Jan. 29, 2016
HARRISBURG – Reps. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton/Franklin) and Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Somerset/Bedford) will introduce legislation to restore funding to the Regional Community Colleges Services, which was completely eliminated by Gov. Tom Wolf as part of his line-item veto of the $30.26 billion fiscally responsible budget that was sent to his desk in late December.
Before the governor’s line-item veto, the Regional Community Colleges Services line-item was appropriated $3 million, a 25 percent increase over the previous fiscal year. Topper and Metzgar issued the following statement regarding the introduction of their legislation:
“Gov. Wolf was wrong to line-item veto the Regional Community Colleges Services funding. This program helps provide students across the Commonwealth access to higher education. Specifically, it assists students in rural and high-need regions across Pennsylvania including students in the 78th and 69th districts.
“This line-item is a small portion of the state’s budget, but it provides a great benefit for students who are seeking to advance their education and prepare themselves to work effectively in today’s economy. While we cannot be certain why the governor chose to eliminate this program’s funding, we are hopeful that our colleagues in the General Assembly will join us to ensure educational opportunity for students in rural and high-need communities.”
Representative Jesse Topper
78th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Eric Reath
717.260.6187
ereath@pahousegop.com
Representative Carl Walker Metzgar
69th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Raymond Smith
717.705.1834
rsmith@pahousegop.com