Pennsylvania representatives clash over Penn State branch campus closures as lawmakers approve university funding

A sharp exchange on the floor of the Pennsylvania House on Nov. 12 centered on the fate of seven Penn State branch campuses and whether state funding in House Bill 1421 should be approved.

Representative Tali Krupa, whose district includes Penn State Fayette, delivered a floor statement opposing non-preferred funding for Penn State, arguing the university is prioritizing athletics and executive pay over access to local higher education. "Penn State has abandoned its land grant mission," Krupa said, and cited figures on campus closures and capital spending, telling colleagues she would vote no on the non-preferred funding.

Representative Reichardt echoed the concerns, saying the legislature has a duty to ensure taxpayer dollars fund institutions that serve local communities; he called into question a university study he said appeared to justify closures after decisions had been made.

Supporters of the funding, including Representative McAndrew and Representative Benning Hall, urged lawmakers to consider universities' broader contributions, including medical research, economic multipliers and services such as cooperative extension. Benning Hall noted that state funding is only one revenue source and emphasized long-term community benefits.

On final passage, House Bill 1421 cleared the chamber, 151–52, and will be presented to the senate. The vote concludes the House's action on the supplemental funding measure but leaves the policy dispute unresolved: members objected to the closures and signaled they expect further accountability and oversight from Penn State and continued legislative scrutiny.