Kevin Cook

At a meeting of Philadelphia’s State Senate delegation last week in Sullivan Hall, Temple Executive Vice President, CFO and Treasurer Anthony Wagner describes the effect proposed cuts to the Commonwealth appropriation would have on the university.

Members of Philadelphia’s State Senate delegation met in Sullivan Hall last week to learn what the impact Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed cuts to the Pennsylvania budget could have on Philadelphia-area residents.

State Senators Vincent J. Hughes, Shirley M. Kitchen, LeAnna M. Washington and Christine M. Tartaglione were in attendance. The senators heard from leaders at Temple, Cheyney University, the School District of Philadelphia, the City of Philadelphia, area hospitals and organized labor, including the Temple Association of University Professionals.

Sen. Kitchen framed the discussion by saying “without a doubt anyone would agree that Temple University has given people of all walks of life a chance to climb the economic ladder,” and then asking how proposed cuts could impact Temple’s historic mission.

Anthony Wagner, Temple’s executive vice president, CFO and treasurer, emphasized that all options are on the table as a result of proposed cuts, and that Temple has in the last two years reduced its budget by $40 million and made sacrifices in programs and staff.

The Commonwealth’s budget deliberations are ongoing, and Temple President Ann Weaver Hart and university leaders will travel to Harrisburg on Monday, March 28th to continue to emphasize the important role Temple and higher education play in supporting the vitality and economic well-being of the Commonwealth.