Pennsylvania GOP lawmakers roll out higher ed plan built around grants and tuition discounts

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania on Wednesday rolled out a counterproposal to Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s plan to boost college enrollment in Pennsylvania. The plan they unveiled Wednesday pledges help for both in-state and out-of-state students who enroll in degree programs for high-priority disciplines, such as teaching and nursing. The proposal revolves around grants and tuition discounts. Top Republicans also signaled that key elements of Shapiro’s higher education plan rolled out earlier this year are essentially dead in the Legislature. Republicans view their proposal as an effort to counter the demographic trend of a shrinking workforce in Pennsylvania, declining enrollments in higher education institutions and shortages in high-need disciplines.