Temple’s state funding is at risk

A press release was circulated Wednesday evening by Brandon Lausch from the Department of Strategic Marketing and Communications. In this release Temple University President Neil D. Theobald asks for state support for Temple’s funding.

Earlier today President Theobald asked elected officials for the state’s support to continue its mission, arguing that Temple has done its job in providing quality education and healthcare.

“Temple University is facing a $175 million budget deficit—nearly $150 million for its educational programs, and another $26 million for its healthcare system,” said Theobald. “This has come about because of an eight-month delay in approving a Commonwealth appropriation for Temple, Pitt, Penn State, and Lincoln.”

A case was made to committee members of the state House and Senate on Wednesday in Harrisburg by leaders of the four state-related institutions.

“In my private meetings and in both appropriations committee settings, I explained how we have opened doors to The American Dream for a more diverse class of students through the Temple Option; how Fly in 4 has helped more students stay on track to graduate on time and with less debt,” said the president.

“And I described Temple Hospital as ‘the indispensable provider of health care in Philadelphia’ treating 200,000 patients without private insurance in our emergency room last year—many for life-threatening injuries,” he said.

President Theobald believes Temple’s funding issue will be resolved, but is looking for options if it’s not approved. According to Theobald the challenge is that Temple has already made numerous cuts to keep its costs as low as possible, such as eliminating five sports teams, downsizing the administration and keeping operating cost growth below the inflation rate.

Theobald is now asking Temple’s faculty, staff, students and alumni to get engaged in the next phase of a campaign to build support for the university’s mission.

“Pennsylvania wins when its elected leaders invest in Temple University. I urge everyone who has an interest in access and affordability in higher education, and in quality healthcare for residents of our city, to become advocates,” said Theobald.