Budget and appropriation

Thursday, August 17, 2006

The following stories deal with Penn State's state appropriation and operating budget.

Trustees approve proposed appropriation request for 2008-09
September 7, 2007

Penn State's Board of Trustees today (Sept. 7) approved the University's proposed 2008-09 budget plan and state appropriation request. The University is seeking an appropriation increase from the Commonwealth of $24.2 million, or 6.9 percent. Of this amount, $18.3 million is requested for the Educational and General line-item, and $4.9 million for its other line-items. An increase of slightly more than $1 million also is being requested in State and Federal Medical Assistance funding provided to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center through the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/25764

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Trustees see revised operating budget
September 7, 2007

At its meeting on July 13, the board approved an operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2007, which included an estimated state appropriation. Subsequently, Gov. Ed Rendell signed Penn State's appropriation bill of $334.2 million. In addition, $14.5 million of state and federal medical assistance funds for the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center also will be provided through the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/25763

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Trustees approve operating budget
July 13, 2007

Although the state Legislature has not yet passed a budget for the 2007-08 fiscal year, Penn State's Board of Trustees has approved the University's operating budget. The $3.4 billion budget is based on the governor's executive budget recommendation, which would amount to a projected $332.9 million appropriation from the state. Should the actual appropriation differ, the University would present a revised budget to the trustees at a later date.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/25058

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Statement by President Graham B. Spanier to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees
Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Statement by President Graham B. Spanier

House and Senate Appropriations Committees
Tuesday, February 27, 2007

This year Penn State marks 152 years of service to the Commonwealth, and at no time in the University's history has our mission been more critical to the lives of Pennsylvanians or more important to the economy of this state. As you confront the very difficult challenge of allocating the state's limited resources, we ask your consideration of the vital role that Penn State plays in the Commonwealth's economic health and the hope it provides to all who aspire to something greater in their lives.

Read the full text of Spanier's opening remarks to the committee at http://live.psu.edu/story/22584

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Trustees approve 2007-08 appropriation request
Friday, September 15, 2006

University Park, Pa. -- The need to assure continued access and affordability, while also maintaining Penn State's preeminence as Pennsylvania's strongest economic engine, is the motivation behind the University's 2007-08 state appropriation request, approved today (Sept. 15) by its Board of Trustees.

The request seeks a funding increase of 6.8 percent, or $23.3 million, from the Commonwealth. ¨Of this amount, $17.6 million is sought for the Educational and General line item and $4.8 million for other line items. An increase of $930,000 also is requested through the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare for the State and Federal Medical Assistance funding provided to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/19528

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Board approves capital budget request of $89.5 million
Friday, September 15, 2006

University Park, Pa. -- Penn State's Board of Trustees on Sept. 15 authorized the University to request $89.5 million from the Pennsylvania legislature to provide additional funding for University capital budget projects beginning next fiscal year. Penn State's capital budget funds new construction and renovation projects at all 24 Penn State locations across the Commonwealth.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/19525

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Penn State sets $3.2 billion operating budget for 2006-07
Friday, July 14, 2006

Philadelphia, Pa. -- Penn State's overall operating budget will rise modestly to $3.2 billion in 2006-07 under a plan designed to support the high quality of the educational experience for students while significantly moderating tuition increases. Excluding Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, the budget reflects growth below the benchmark Higher Education Price Index (HEPI) inflation rate of 5.0 percent for this year -- due in large part to a boost in state appropriation and the continuation of cost savings initiatives totaling nearly $15 million in reductions for 2006-07.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/18618

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Trustees approve interim budget for 2006-07; Penn State awaits approval of appropriation
Friday, May 12, 2006

University Park, Pa. – Penn State adopts an interim budget each year so that it has an approved fiscal operating plan from the beginning of the fiscal year, July 1, until the next year’s actual budget is approved by the University's Board of Trustees.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/17802

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Spanier returns to state capitol to discuss funding request with Senate
Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Harrisburg, Pa. -- Penn State President Graham B. Spanier appeared for a hearing Feb. 28 before the Senate Appropriations Committee on the governor's proposed 2006-07 funding for Penn State. This latest hearing, which consisted of a panel of chief executives from all of Pennsylvania's state-related universities -- Penn State, Temple, Pittsburgh and Lincoln -- was Spanier's second trip to speak with the state Legislature in less than a week. Last Wednesday, he appeared before the House Appropriations Committee for a two-hour hearing focused entirely on Penn State's funding.

