Faculty union to rally Sept. 28 for "Pennsylvania Promise" and a 15% increase in higher-education funding

Kara Luskowski, identified in the program as vice president of Abscoff (the statewide union for college professors), said her organization is organizing a noon rally on Sept. 28 at the Capitol Steps to press lawmakers for the Pennsylvania Promise and broader funding increases.

"The Pennsylvania promise is at this point, it is proposed legislation. Last session, it passed the house," Luskowski said, explaining the proposal would provide public funding for students at state-owned institutions, community colleges and some technical schools. She said the aim is to reduce student costs and improve attainment so more graduates stay and work in Pennsylvania.

Luskowski said the union and allied groups will press for a 15% appropriation increase across public higher education in the next budget cycle to help campuses manage rising costs rather than passing expenses onto students. She also listed scheduled speakers for the rally, including state lawmakers Jordan Harris, Vincent Hughes and Lindsay Williams and national union leaders, and directed listeners to the union website listed in the transcript for RSVP information.