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For Immediate Release
July 5, 2012
Contact: Matt Parido
717-397-1309

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Smucker Higher Education Cost-Saving Proposal Signed into Law 

HARRISBURG – The governor signed legislation into law today that will help State System of Higher Education schools reduce costs through collective purchasing.

Senate Bill 1322, sponsored by Sen. Lloyd Smucker (R-13), authorizes SSHE schools to leverage their cooperative buying power when purchasing a wide range of goods and services.

"The concept of reducing costs through collective purchasing was the product of discussions with PASSHE Chancellor John Cavanaugh and Millersville University officials," Smucker said. "Our collaboration on this issue will give State System schools another avenue to reduce expenses that are ultimately borne by students, parents and taxpayers."

As part of the new law, all purchases and services that exceed $10,000 would still be subject to competitive bidding requirements.

Smucker's proposal is part of a package of reforms designed to help SSHE universities compete with private and state-related universities. The governor signed several pieces of the SSHE reform package into law today, including legislation that would allow SSHE schools to offer applied doctoral degrees and permit faculty members to market their research.