Read the full text of Spanier's opening remarks to the committee at http://live.psu.edu/story/16374

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Spanier goes to Harrisburg to make case for Penn State's funding
Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Penn State President Graham B. Spanier was in Harrisburg Feb. 22 for a hearing before the House Appropriations Committee on the governor's proposed 2006-07 funding for Penn State. This is Spanier's 11th appearance before the committee as president of Penn State. "The funding a state provides to its public institutions not only sends a definitive message about its priorities, it also provides a hint of what the state's future may hold," said Spanier. "For Pennsylvania, its investment in public higher education has failed to keep pace at exactly the wrong time -- a time when the key to economic prosperity is a well-educated workforce and research discoveries that will produce technological innovation." Earlier this month, Gov. Edward G. Rendell proposed a 2006-07 appropriation to Penn State of $322.4 million, with $14 million in additional funds for Hershey Medical Center through the Department of Public Welfare budget. This represents an overall proposed increase of 3.3 percent for Penn State -- a funding level nearly equal to the appropriation received by the University five years ago.

Read the full text of Spanier's opening remarks to the committee at http://live.psu.edu/story/16244
For more on the governor's proposed budget, go to http://live.psu.edu/story/16011

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Annual budget process in full swing with governor's address
Thursday, February 9, 2006

Gov. Edward Rendell's proposal to increase Penn State's overall appropriation by 3.3 percent for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2006, is the start of the annual legislative budget process, according to University officials. The governor's proposal includes 4 percent for the University's educational and general line item, but no increase for Agricultural Research or Cooperative Extension. "We appreciate the governor's ongoing support for Penn State and understand the pressure on the commonwealth's resources in recent years," said Bill Mahon, assistant vice president for University Relations. "At the same time, we will work with members of the House and Senate during the coming months to encourage additional support for the University." Specifically the governor proposed a state appropriation of $322.4 million for Penn State next year. In addition, approximately $14 million in funds for Hershey Medical Center is reflected in the Department of Public Welfare budget.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/16011
For a chart showing the 2006 appropriation summary, go to http://live.psu.edu/still_life/appropriation_summary_2006/

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Penn State proposes tuition freeze at 20 campuses through 2006-07 funding request
September 9, 2005

Penn State, facing a continuing trend of underfunding that has shifted more of the burden of educational costs to students and families, has developed a new state funding proposal that would result in a freeze of tuition rates for nearly half of the University's student body. The University's 2006-07 state appropriation request, approved today (Sept. 9) by Penn State's Board of Trustees, seeks an increase from the commonwealth of 10 percent for its Educational and General line item, and an overall increase of 9.5 percent in its appropriation. An increase also is included for the Pennsylvania College of Technology. In return, the University would hold the tuition rates for nearly 38,000 students at 20 undergraduate campus locations at their current 2005-06 level, and limit the increase for Pennsylvania resident students at University Park to 5.9 percent. Pennsylvania's community colleges received a 10 percent increase in state appropriations in 2005-06. If approved, a similar increase for Penn State in the next fiscal year would net nearly $30.9 million, for a total appropriation to the University of approximately $354.4 million.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/13392

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Board approves capital budget request of $46.54 million
September 9, 2005

Penn State's Board of Trustees today (Sept. 9) authorized the University to request $46.54 million from the Pennsylvania legislature to providing additional funding for previously approved capital budget projects beginning next fiscal year. Penn State's capital budget funds new construction and renovation projects at all 24 Penn State locations across the commonwealth. "Penn State has made marked progress in addressing critical space needs on its campuses, but the need remains to build new space and renovate some of our aging infrastructure," said Gary C. Schultz, senior vice president for finance and business/treasurer. "The requests for additional funding this year are a result of increases in project scope and construction costs." Despite being one of the nation's largest universities and among the top 10 institutions in research expenditures, Penn State lags behind its peers in terms of adequate instructional and research facilities. An aggressive five-year construction plan in progress -- which includes nearly $500 million for educational facilities and almost $300 million for medical projects -- is alleviating some of those concerns and modernizing the facilities available to students and faculty.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/13393

