WAGNER URGES PHEAA TO USE SURPLUS TO EXPAND OPPORTUNITIES

     HARRISBURG (November 17, 2003) -- Reacting to news that the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency holds a $101 million surplus, even as it requests a funding increase, state Sen. Jack Wagner suggested that the surplus be used to allow more students to attend college.

     “While students across the state are struggling to meet rising tuition costs, PHEAA should be looking for ways to help them,” Wagner said.

     One of the Senate’s leading advocates of expanding higher-education opportunities, Wagner said PHEAA is sending the wrong message by hoarding the funds.

     “The commonwealth is in a severe fiscal crisis, and sacrifices are being made across the board,” Wagner said. “It is unconscionable to allow students to fall through the ever-widening financial cracks when the resources to help them are readily available.”

     “PHEAA is a public agency, and it should serve the public,” Wagner said.

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