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Temple University and Pennsylvania state-related universities face an immediate financial crisis. We need to TAKE ACTION NOW to stand up for our students, ourselves, Temple and higher education.

Governor Ed Rendell refuses to apply $42 million in federal stimulus funds (including $11 million for Temple) for the four schools, despite his promise to do so for next year last February. Now he does not regard the state-relateds as "fully public universities" because they are not under the absolute control of the Commonwealth.

According to the Governor’s new plan, the stimulus money would go only to the state universities and community colleges.

In addition, Rendell proposes to cut $21 million from Temple’s state appropriation, a 13% reduction.

To balance the budget, he calls for a 0.5% increase in the personal income tax. The state needs to find the money. It cannot afford to slash funding for its premier public higher education institutions.

This budget will hit the universities’ operations badly, especially harming students. Fewer faculty teaching larger classes, and cuts in financial aid and support for students may be coming. How will Temple weather these cuts?

Our voices have to be heard in Harrisburg. Adequate funding for higher education is crucial to the welfare of the Commonwealth.

Tell lawmakers NOW that you oppose Governor Rendell’s plan to withhold stimulus money from Temple, Penn State, Pitt, and Lincoln. The budget may be passed this week. Act NOW.  Tell your family, friends, and students about this.  Ask them to act too.

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