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Penn State sets operating budget for 2005-06
July 15, 2005

Penn State's overall operating budget will just exceed $3 billion in 2005-06 under a plan approved July 15 by the University's Board of Trustees. The $3.04 billion budget illustrates the quickly growing economic impact the University is having on virtually every segment of the commonwealth -- estimated at more than $6.1 billion annually. "This budget reflects the scope of our statewide reach and supports the high-quality educational experience we provide, despite an appropriation increase that was less than a third of our request," said Penn State President Graham B. Spanier. "The budget plan succeeds in maintaining quality, meeting escalating costs and keeping the tuition increase to its lowest level in a number of years." Penn State's operating budget is funded by seven sources of revenue, the largest in 2005-06 being tuition and fees (33.0 percent). Other income sources include: hospital and clinical operations (24.4 percent); restricted funding (17.6 percent); state appropriation (10.6 percent); auxiliary enterprises (8.9 percent); federal agricultural support (0.7 percent); and other sources (4.9 percent).

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/12734

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Penn State sets tuition rates for 2005-06 academic year
July 15, 2005

Penn State will increase its tuition rate by 5.9 percent for in-state, lower division undergraduate students for the 2005-06 academic year -- the lowest tuition increase at the University in six years. This rate translates into $308 per semester for full-time students at University Park, with slightly lower amounts for students at other Penn State locations. The benchmark tuition for out-of-state, lower division undergraduate students, whose tuition is expected to cover the entire cost of their education, will increase by 4.5 percent. This rate is based on a formula approved by the board in 2002 that sets the dollar-figure tuition increase for out-of-state students at 1.5 times the increase for in-state students, reflecting more appropriately the increases in the actual costs of instruction. "We believe we've succeeded in maintaining the high-quality educational experience that we value at Penn State and addressing escalating costs faced in higher education, despite an appropriation increase that was less than a third of our request," said University President Graham B. Spanier. "In particular, we've been successful in keeping the tuition increase to its lowest level in a number of years."

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/12722

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Task force identifies cost savings for Penn State
July 15, 2005

A Penn State task force has identified $10.6 million in cost savings and non-tuition income enhancements for the University's 2005-06 budget, continuing Penn State's quest for even greater operating efficiency among its administrative, academic and outreach units. The total cost savings effort, which well exceeded the task force's targeted goal of $5.9 million, will benefit students with an avoided tuition increase that would have been otherwise necessary of 1.7 percent, or approximately $180 per year for full-time students. In its three years of operation, the task force has identified approximately $31 million in annual savings and income enhancements, avoiding a tuition increase of 5.5 percent. Since 1992-93, the University has recycled nearly $127 million from departmental operating budgets, with a large portion of those funds shifted from non-academic to academic functions. Additionally during this time, 98 programs or majors and 14 academic departments have been systematically merged or eliminated while new ones have been added, keeping pace with changing student demand, trends in academic fields, accreditation requirements and the need for curricular reform.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/12721

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Spanier makes case before state legislature for University funding
March 1, 2005

Penn State President Graham B. Spanier met with members of the House Appropriations Committee today (March 1) to outline the University's budget needs for the 2005-06 fiscal year. The committee hearings were held today at the capitol building in Harrisburg, where Spanier discussed Penn State's position as the leading driver of economic impact in Pennsylvania and the rapidly rising costs faced by the University. In 2003, for every dollar of appropriation received by Penn State, the University returned $19.42 in total statewide economic impact and $1.56 in tax revenue to the commonwealth. For the 2005-06 fiscal year, the University is seeking a restoration of the funding level initially received four years ago in 2001-2002, which would be an increase of $17.6 million or 5.6 percent. This increase would be used to offset funding cuts received by Penn State between 2001 and 2004, and would support basic operating cost increases in major areas such as insurance, libraries and strategic initiatives that will allow the University to better serve students and the commonwealth.

