WEST CHESTER (April 1) — State Senator Andy Dinniman Friday joined West Chester University students, professors and fellow state lawmakers in voicing opposition to Governor Corbett’s proposed budget cuts to higher education.
“Governor Corbett’s cuts mean increased tuition and fees, fewer classes, greater student borrowing and debt and more people on the unemployment rolls,” Dinniman said. “By slashing support for higher education by more than 50 percent, we’re effectively undermining our potential for long-term growth in challenging economic times.” Dinniman joined Cliff Johnston, President of the West Chester University Chapter of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF), state Rep. Duane Milne and state Rep. Dan Truitt in expressing opposition to the cuts.
Johnston presented Dinniman, Milne and Truitt with more than 1,000 postcards from university students explaining how the cuts would affect them.
“Without a doubt, the governor’s proposed cuts would be devastating to West Chester University and the 13 other Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education colleges and universities,” Dinniman said. “For a West Chester student, tuition and fees could jump by $2,100 from around $7,600 to $9,700 a year.”
Dinniman also encouraged students and professors to attend a rally that he is holding in support of funding for early, basic and higher education set for Wednesday, April 20 at 7 p.m. on the steps of the Chester County Courthouse in West Chester.
“I want everyone – current students and their families, college professors and university employees, high school seniors and prospective students – to come out on April 20 make their voices heard. We need to stand together and ensure that our message is loud and clear,” Dinniman said.
For more information contact Senator Dinniman’s District Office at (610) 692-2112, or e-mail .