Centre Co., PA (WJAC) — Penn State's Ag Progress Days continued in Centre County on Wednesday with a number of prominent guests and one of the thoughts on the minds of many was show us the money.
Day two of Ag Progress Days is always the busiest of the three-day event. That’s because of the government luncheon, with a long list of people invited, starting with the governor of Pennsylvania.
“I’m mindful that there is still some unfinished business in our state capitol,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said.
Unfinished budget business is what the governor is referring to as in the annual state funding allocation for Penn State, Pitt, Temple and Lincoln universities has still not been approved in the legislature.
“We hope it comes through soon, but this delay is horrible for morale with people wondering if they should look for something else.”
The hang up in the funding is in the state House among Republican lawmakers.
“I’ve heard nothing of when we’re going to be back to take these important votes. We need to do it,” said one Democratic lawmaker.
Penn State's president was diplomatic when we asked if she might lobby the legislative luncheon guests.
“Well, I’m always advocating for investments in the future of Pennsylvania, and we are part of that.”
So, at this point on the funding issue, there is uncertainty and some optimism.
“When you invest in a place like Penn State, it pays dividends for the good people of Pennsylvania. So, I hope they will send that bill to my desk soon so I can sign it.”
A reminder that Ag Progress Days will wrap up on Thursday.
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