(HARRISBURG) – Senator Ryan Aument (R-Landisville) received official notification from the President Pro Tempore of the Senate that he has been appointed to serve on the Higher Education Funding Commission, established by Act 70 of 2019.
Signed into law on July 2, 2019, Act 70 provides for the establishment of the Higher Education Funding Commission for the purpose of reviewing and making recommendations related to higher education funding, affordability and effectiveness, administration, and operations. The Commission will consider topics such as graduation and retention rates, student financial aid, job placement after graduation, entry level wages, student loan debt, and the overall goal of higher education.
“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to take part in a thoughtful conversation about potential policy solutions to strengthen student outcomes in Pennsylvania’s higher education system,” said Sen. Aument. “Now more than ever, it is critical that we find innovative approaches to increasing the affordability of and accessibility to college in our Commonwealth. As such, it is my intent to introduce into the discussion performance-based metrics for higher education funding decisions as a way to hold institutions accountable for results.”
In his new position on the Commission, Aument also plans to look at ways to better align our higher education system with the needs of Pennsylvania’s economy. He says prioritizing funding for institutions that graduate students with degrees that are in high demand here in our Commonwealth could be one way to accomplish that goal.
“Overall, I look forward to discussing these and many other concerns with my colleagues so that we can arrive at a final higher education funding formula that works for Pennsylvania’s students, universities, and economy.”
The Commission’s first meeting is slated to be held sometime in the near future, with a report of the Commission’s findings to be submitted within one year of the act’s signing.
CONTACT: Ryan Boop, (717) 787-4420