JOHNSTOWN —
Gov. Tom Corbett forcefully hit back Thursday at the Penn State administration, which suggested his drum-tight budget could force some campuses to close.
“I am extremely disappointed at the reaction from State College,” Corbett said at Galliker Dairy Co. in Richland Township.
“Rather than, ‘We’re going to make a good-faith effort to see what we can do.’ ”
University President Graham Spanier said Wednesday that Corbett’s proposed $625 million reduction – 52 percent for the 14 state-owned universities plus Pitt and other schools – could force higher tuition and Penn State to close campuses.
“We are willing to do our fair share, but this is not our fair share,” Spanier was quoted. He said the university was blind-sided by Corbett’s budget.
Corbett said the cuts easily could have been foreseen in light of federal and state budget squeezes.
“To turn it on the backs of students – that’s a mistake,” the governor said a brief press conference after touring the plant.
He said the cuts only amount to a small fraction of Penn State’s budget, going by the university’s own numbers.
Corbett also was asked about the R-Cap grants, authorized last fall under former Gov. Ed Rendell, that his administration has been sitting on.
Progress on jobs ranging from a new ammunition plant in Johnstown to a St. Francis University Science Center and Somerset Hospital renovations hinges on Corbett’s approval or denial of various grants.
In all, decisions are awaited on about $37 million in Cambria and Somerset county projects.
“Some are meritorious,” Corbett said. He said each would be individually judged, depending on what “track” they’re on.
“I can’t give you a timetable,” he said. “We’re trying to get through them as fast as we can.”
Corbett focused his creamery tour on the economy and what he sees as the need to cut government red tape and taxes to improve the business climate.
Such policies can spur business and improve hiring, even to the point of increasing the state’s population, he said.
“Agriculture is our biggest industry and dairy is its biggest sector,” he said. “It runs best when state government gets out of the way.
“We want businesses like Galliker’s to be here not only for now, but for our children and grandchildren.”
He plans to trim 155 different development programs to a more manageable 56.
“You shouldn’t need a Sherpa guide,” he said.
Corbett took time to chat with some Galliker employees.
“It’s a great company to work for,” machine fill operator John Stevens told the governor.
He has been at Galliker’s for 30 years.
Stevens told Corbett the plant would be going from two shifts to three next week with the warmer weather.
“That’s good. That means more jobs,” Corbett said.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Gov. Tom Corbett speaks at the Galliker Dairy Co. plant in Richland Township on Thursday. Todd Berkey
Discussion
Gov defends cuts
Corbett criticizes PSU chief during Richland visit
- Local News
-
-
Local events commemorate Memorial Day
Throughout Greater Johnstown, the military was honored on Memorial Day for its sacrifices with marching bands, military hardware, beauty queens and flag raisings.
-
Digital mammography available in the region
Digital mammography is now available at locations throughout the Conemaugh Health System.
-
State may take over financially distressed school districts
Pennsylvania’s four most financially distressed school districts could be facing a state takeover, and more districts may be on the way.
-
Trial in cross-burning case set for July
The trial of a Centre County man in a cross-burning case – originally slated for this month – now is scheduled for July 23 in U.S. District Court in Johnstown.
-
Pedals for Progress: Rotarians collecting used bikes for third-world countries
The Richland Rotary Club is collecting used bicycles June 16 that will be refurbished for use by the working poor and children in developing countries.
-
PennDOT lauds outstanding workers
PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch has recognized 31 PennDOT employees for their outstanding performance with the Star of Excellence Award, the department’s highest recognition.
-
Critical ‘Victim 2’ decision awaits Sandusky judge
A judge will soon decide the most significant pretrial issue in former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky’s child sexual-abuse case: Whether to dismiss charges.
-
In brief: Several hurt in Northern Cambria crash
Several people were injured early Monday in a one-vehicle wreck on Plattsville Hill Road, authorities said.
-
Proposed bill would expand use of traffic-light cameras
Some call it the hand of “big brother,” others are convinced cameras at signal lights would be effective in curbing red-light runners and ultimately saving lives.
-
Minister's trial date set
An issue has been resolved over the report from an examination of a girl allegedly taken by her mother to a Bedford motel to have sex with a traveling minister, clearing the way for a trial.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Raw Video: Earthquake Shakes Evacuees in Italy
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students
Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation
Mother of Allegedly Abused Girl Denies Claims
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
Raw Video: 19 Dead in Qatar Shopping Mall Fire
Beryl Makes Landfall on Florida Coast
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
UN Blames Syrian Forces for Shelling Houla
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