Read the full text of Spanier's opening remarks to the appropriations committee at http://live.psu.edu/story/10575

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Penn State appropriation hearings to air live on PCN Tuesday
February 28, 2005

Penn State President Graham B. Spanier will make his annual appearance before the Pennsylvania legislature on Tuesday (March 1) in hearings before the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. The Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) will carry the hearings live to a statewide viewing audience. Spanier will make the case for increased funding for Penn State, which faced more than $43.5 million in five separate cuts to its appropriation since 2001. The University's goal is to have state funding restored to the level received in 2001-02. The House Appropriations Committee hearing on Penn State's funding is scheduled to begin (weather permitting) at 10 a.m., with the Senate hearing slated to start at 2:45 p.m.

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Trustees approve 2005-06 appropriation request, again seek restoration of funding
September 17, 2004

For the second straight year, Penn State will be seeking to have its appropriation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania restored to the level of funding received by the University in 2001-02. The University's Board of Trustees approved a request that would increase the state's 2005-06 appropriation to Penn State by $17.6 million over the current year's estimated level of state funding. This amount would be equivalent to what the University received three years ago.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/8114

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Board approves 2005-06 capital budget request, hears update on Penn State's five-year capital plan
September 17, 2004

Penn State's Board of Trustees received an update on Penn State's $945 million capital construction plan for the next five years. The board also authorized the University to request $71.89 million from the Pennsylvania Legislature to fund capital budget projects beginning next fiscal year. Penn State's capital budget funds new construction and renovation projects at all 24 Penn State locations across the commonwealth.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/8115

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Trustees approve $2.79 billion budget for 2004-05
July 9, 2004

Penn State will operate with a budget of nearly $2.79 billion in 2004-05. The budget reflects a slightly higher than expected state appropriation increase of 3 percent, or $9.335 million over last year's funding level for a total 2004-05 appropriation of nearly $317.2 million. As a result, the University is able to moderate necessary tuition increases, provide funds for a select group of strategic investments, and continue the high priority on faculty and staff salary increases. "This small gain is a step in the right direction for Penn State, and will help to offset some of the significant cost increases the University faces over a broad range of categories -- from health benefits to library materials to technology to building maintenance and security," said Penn State President Graham B. Spanier.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/7402

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Penn State sets base tuition increase at 6.6 percent for 2004-05 academic year
July 9, 2004

Penn State will increase its base tuition by 6.6 percent for in-state students -- $306 per semester at University Park -- for the 2004-05 academic year, with slightly lower percentage increases applied at other campuses and for out-of-state students. The tuition for out-of-state students, whose tuition is expected to cover the entire cost of education, will increase by 4.9 percent. This increase, required to offset inflationary pressures and rising costs specific to higher education, is Penn State's lowest percentage increase in recent years due to the 13th straight year of aggressive internal cost reductions and the end of three-straight years of state appropriation cuts.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/7403

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Task force continues to identify cost savings for PSU, will ease tuition increase
July 9, 2004

Penn State has identified $6.5 million in budget reductions and in non-tuition income enhancements for the University's 2004-05 budget, the latest step in an ongoing process to further streamline the efficiency of the University's administrative, academic, and outreach functions. This aggressive internal cost savings effort will directly benefit students in the form of a tuition increase avoidance of 1.1 percent -- or more than $100 per year for all full-time students. The University has recycled $113 million since 1992-93 and has moved most of these funds from administrative to academic functions.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/7401

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2003-04 appropriation finally approved; focus shifts to 2004-05
January 6, 2004

After waiting nearly six months past the start of the fiscal year, Penn State finally received its 2003-04 state funding when the legislature passed part two of Pennsylvania's budget on Dec. 22. The budget provides a $307.8 million appropriation to Penn State for the current fiscal year. The amount restores $1.38 million for cooperative extension that initially had been cut from the University's appropriation. Although higher than the original recommendation from the governor, the University's appropriation for 2003-04 still reflects an overall funding cut of $14.7 million from last year's initial funding level, and is $8.3 million less than last year's revised appropriation of $316.1 million.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/5137

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Trustees approve $2.55 billion budget for 2003-04
July 11, 2003

