Community Colleges Budget Wrap
3/22/2023
Elizabeth Bolden, President and CEO – PA Commission for Community Colleges, Dr. Victoria Bastecki-Perez, President – Montgomery County Community College, and Dr. Tuesday Stanley, President – Westmoreland County Community College, testified before the House Appropriations Committee. House Republicans asked questions focused on the programs Community Colleges are offering to meet the needs of the workforce and students who wish to further their education after two years.  Other topics covered included the costs of maintenance, needed upgrades, and dual enrollment programs.  

Key Takeaways

Community Colleges provide affordable options to students, especially those seeking to join the workforce. House Republicans believe funding these programs is essential to a healthy economy.  

House Republicans support efforts of Community Colleges to provide a clear pathway for students to advance their education through the easy transfer of credits to a four-year college or university.  

Notable Q&A

Rep. Marci Mustello asks Community Colleges how they plan to spend the 2% increase to the prior year budget proposed in the governor’s proposal, and what they could do with more money if appropriated. 




Chairman Seth Grove asks Community Colleges for an estimate on the costs to repair and update Community Colleges around Pennsylvania. 




Watch Hearing




In the News

PennLive: Community colleges ask for more money, welcome authority to offer four-year degrees