In an unprecedented display of support, more than 8,900 students, alumni, employees, parents and friends have so far joined the effort to back the Pennsylvania Commonwealth appropriation for Temple by calling or emailing their state representatives and signing an on-line petition.

The public campaign is a key factor in securing the $175 million Commonwealth appropriation as part of a final state budget for the current fiscal year. The appropriation is a significant part of the university’s $793 million operating budget.

“The Temple University community has rallied to support our students and higher education in the Commonwealth,” said Ken Lawrence Jr., senior vice president for government, community and public affairs. “As a state-related university, Temple plays a vital role in educating Pennsylvania residents at a world-class research university at an affordable price.”

Temple’s supporters, who have not yet done so, can help make sure the university remains a priority for lawmakers by signing the petition, “Join the Fight for the Cherry and the
White.”

The public effort to save Temple’s $175 million Commonwealth appropriation was just the latest in a series of actions involving the state budget in the last several months.

A prolonged state budget process

In his original proposal from last February, Gov. Ed Rendell proposed that Temple would receive about $175 million for the 2009-10 fiscal year. But declining state tax revenues fueled by a deepening national recession have delayed the passage of the state budget which was due on June 30. This delay has caused uncertainty for a host of entities, including Temple.

As tax revenues continued to fall, Rendell came back in June and said he would shave 13 percent off state-related schools’ appropriations in his proposed budget which the legislature must approve. That would have amounted to a loss of about $21 million for Temple. In June, the governor also announced that he would not include the state-related universities in the Commonwealth’s application for federal stimulus dollars.

President Ann Weaver Hart, along with leaders from other state-related schools and local elected officials, appealed the governor’s decision to the federal Department of Education, which ruled that state-related schools are public and should be included in the stimulus plan.

August brought with it more budget talks in Harrisburg, but greater uncertainty for Temple and its students. There was an effort to defeat the bill that contained Temple’s entire $175 million Commonwealth appropriation. The vote was delayed twice in the House of Representatives. The Temple community responded with a rousing display of support by calling and e-mailing their legislators. The bill was approved on second consideration, but the state budget overall has yet to be resolved.

Also in August, word came that because of the budget stalemate, there was no state money to cover Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) grants at Temple or any school in the state. After reviewing the PHEAA situation, Temple announced that it would honor PHEAA grants for the fall.

Temple’s concern for students and families

Meanwhile, Temple’s Board of Trustees was also responding to the recession. Recognizing the slowing economy was having an impact on students and families, Temple’s trustees in April agreed to an historic budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year. That budget featured a $40 million reduction in operating costs, a 2.9 percent increase in tuition (the lowest in 13 years), and a commitment to pump $21 million into financial aid over three years.

Near the end of July, Temple’s leadership was faced with a dilemma: the university needed to post bills for the coming school year, but without a state budget resolution, it was unclear whether tuition rates could be maintained. In the end, trustees decided to stick with the 2.9 percent increase, but warned they might have to revisit the issue depending on the state budget outcome.

“We believe this is in the best interests of our students and their families, many of whom are facing extremely tough economic circumstances,” said President Hart.

The trustee’s decision meant Temple’s tuition increase remains among the lowest of public schools in Pennsylvania, with the University of Pittsburgh at 2.9 percent and the State System of Higher Education schools at 3.7 percent. The Pennsylvania State University announced an increase ranging from 3.7 to 4.5 percent depending on campus location and residency status.

Staying involved, making a difference

As budget negotiations continue in Harrisburg in late August, Temple leaders say it is important to remain vigilant and advocate for Temple University.

“Our strongest and best advocates are the people who have experienced and benefitted from a Temple education and can share their experiences with legislators,” said Lawrence. “I urge everyone to show their support for Temple University by signing the petition and spreading the word to friends and family.”

Information on the budget and its impact on Temple will be posted at the Temple Public Policy Update webpage. Instant updates on the Commonwealth appropriation and other legislative issues are also available via Twitter.