State budget would increase funding to LCCC by 4.7%

Tuesday February 11th 2025 FOX 56 News at Ten

Governor Shapiro's budget address laid out goals for the Commonwelath's future, including a 4.7% increase in community college operating budgets.

"What we're doing on education is working now. Let's continue to build on this foundation we've laid," the Governor explained.

John Yudichak, the President of Luzerne County Community College, was happy to buget included more funding, combined with last year's increase, which would add more than $1 million.*

"That increase on top of last year's 6% increase so that we would see close to an 11% increase over the last two years: a little more than $1.2 million in new money," Yudichak said.

With the increase, LCCC will keep costs low for students looking to continue thier education.

"At $150 a credit, we are 50-75% less expensive than most other colleges and universities," Yudichak says.

Yudichak is no stranger to a Governor's budget address; once a former State Senator, he knows the difficuit road ahead until a budgest passes.

"There will be three weeks of appropriation hearings in the House and Senate. Numbers are down and deficits have grown larger, so we understand we're going to have to fight for every dollar, "Yudichak explained.

However, he feels NEPA leaders will fight for students and thier famlies.

"Every dollar invested in the community college system is a dollar that makes higher education more accessible and more affordable for the students of Pennsylvania," Yudichak said.

LCCC enrolls more than 8,500 students and with over 37,000 alumni.