Photo: L. Reidar Jensen / Penn State. Creative Commons.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a 7.1% funding increase for Penn State’s 2023-24 general support appropriation and for Pennsylvania College of Technology, and a 2% funding increase for Penn State Agricultural Research and Cooperative Extension, during his first budget address as governor, which was delivered March 7 during a joint session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
The governor’s proposed 2023-24 budget also includes $2.35 million for the Invent Penn State initiative, matching the state’s initial investment last year in the entrepreneurship-focused program.
Penn State’s general support appropriation, which helps to offset the cost of tuition for Pennsylvania resident students, last increased in 2019-20, when lawmakers approved a 2% funding boost.
“We are very appreciative that Gov. Shapiro has proposed to increase Penn State’s funding for the next fiscal year, particularly after three consecutive years of flat funding for our general support appropriation,” said Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi. “From keeping tuition costs lower for in-state students, to serving as a repository of knowledge and research-based problem-solving for the state’s agriculture industry, to driving economic development and preparing the state’s next generation of entrepreneurs, workers and leaders, the commonwealth’s investment in Penn State impacts the lives of all Pennsylvanians.
“This is the beginning of a new partnership with the governor and his administration, and I look forward to working with him and the General Assembly in the months and years ahead to continue to address the needs of our students and strengthen Penn State’s impact on the commonwealth.”