With Penn State's appropriation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania still pending approval in the state legislature, the University's Board of Trustees today (July 11) moved forward on a 2003-04 operating budget plan of slightly more than $2.55 billion. The budget reflects an estimated 5 percent decrease in state funding. This would be the second consecutive year that Penn State would have its appropriation reduced, with total cuts over that period reaching $45 million.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/3509

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Hershey Medical Center will meet budget
June 23, 2003

During the Hershey Medical Center board's annual public meeting, Darrell G. Kirch, senior vice president for health affairs and dean of College of Medicine, reported that the medical center would reach this year's goals despite challenges brought on by a difficult winter and continued economic and regulatory pressures. Kirch reported on the continued research growth throughout the institution and the success of ongoing efforts to recruit world-class leaders, faculty and staff. He also cautioned attendees that significant challenges remain in the coming year.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/3342

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Legislators attend campus meeting to discuss budget issues
June 5, 2003

Six area legislators or their representatives attended a recent luncheon meeting on campus to discuss cutbacks in state funding appropriations for Penn State.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/3204

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Trustees approve interim budget; Penn State awaits approval of state appropriation
May 16, 2003

Penn State adopts an interim budget each year so that it has an approved fiscal operating plan from the beginning of the fiscal year, July 1, until the next year's actual budget is approved by the University's Board of Trustees. Today (May 16), the Board approved the interim maintenance and operating budget at the level of the current 2002-2003 total operating budget of $2,402,717,000. This budget supports all Penn State operations and enterprises throughout the Commonwealth.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/3057

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Statement By President Graham B. Spanier to the House Appropriations Committee
May 2, 2003

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania faces some difficult choices in the months that lie ahead. None of us envies the task that the governor and members of this committee have before them. At Penn State we are very mindful of the challenges involved in addressing the most vital needs of our citizens while still balancing the budget. We recognize that we need to do our part.

Read the full statement text at http://live.psu.edu/story/2898

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State budget proposal includes another cut for Penn State
March 4, 2003

Penn State faces a state funding cut of five percent - or approximately $16 million - next year if the 2003-2004 state budget proposed March 4 by Gov. Edward G. Rendell is passed by the state Legislature.

Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/2264

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Appropriation gets cut again
February 20, 2003

For the fourth time in 16 months, Penn State's appropriation is being cut by the commonwealth. Total cuts have amounted to $29 million over this period.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_2003/Feb20/appropriation.html

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Penn State budget cut again; mid-year freeze takes back $3.23 million
December 12, 2002

Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker on Dec. 10 announced a mid-year budget freeze for the Commonwealth that includes a 1 percent reduction for Penn State and other state-related universities. For Penn State, this latest cut amounts to $3.23 million. Over the past 14 months, mid-year reductions and permanent budget cuts have reduced Penn State's appropriation funding by $25.5 million.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_2002/Dec12/budget.html

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Appropriation request for 2003-04 gains board approval
September 19, 2002

The University will ask for a 4.5 percent base state appropriation increase for the 2003-04 academic year, and $10 million for the first year of a three-year plan to increase funding for the College of Medicine at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_2002/Sept19/appropriation.html

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Budget shortfalls cause layoffs in College of Agricultural Sciences
August 29, 2002

Nineteen people are losing their jobs in the College of Agricultural Sciences and dozens of additional positions are being lost through attrition and other changes as a result of funding from the state and federal governments that has been cut or has not kept up with inflation in recent years.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_2002/Aug29/ag.html

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Governor's proposed 2002-03 budget cuts University 5 percent
February 14, 2002

Gov. Mark Schweiker on Feb. 5 presented his proposed budget for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which includes a 5 percent reduction from the 2001-02 appropriation for Penn State and other state-related universities.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_2002/Feb14/budget.html

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Second state budget freeze hits University
January 24, 2002

A second freeze in the state appropriation was announced last week, meaning Penn State will lose more than a total of $10 million in funds this year.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_2002/Jan24/budget.html

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Board of Trustees approves request for appropriation
September 27, 2001

