Bizzarro touts funding in budget for Erie Co. Community College
EC3PA earmarked $2.9 million in 22-23 spending plan
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro July 8, 2022 | 1:13 PM
ERIE, JULY 8– The Erie County Community College is receiving more money than originally planned thanks to state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie.
In February, the governor proposed setting aside a little more than $1.3 million for the community college. But Bizzarro went to bat for the school and its students and fought for more funding for the first community college created in Pennsylvania in 25 years. With the passage of the state budget on Thursday, EC3PA was officially designated $2.9 million for the upcoming fiscal year.
“Erie County Community College already has the smallest operating budget among the commonwealth’s community colleges. This is a vital step to show students, staff, and faculty that Harrisburg supports them,” said Bizzarro. “I will never stop fighting for our community, particularly for entities now located in my district, and I commend the legislature for agreeing on this increase in funding.”
In its first two semesters, EC3PA has already exceeded its enrollment projections, currently serving more than 300 students. The community college’s average enrollment age is 37, showing how this school is positively impacting students in all phases of life.