Temple University recently submitted its annual appropriation request to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the 2011-12 fiscal year, which starts July 1, 2011.  This is the first step required of Temple to secure its annual nonpreferred appropriation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

“We are grateful for the Commonwealth’s support in helping to provide high-quality, affordable education for thousands of Pennsylvania residents each year,” said Ken Lawrence, senior vice president for Government, Community and Public Affairs.  “Our next governor and the General Assembly will face difficult budgetary decisions next year. Our students, faculty, parents, employees and alumni must communicate the importance of the Commonwealth’s support of Temple and higher education to our elected officials.”

This year, Temple has requested a 6.4 percent increase over last year’s funding amount. If approved, the increase would restore the university’s appropriation to the 2009 enacted amount, which was cut by more than $11 million.

Over the next several months, Temple’s proposal will be considered by the next governor and incorporated into proposed spending plans. The new governor will announce his proposed spending plan by the first week of March, which will be followed by months of budget deliberations in the State House of Representatives and State Senate.

If you have not already done so, you can join the Temple Advocates Legislative Outreach Network (TALON) in thanking our elected officials for last year’s funds and asking them to continue their support.  Visit www.temple.edu/government for more information.