The University is seeking a 4.25 percent base state appropriation increase for the 2002-2003 academic year. In addition, the University is asking for a $12 million increase for special appropriations to support information sciences and technology, agricultural research and cooperative extension, the College of Medicine and the Pennsylvania College of Technology's workforce development.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_2001/Sept27/appropriation.html

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Trustees OK budget
July 17, 2001

A smaller-than-expected appropriation from the state this year -- a 0.86 percent increase in the overall appropriation -- coupled with another round of internal budget cuts, has resulted in a lean operating budget for the University. Penn State's Board of Trustees on July 17 approved a total operating budget of just under $2.3 billion for the 2001-02 fiscal year beginning this month.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_2001/July26/budget.html

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Spanier makes case for University funding
March 2, 2001

During budget hearings before the state Senate and House earlier this week, President Graham B. Spanier stressed the importance of state support for the University. The funding received for the current fiscal year, he said, enabled the University to make important progress in initiatives in information sciences and technology, workforce development, life sciences, environmental studies, materials science, and children, youth and families.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_2001/March2/budget.html

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State budget proposal falls short of University needs
February 15, 2001

The proposed state budget for fiscal year 2001-02 that Gov. Tom Ridge presented to state lawmakers on Feb. 6 includes an overall increase of slightly more than $2 million for the University. The governor's proposed appropriation of $334 million is an increase of just .62 percent over the current appropriation of $331.9 million. Were this budget to be approved by the Legislature, it would be the University's smallest appropriation increase during Ridge's tenure.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_2001/Feb15/budget.html

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University seeks $361 million in appropriations
September 14, 2000

Penn State is seeking a 4.25 percent base state appropriation increase for the 2001-2002 academic year. In addition, the University is asking for a $16 million increase for special appropriations to support the College of Medicine, the School of Information Sciences and Technology, and environmental compliance.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_2000/Sept14/appropriations.html

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Trustees approve $2.15 billion budget
July 14, 2000

Penn State's Board of Trustees on July 14 approved a total operating budget of $2.15 billion for the 2000 -2001 academic year beginning this month. This is an increase of $76.5 million over the previous year that reflects priorities to sustain Penn State's academic leadership and the quality of education. The 2000-2001 budget also includes an additional $429 million that reflects the operations of The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, which are again part of the total Penn State budget.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_2000/July17/budget.html

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State budget gives University small increase
July 12, 2000

The final figures for Penn State in the Pennsylvania state budget, signed into law on June 22 by Gov. Tom Ridge, are higher than the proposed figures released in February, but still fall short of what the University requested.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_2001/July12/budget.html

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College leaders explain rising operation costs
April 6, 2000

Leaders of the four state-related institutions -- Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University and Lincoln University -- faced questions recently about the costs of higher education from the House Commission on Postsecondary Education in the 21st Century, a group of legislators and state leaders looking at the increasing costs associated with obtaining a college degree.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_2000/April6/costs.html

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Spanier makes case for increased funding for University
March 16, 2000

Last month during budget hearings before the state Senate and House, President Graham B. Spanier continued to promote increased support for Penn State. In his testimonies before the appropriations committees -- which were described by many as passionate -- Spanier once again made the case for increased funding for the University based in part on the vast number of initiatives undertaken by Penn State that improve the economic vitality of the Commonwealth and the quality of life for its residents.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_2000/March16/budget.html

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University officials to seek more support from state
February 17, 2000

Gov. Tom Ridge's 2000-2001 budget plan, introduced Feb. 8, falls significantly short of Penn State's funding request, leaving University officials to hope for more support from the state's legislators on both sides of the aisle. Although Ridge's plan, which includes more than $640 million in tax breaks, reflects the vigorous economy the nation has been experiencing, it delivers only a 2.5-percent increase to state-related universities like Penn State.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_2000/Feb17/budget.html

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University officials prepare for budget talks with legislators
February 10, 2000

University officials are gearing up for Penn State's annual budget hearings before the state Legislature, the first of which is slated for Feb. 14 in the Senate. A second hearing to be held by the House of Representatives is set for Feb. 29, and President Graham B. Spanier said he will be stressing Penn State's continued service to Pennsylvania and the important role the University plays in advancing the quality of life for residents.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_2000/Feb10/budget.html

