A coalition rallied at the Capitol for a 15% funding hike in public higher education, urging Pennsylvania leaders to prioritize affordable college solutions.
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Affordable College Now rally, held on the front steps of the Capitol Monday, brought together students, professors, coaches, staff, retirees, alumni and labor advocates from across the state.
Organizers called for a 15% increase in funding for public higher education and support for the Pennsylvania Promise plan, which advocates say would make college more affordable. The coalition also raised broader concerns about higher education and labor issues.
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Advocates pointed to significant state budget cuts to higher education since 2008, saying the reductions have contributed to increased financial pressure on students as tuition costs have risen.
Seth Khan, a professor at West Chester University, said the rally represented an unusual level of cooperation among groups within the state’s higher education system.
“This is the first time since I have been in the system, which has been almost 25 years now, that we’re all in the same place at the same time saying the same thing instead of competing with each other,” Khan said.
The rally was organized by a coalition of higher education labor unions and advocacy groups, including the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, the American Federation of Teachers Pennsylvania, AFSCME Council 13 and the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO.
Organizers said they want state leaders to recognize access to higher education as a right and to address the financial burden facing students.
The rally comes weeks before the midterm elections, putting higher education funding among the issues advocates are urging state and local leaders to consider.
Organizers said the campaign will continue to push for increased public investment and more affordable college options for Pennsylvania students.