UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Office of Government and Community Relations is encouraging all Penn Staters to speak up and voice support Penn State’s 2023-24 state appropriation, which is now more than three months past due.
The advocacy campaign through Advocate Penn State urges support for the 7.1% funding increase proposed by Gov. Josh Shapiro in his inaugural budget. The increase would be Penn State’s first increase in state funding since a 2% bump in 2019-20.
All Penn Staters are encouraged to go to advocate.psu.edu to participate in the most recent advocacy campaign to show support for state funding, which allows the University to offer a significant in-state tuition discount to more than 42,000 Pennsylvania resident Penn State students.
“Advocacy is a key component of our current and continued relationship with the commonwealth,” said Zack Moore, vice president for Government and Community Relations. “Our greatest advocates have always been students, faculty and staff, alumni, and our Penn State families — we need everyone to use their voice to help us speak up for Penn State during this pivotal moment in state budget negotiations.”
The timing of this advocacy action is critical, as the General Assembly returns to Harrisburg for the fall session and Penn State’s funding bill has remained unfinished since July. Shapiro signed the main Pennsylvania budget in August, but funding for the state’s four state-related universities remains in limbo.
Penn State has continued its commitment to offer in-state tuition to Pennsylvania resident undergraduate students through the budget impasse by diverting other resources, such as temporarily delaying employee salary increases and the compensation modernization initiative.
“State appropriations help keep a robust Penn State education accessible to all students in Pennsylvania,” said student Mitch Scordo, president of Penn State’s Lion Caucus. “As students, sharing our stories about the opportunities and experiences we've had at Penn State is the most impactful way we can create change. It's crucial that students advocate for increased state funding for Penn State and our peers to ensure that we are fairly supported by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
On average, Pennsylvania's other public universities receive between $8,700 and $9,400 per-student from the state, while Penn State receives $5,700 per Pennsylvania resident student. Despite this gap, Penn State significantly amplifies the state’s investment to provide the average Pennsylvania resident an annual discount of approximately $15,000 on in-state tuition.
State funding matters to all Penn Staters, whether you’re a current student, faculty or staff member, alumni, family member or a Penn State supporter. Fair funding allows Penn State to invest in high-quality academic programs and curricula that give students expanded options that lead to a holistic world-class education experience and set them on a path for lifetime success.
“Advocating for the future of Penn State and our students takes just moments to complete and makes such a great impact,” said Mike Stefan, assistant vice president for state relations. “Advocacy works. There is power in your voice, and there is power in the ‘We Are’ spirit.”
All are encouraged to take action now at advocate.psu.edu. Follow Advocate Penn State on Instagram, X, LinkedIn and Facebook to stay up to date on all Penn State advocacy opportunities.