Waxman celebrates state budget victories supporting higher education and nonprofit security
Rep. Ben Waxman July 12, 2024 | 9:28 AM
HARRISBURG, July 12 – State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., is celebrating significant achievements in the Pennsylvania state budget signed by the governor Thursday night, highlighting victories in both higher education accountability and nonprofit security funding.
Waxman, alongside state Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, spearheaded efforts to enhance accountability and transparency in higher education institutions statewide, a critical initiative spurred by the closure of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. The provisions integrated into the state budget require the Pennsylvania Board of Education to develop procedures by July 1, 2026, ensuring orderly closures, teach-out plans, and preservation of student and administrative records when institutions close. Notably, institutions intending to cease operations risk losing Commonwealth funding under these new regulations.
Reflecting on this achievement, Waxman emphasized, “Our students deserve stability and transparency. These provisions are essential to safeguarding their educational paths and supporting our education workforce.”
“I was so proud to work with Representative Bob Merski on this effort, and I’m incredibly grateful to my colleagues in the General Assembly and Governor Shapiro who recognize the importance of these kinds of provisions in supporting our students, workers, and taxpayers,” Waxman stated.
Simultaneously, Waxman also played a pivotal role in expanding Pennsylvania’s Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, doubling its budget from $5 million to $10 million. This initiative, aimed at enhancing safety and security for nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable communities identified by the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics publication, includes provisions for safety planning, equipment purchases, training, and more.
“In light of rising hate crimes across the country and our Commonwealth, I am proud to have introduced this legislation alongside Appropriations Chairman Jordan Harris and all the Jewish and Muslim members of the Philadelphia Delegation, including Representatives Jason Dawkins, Tarik Khan and Jared Solomon, which bolsters safety measures for our communities,” Waxman stated. “Protecting our most vulnerable from hate crimes remains a top priority, and this funding marks a significant stride toward safer neighborhoods.”
Further details on these initiatives are available by contacting Waxman's office at RepWaxman@pahouse.net or 215-246-1501.