtract your expenses from that. If your expenses are higher than your income, then something has to give.
"This is a problem that athletes in the recently dropped sports know all too well. The university has to look at what is most beneficial to students, and so the sports programs go before academic areas," Smith said.
He added that it is unfortunate because he feels this is the best budget plan Rendell has proposed to this point. However, the university needs more to overcome its spending.
Students wishing to voice their opinions on the matters at hand are encouraged to attend a Student Government Association sponsored forum being held Feb. 28 at the University Union. Smith has been asked to attend, and said he is looking forward to speaking with the students.
