Lycoming News

Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania, including Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Senator Scott Martin, Senate Majority Whip Ryan P. Aument, Senate Education Committee Chair David G. Argall, and Senator Tracy Pennycuick, have introduced the “Grow PA” plan aimed at providing more affordable post-secondary education options leading to quality careers in the state.

According to Senator Scott Martin, the plan is essential to ensure Pennsylvania's competitiveness and address economic and demographic challenges: “Pennsylvania needs a fresh approach to post-secondary education to ensure we can be more competitive and overcome the economic and demographic challenges that threaten our state’s future. We need to encourage more students to learn here, put down roots here, work here, and grow here.”

Senate Majority Whip Ryan P. Aument emphasized the importance of a performance-based funding model to align state resources with in-demand career fields: “We should move to a performance-based funding model that will allow us to scrutinize the dollars we’re already spending and focus state resources on students and programs that align with career fields that are in demand in Pennsylvania.”

Senator David G. Argall highlighted the impact of quality higher education on students and communities: “Quality higher education has the potential to improve the lives of our students and their families and breathe new life into our communities, but it’s clear that Pennsylvania is falling behind the competition.”

Senator Tracy Pennycuick emphasized the importance of investing in students for the future of Pennsylvania's economy: “A highly skilled workforce is the bedrock of any strong economy and the best way for Pennsylvania to invest in higher education is to fund the student, not systems.”

The “Grow PA” plan includes the creation of programs such as the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program and the Merit Scholarship Program to support students in high-demand industries and attract out-of-state students to Pennsylvania educational programs. Graduates would be required to work in Pennsylvania for a period of time to qualify for these programs.

Additionally, the plan aims to expand existing higher education assistance programs, promote career and technical opportunities, encourage FAFSA completion, and create a performance-based funding model for state-related universities.

Representative Jesse Topper, Republican Chair of the House Education Committee, collaborated on the plan and intends to introduce the bills in the House of Representatives.

The “Grow PA” plan presents a comprehensive alternative to Governor Shapiro’s higher education plans, focusing on achieving post-secondary education goals at a lower cost.

For more information, contact Jason Thompson.