PA Promise reintroduced at press conference in Pennsylvania State Capitol.
Representatives and senators from Pennsylvania met on Wednesday, January 30th, at the state capitol to reintroduce the PA Promise legislation. The event was held at 9:30 A.M and consisted of several speakers including public officials, and representatives from universities in the state.
First to speak was Senator Vincent Hughes who represents the 7th district. Senator Hughes stated, “Pennsylvania college students need a new deal when it comes to college and affordability.” referencing the troubling financial climate that the Pennsylvania higher education system is facing.
Currently, Pennsylvania is ranked 47th in the country for support for college funding, and 50th in higher education due to the debt amounts. Since 2000, tuition and fees have seen a 50% increase. “There is $1.5 trillion in student debt nationally. This is unacceptable.” Says Senator Hughes
In the state of Pennsylvania, student loan debt is $1.3 trillion collectively. The average rate of student loan debt per student is currently $36,193. On top of these statistics, students are also facing living difficulties while trying to get their degrees.
Ken Mash, the APSCUF president, also spoke at the event. Mash pointed out that the cost of living for college students has increased 50% since 2000.“Some students are working 2 or 3 jobs, skipping sleep, and taking on crushing loans,” says Mash, “ Not every student can be a superhero.”
“56% of students at The Community College of Philadelphia are food insecure, and 19% are homeless.” says Senator Hughes. This lack of basic living amenities also extends to Temple University. 36% of students find themselves food insecure, 34% are housing insecure, and 7% are homeless.
Nathan Warren is an English education major at Millersville University. He works 18 hours a week, while balancing 5 classes. “I’m worrying every day if I can afford my way through graduation,” states Warren. “Even then, I’m surrounded by the reality that I will be in debt for life.”
In addition to work and school, Warren is also disabled. He experiences full body pains and a great deal of fatigue. Yet, he is expected to financially support himself by paying his rent to keep the heat on in his apartment, and make sure tuition is paid until he graduates.
Warren says that he is also a member of the Pennsylvania Student Power Network (PASPN) that runs statewide, centralized in Philadelphia. Recently, PASPN has brought much attention towards student loan debt and rising tuition costs.
“Students shouldn’t feel financially burdened by college.” says Patrick Barfield of Penn State University. “Parents shouldn’t have to take out a second mortgage to send their children to college.” which is becoming common practice during this financial climate.
Back in September, members of the organization stood ground at the office of Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, where they demanded loan cancellation as well as affordable college. Pennsylvania currently has the highest student debt rates in the country.
The PA Promise would not only aim to make college more affordable, but it would also help adults go back to school, inmates get an education, and drastically reduce the amount of debt acquired at state-related colleges such as the University of Pittsburgh and Temple University.
Rural communities will see more educational opportunities. They will be able to attend community colleges that aren’t otherwise supported by the state. Students will be able to attend these community colleges with the same benefits as state recognized community colleges. The hopes of this is that the job market improves as well as the quality of life in these communities.
The bill will also fund trade skills and apprenticeships for students that choose to go the vocational route. It will award grants which could make these programs free for students. In turn, the job market could see a significant bump.
Representative James R. Roebuck asked how we are supposed to give people jobs when less than half of adults have a college education in a market that is demanding of a higher education? 60% of jobs in Pennsylvania require a higher education. Only 40% of adults in PA have education beyond high school.
Rep. Roebuck stated that the PA Promise was an “Opportunity for business” and that the state would be able to introduce highly skilled individuals to the workforce. “ The PA Promise is a step toward correcting Pennsylvania students’ enormous student debt.”
The PA Promise legislation is beginning to make waves once again. On March 27th, a rally will be held at the state capitol. Students, faculty, and staff from state related and state system schools are welcomed to attend to show their support for a groundbreaking bill that could change the pace of education forever.
Watch the Press conference video here
