Lincoln University’s interim president, Dr. Richard Green, spoke at the State Appropriations Committee hearing in Harrisburg last week, urging lawmakers to end the long-standing budget impasse and free up funding for the four state universities, writes Steven Hoffman for the Chester County Press.

During his address Green emphasized that without the necessary funds, Lincoln University could face a tuition hike, additional cuts to programs and services, as well as further reductions in personnel costs. Green, together with leaders from the other three state universities, Penn State University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Temple University, appealed to the state legislators to make the funding available or endanger educational opportunities for students.

State allocations for Lincoln University at close to $14 million, comprise nearly a quarter of its annual operating budget of $56 million. Green’s testimony during the Appropriations Committee hearing focused on the impact the state budget impasse is having on Lincoln University, as the university has already been forced to make significant cuts, including a salary reduction for non-union administrative staff and some layoffs.

“We are committed to providing our students with an affordable, quality education, but we cannot continue to operate at the same level without this vital state funding,” he said. “Our students deserve the opportunity to access higher education, and we implore our lawmakers to act swiftly on a resolution.”

The budget impasse has entered its ninth month, with the effects of the delayed spending plan hurting a number of essential programs including food banks, and Pennsylvania’s 500 public school districts.

Green also took the opportunity to explain how the absence of a state budget hurts the close to 1,900 students currently enrolled at Lincoln University, the majority of whom come from single-parent households or families with income of less than $50,000.

“The university is committed to serving the under-served, but this budget impasse is causing a devastating impact on our operating budget, which will soon have a direct impact on our students,” he explained.

Read more about the President Green’s address at Chester County Press here, and check out previous VISTA Today coverage of the Lincoln University here.