Governor Josh Shapiro recently shared his “blueprint” for higher education which called for a large state investment in the Commonwealth’s students and colleges, writes Justin Udo for KYW Newsradio.

Speaking at an event at West Chester University, he said that Pennsylvania ranks 49th in the United States in state investment in higher education and he wants to do better.

His plan will focus on access and affordability and workforce development.

It “builds a strong pipeline between our community colleges and our [Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education] universities and invests in the future of our students and our colleges,” he said.

Under the new initiative, state system universities and community colleges will unite under a new governance system, and Pennsylvanians making up to the median income will pay no more than $1,000 in tuition and fees per semester at those schools.

In January, Shapiro shared his plan with lawmakers. He encouraged them to share their input.

“We put forth a thoughtful plan that we are now giving to lawmakers and others to allow them to help inform that plan so that we can get it done together,” he said.

Some Republican leaders had concerns with the plan and how it would impact families and businesses in the future.

Read more about Governor Shapiro’s plan to invest more in higher education at KYW Newsradio.

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