Spanier goes before state legislature to request more funds

Twice a year, University President Graham Spanier sits at a long table in front of multiple microphones, facing people who fire question after question at him for more than an hour.

This ritual is the appropriations hearings, in which Spanier appears before the state House and Senate Appropriations committees to request increased funding for the University.

"As we move into the process, we'll keep in close contact with them," said Rich Di Eugenio, special assistant to the University president for governmental affairs.

The University submits a request to the Secretary of Education and works with the Office of the Governor during the fall when the governor's budget is created. When the budget is released in January, the University works with the legislature in the hearings and other meetings.

In general, the University officials get a positive reception when they meet with members of the state government, Di Eugenio said.

"One of the real frustrations is that they value Penn State, but they're limited by (the amount of money they have)," he said. "It's a typical situation that the legislature has where there is limited resources and unlimited demands."

Two years ago, the state appropriation did not increase at all. This lack of increase was due to lack of money available at the state level, said state Sen. J. Doyle Corman, R-Centre. Because more money is available this year Corman said he would like to see the amount of money appropriated to a higher- education increase.

"I think it's time to help higher education catch up," Corman said.

This year Gov. Tom Ridge included a 3.25 percent increase for general funds for all state-related universities, which is just below what the University had requested.

"Really what we look for is fiscal responsibility," said Conti, who served for two years on the state House Appropriations Committee. "This is where Penn State is head and shoulders above the rest."

The University's presentation and responsibility is not the only aspect that impressed the legislature.

Most schools have a panel of administration officials to testify in front of the committees. However, Spanier has preferred to testify alone. The impression this practice leaves on the legislature varies from year to year and is affected by the questions that are asked, Conti said.

"The first time he did that I was very impressed. The second time I thought it was too much. This year I was impressed again," he said. "If somebody wants to ask a series of detailed questions, then he might need some more help."

Spanier already has appeared before the state Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday and will appear before the state House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday.