Proposal would eliminate state funding for IUP
Rep. Dave Reed (R-Indiana) today voted against a bill approved by the House that would completely eliminate state funding for Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), community colleges and the agency – the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) – that provides funding to make college affordable for Pennsylvania students.
Following a near party-line vote where the House Democrat-supported bill was approved, Reed offered the following statement:
“The House Democrat bill abandons our commitment to college students. It is reckless and irresponsible. They essentially threw our college students under the bus so they could spend more money in other areas.
“Pennsylvania college students are some of the future entrepreneurs and job creators of our Commonwealth. The Democratic proposal jeopardizes Pennsylvania’s short-term economic recovery and our long-term job growth potential.
“I could never vote for a bill that completely eliminates state funding for IUP and threatens the school’s very existence. IUP is an important contributor to our local economy and a training ground for the employers and workers of the future.”
Reed said the measure – House Bill 1416 – would also require a 2 percent tax on certain health care providers that would be passed on to small businesses and working families, something he adamantly opposes.
“This bill would make private health insurance more costly for Pennsylvanians,” Reed said. “We should be taking steps to make health care more affordable and accessible for folks across the Commonwealth. This bill takes our state in the opposite direction.
“This is yet another proposal to tax our citizens’ health care benefits. It’s a direct shot at the middle class.”
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Rep. Dave Reed
62nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(717) 705-7173
Contact: Dan Massing
House Republican Public Relations
(717) 772-9845