The University of Pittsburgh’s annual appropriation from state lawmakers in currently on hold in the Pennsylvania State House.
The Commonwealth sends more than $580 million each year to its four state-related universities – Penn State, Pittsburgh, Temple and Lincoln. These funds are typically used to subsidize in-state student tuition, allowing the school to offer discounted rates to Pennsylvania residents.
As an example, Pitt’s annual tuition for in-state undergraduates is $19,679, while the charge rises to $33,706 for out-of-state.
In recent years, Pitt has drawn criticism from the House’s most conservative members for its fetal tissue research. A year ago, 51 House GOP members opposed Pitt’s funding in its standalone bill.
And on Monday, a proposal to require the four schools to promise they are not conducting research or experiments with fetal tissue from elective abortions was added to a House state budget bill.
Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Schuylkill) sponsored the amendment which passed by a 108-92 vote. Three Republicans broke party lines and voted against the amendment – Lori Mizgorski (R-Allegheny), Christopher Quinn (R-Delaware) and Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery).
The amendment reads, “In order to receive a payment under subsection (a), the State-related university must not engage in research or experimentation using fetal tissue obtained from an elective abortion.”
“My goal is not to stop the funding,” said Knowles. “As a matter of fact, I want to help Pitt get themselves out of a problem they have created for themselves.”
This story has been updated to reflect Pitt’s in-state versus out-of-state tuition.
2 Responses
Millersville University is not a state-related school. It’s part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Pitt, Penn State, Temple and Lincoln are part of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education.
Yep, my mistake. Story changed to reflect Pitt tuition. Thanks.