HARRISBURG – State Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) and State Reps. Jamie Barton (R-124), JoAnne Stehr (R-107), Tim Twardzik (R-123), Jamie Walsh (R-117), and Dane Watro (R-116) issued a joint statement condemning Penn State’s new plan that could close Penn State Schuylkill and Penn State Hazleton. The closure of these campuses would jeopardize local jobs, harm the regional economy, and make it harder to earn a college degree in northeast Pennsylvania.
“Both Penn State Schuylkill and Penn State Hazleton are part of the fabric of our region. These campuses teach career-defining skills to many people who otherwise may not have access to higher education and connect them with local, in-demand jobs. They host countless events that bring our communities together and provide stable, family-sustaining wages to hundreds of our friends and neighbors.
“There is no plan to close these campuses we would accept. The opportunities they bring to Schuylkill County, Luzerne County, and beyond are life changing. Shuttering them would be a devastating loss for our region. We look forward to presenting our joint opposition directly and often to Penn State’s leadership.”
CONTACT: Jim Brugger