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Appropriation request reflects concern for faculty salaries
September 14, 1999

Penn State will present a strong case for adequate funding from the state Legislature to pay for not only educational and outreach initiatives across the Commonwealth, but also basic operating costs such as faculty salaries, which continue to be one of the most important areas of concern for the University, President Graham B. Spanier told the Faculty Senate during its Sept. 14 meeting.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1999/Sept30/appropriation.html

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Appropriation request includes state support for 'Making Life Better'
September 10, 1999

Penn State is seeking special state funding for the University's Making Life Better initiative as part of its 2000-2001 appropriations request to the Commonwealth. "This initiative builds on Penn State's capacity in three areas of critical importance to the quality of life for Pennsylvania's future -- workforce and economic development, cultural development and agricultural research and cooperative extension," said President Graham B. Spanier in a presentation to the Board of Trustees on Sept. 10.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1999/Sept16/appropriation.html

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Trustees OK $1.58 billion budget
July 13, 1999

Having just received the largest state appropriation increase in a decade, Penn State now has a more than $1.58 billion total operating budget in place for 1999-2000. On July 13, the University Board of Trustees approved the budget, which reflects an increase of $71,465,000 or 4.7 percent over last year's numbers.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1999/July16/budget.html

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University funding gains approval of Legislature, governor
July 1, 1999

Penn State will receive its largest appropriation increase in a decade, according to details of a state budget plan for the 1999-2000 fiscal year. The budget has been approved by the state House and Senate and was signed by Gov. Tom Ridge on June 18.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1999/July1/funding.html

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State lawmakers approve 1999-2000 appropriation
June 17, 1999

Penn State will receive its largest appropriation increase in a decade, according to details of a budget plan for the 1999-2000 fiscal year. The budget has been approved by the state House and Senate and it is anticipated that Gov. Tom Ridge will sign it within the next 10 days.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1999/June17/budget.html

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Budget not yet passed by House
May 20, 1999

The state House of Representatives adjourned in mid-May before passing the nonpreferred appropriations bill where Penn State's budget resides. The House will reconvene on June 7. The Senate passed bills funding Penn State and other institutions on May 11.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1999/May20/budget.html

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Spanier summarizes Pennsylvania support for public higher education
March 18, 1999

Pennsylvania ranks near the bottom in the amount of budget support it provides to public higher education, according to many widely accepted measures. In a March 18 talk to the Board of Trustees, President Graham B. Spanier presented the data.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1999/March25/support.html

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University makes case to legislators
March 4, 1999

Citing investments Penn State has made to help boost the economy of Pennsylvania and improve the quality of life of its residents, University President Graham B. Spanier told state legislators last week that a larger state appropriation is needed.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1999/March4/budget.html

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University readies for budget hearings
February 18, 1999

University President Graham B. Spanier will travel to Harrisburg next week to convey the message that Penn State is making life better for Pennsylvanians with the hope that legislators will increase support to the University. In his annual trek to the state's capital, Spanier will appear before the Legislature to explain the University's budget request of $321 million -- an increase of $21.8 million over last year's appropriation.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1999/Feb18/budget.html

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Ridge's budget is disappointing for Penn State
February 11, 1999

The proposed $18.6 billion general fund budget revealed last week by Gov. Tom Ridge disappointed University officials, who were looking for a higher level of funding to help Penn State maintain quality and hold the line on tuition. Ridge's 1999-2000 budget plan proposes an increase of 2.5 percent in Penn State's base appropriation. Although this amounts to a $7.3 million increase, the University was seeking $21.8 million in new funds. Part of this funding was to go toward new initiatives.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1999/Feb11/budget.html

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Appropriation request seeks modest increase
September 17, 1998

Penn State's 1999-2000 appropriation request to the Commonwealth, approved by the Board of Trustees on Sept. 11, reflects the University's most pressing priorities. Highlights include the continuation of internal budget reductions to fund priority programs and funding for critical academic programs in the life sciences; children, youth and families; material sciences; and environmental studies. New this year are special funding requests for the School of Information Sciences and Technology, workforce development and funding for agricultural research and cooperative extension.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1998/Sept17/trustees.html

