Lycoming News

HARRISBURG – The serious need to provide more affordable pathways for students to pursue in-demand careers in Pennsylvania was spotlighted by a public hearing of the Senate Education Committee today, according to Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), who chairs the committee.

The hearing focused on the “Grow PA” legislation, a higher education plan introduced by Senate and House leaders to make Pennsylvania more competitive in attracting and retaining students to attend college and provide incentives for graduates to remain in the state after graduation.

The committee heard testimony from various individuals, including Catherine Repkoe, a high school senior who will soon be attending Millersville University to pursue a teaching degree. Repkoe expressed her support for the financial assistance offered by “Grow PA” by stating, "I want to live, not just survive financially after I graduate… from what I’ve heard, the Grow PA proposals will help my friends and me get another step closer to starting the lives we have dreamed of."

Also testifying were Aaron Riggleman, Manager of Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, and Wayne Reich, Chief Executive Officer, Pennsylvania State Nurses Association. Riggleman shared troubling employment statistics from many critical industries, while Reich supported the committee's commitment to align the needs of employers with the training and education of students.

Nathan Hench, Senior Vice President, Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, shared his expertise with the committee on how to best execute the expansion of financial aid programs.

Sen. Dave Argall emphasized the importance of addressing workforce shortages in Pennsylvania and highlighted the potential impact of the "Grow PA" legislation on preparing students for successful careers. Argall stated, "By adopting ‘Grow PA,’ we’re putting higher education in Pennsylvania on a new path that places the focus where it should be: ensuring students in our technical and traditional colleges are prepared for productive, meaningful careers."

CONTACT: Jim Brugger