Penn State Warns Of Layoffs Due To Budget Crisis

Penn State is warning of serious layoffs if the budget stalemate isn’t resolved in Harrisburg.

According to a statement from the university, 1,100 positions in the University’s Agricultural Research and Extension operations are on the line.

“State lawmakers and the governor have not for the past eight months been able to come to agreement on the state budget, holding up funding for the Commonwealth’s four state-related universities, a combined amount of more than $600 million. For Penn State, not only is its education funding in jeopardy, but also its funding for agricultural activities across the state,” the university said in a statement.

According to an analysis by the College of Agricultural Sciences, the more than 1,100 jobs that are in jeopardy are based across the state, from faculty to part-time extension positions.

“Penn State’s position as Pennsylvania’s sole agricultural university is fundamental to our foundation, along with providing access to an affordable, top-flight education for our citizens and driving the Commonwealth’s economy,” President Eric Barron said. “If there is not quick action to restore funding for these vital programs, the 150-year-long partnership between Penn State and Pennsylvania will be forever changed.”

The university says it has tried to keep the program afloat amid the budget crisis. “This year alone, Penn State already has spent more than $30 million of University funds to keep important programs going in the absence of a state budget,” according to the university.

Additionally, the university said the budget impasse is putting it at risk of losing $90 million in federal and county appropriations, and competitive grant funding as a result of the state funding.

“The dedicated faculty, staff, researchers and educators whose positions are at risk play a vital role in helping our state’s single largest industry to compete on a national scale,” Barron said.

Barron is scheduled to testify before the state House and Senate appropriations committees on March 2.