The news that Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed budget would cut funding for Temple University and the rest of the Commonwealth’s state-related universities by more than 50 percent surprised many. Yet before the governor had read the final words of his address, the Temple Advocates Legislative Outreach Network (TALON) was already mobilizing the Temple community to respond to his proposal.

In the coming weeks, TALON will roll out a comprehensive effort to communicate the importance of the Commonwealth’s investment in higher education to members of Pennsylvania’s General Assembly, showcase and celebrate the accomplishments of the Temple community and inform the public of the tremendous opportunities created by state-related education.

TALON has launched Stand with Temple, a broad-based petition drive. TALON has asked the entire university community to let Pennsylvania’s elected officials know they support Temple by signing a petition that will be shared with the state’s House  and Senate appropriations committees.  To sign the petition, visit Temple's Government Relations web site.

Temple President Ann Weaver Hart will meet with the House committee on March 16 and the Senate committee on March 28 to discuss how Gov. Corbett’s proposal could affect Temple students.

In addition, TALON is planning Cherry and White Day in Harrisburg on April 26. This rally in the State Capitol is designed to communicate the importance of Pennsylvania’s support for higher education to elected officials and highlight the Temple community’s important work across Pennsylvania. Unlike February’s Rally for Higher Education, Cherry and White Day will focus solely on Temple. While details of the event are still being planned, information will be available on the Government Relations web site.

“The entire Temple Community can work with TALON to secure a fair appropriation for Temple,” said Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr., senior vice president for government, community, and public affairs. “The voices of our students, faculty, alumni, staff and friends will be critical in this year’s budget process.”

Lawrence urged the Temple community to follow the Office of Government Affairs on Twitter at twitter.com/TUGovtAffairs for regular updates on the budget process and opportunities to get involved.