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Trustees approve 1998-99 budget and tuition
July 17, 1998

The Board of Trustees have approved a 1998-99 total operating budget of just under $1.5 billion, a budget that continues a strong focus on the University's core academic mission.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1998/July17/BOTbudget.html

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Governor signs 3.25-percent increase for Penn State
May 7, 1998

On April 29, Gov. Tom Ridge signed Penn State's 1998-99 appropriation, giving the University an increase of 3.25 percent over last year's state funding. The $299.1 million appropriated by the governor this year for Penn State is his most generous to date, although it falls short of what the University requested. Penn State actually requested $314 million from the state to cover basic operating costs and their increases, and to provide additional money to improve the quality of educational programming.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1998/May7/budget.html

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Interim budget approved
May 29, 1997

The Board of Trustees on May 16 approved an interim maintenance and operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1997/May29/CURRENT/news.html#anchor1051172

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State appropriation falls short
July 18, 1996

The University will get the same base appropriation from the state for fiscal year 1996-97 that it got for 1995-96. That may not sound like bad news at first, but factor in inflation, and the $214.7 million appropriation for educational programs really represents a decrease in actual spending power of more than $4.3 million.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1996/July18/CURRENT/BOTbudget2.html

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Modest tuition hike needed to maintain educational quality
July 18, 1996

A 4.75 percent increase in tuition for undergraduate and graduate students at all campuses for 1996-97 was okayed by the Board of Trustees. Fees were also set. The new levels reflect a state appropriation that included no increase for the University's educational and general funds budget, which mainly funds the teaching, research and outreach activities of Penn State.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1996/July18/CURRENT/BOTtuition.html

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Modest raises, limited tuition hike in budget
July 18, 1996

The Board of Trustees approved a 1996-97 total operating budget of approximately $1.68 billion for the University. "This budget reflects no increase in the state educational and general appropriation, covers only the most critical needs and invests only in high priority programs through continued internal reallocations throughout the University," President Graham B. Spanier said. "It is a budget of balance and compromise, yet it is not one lacking in its ambition to make every possible effort to preserve the University's quality and progress."

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1996/July18/CURRENT/BOTbudget1.html

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President goes to bat for funding
March 14, 1996

In an attempt to gain more support and more dollars for the University, President Graham B. Spanier recently testified before both the state Senate and House of Representatives appropriations committees in Harrisburg. Appearing first before the Senate on Feb. 27 and then before the House on March 5, Dr. Spanier fielded questions on issues from admissions to unfunded mandates, and raised several points about Penn State's value to the Commonwealth and the need for the $298.5 million appropriation requested by the University.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1996/March14/budget.html

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Statement by President Graham B. Spanier on 1996-97 budget proposal
February 15, 1996

Governor Ridge's 1996-97 budget proposal for The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania outlines a challenging fiscal situation for all state-related programs, including The Pennsylvania State University. Penn State pledges to do its part to continue to operate in the most efficient manner possible while at the same time seeking to sustain the positive momentum we have. I am compelled to observe, however, that the governor's budget would weaken Penn State and erode much of our recent progress. Although mindful of the difficult financial situation facing the Commonwealth, my colleagues at Temple, Pitt, Lincoln, the State System of Higher Education and I are united in our commitment to advancing the support of public higher education in Pennsylvania.

Read the full statement text at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1996/Feb15/message.html

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Gov. Ridge proposes freezing appropriations
February 15, 1996

This past September, the Board of Trustees approved a modest state appropriations request for 1996-97, intended to cover only the University's most critical needs -- such as telecommunications program improvements and a state-mandated increase in its contribution to the State Employees' Retirement System. Penn State had asked for an appropriation of $298.5 million, an increase of $21.8 million over the total 1995-96 appropriation of $276.7 million. But Gov. Tom Ridge's budget proposal, unveiled Feb. 6, would increase Penn State's appropriation by only $762,000 -- from the current level of $276.7 million to $277.4 million. Taking inflation into account, as well as spending increases mandated by state and federal government, President Graham B. Spanier said the Ridge proposal would result in a reduction of state support.

Read the full story at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_1996/Feb15/budget.html