Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB753

Introduced
5/12/25  

Caption

Establishing the Put Down Roots PA Pilot Program; and providing for duties of Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

Impact

If enacted, SB753 would create a structured program intended to boost participation and success rates in higher education across Pennsylvania. By allocating resources and establishing a framework for this pilot program, the bill can potentially lead to increased enrollment numbers and improved educational outcomes for students. The program will aim to connect students with relevant support services, scholarships, and mentoring opportunities, ultimately enhancing the educational landscape and contributing to the state’s workforce development.

Summary

SB753 aims to establish the Put Down Roots PA Pilot Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. The primary goal of this bill is to enhance support for individuals pursuing higher education by providing them with necessary resources and assistance. This initiative is focused on fostering student engagement and retention, particularly among underserved populations who may face barriers to accessing higher education opportunities.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB753 appears to be positive, especially among educational advocates and organizations focused on increasing access to higher education. Supporters view the pilot program as a crucial step forward in addressing educational inequalities and improving student success. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the program's implementation and the adequacy of funding to ensure its success, which could stir debate among legislators.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB753 include questions about its funding and the specific metrics that will be used to measure the program's effectiveness. Critics may argue that without a clear assessment plan and sufficient financial resources, the pilot program could fall short of its intended goals. Additionally, there may be discussions about the potential scaling of the program beyond the pilot phase and how to ensure equitable access to its benefits across diverse communities within the state.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2099

Providing for Delayed Payment Plan Program; establishing the Delayed Payment Plan Program Fund; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

PA HB389

Establishing the New Nursing Faculty Grant Program; providing for duties of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency; and making an appropriation.

PA HB1113

Establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers and duties; establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians Restricted Account; and establishing the Advisory Committee to Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers, duties and membership.

PA HB1528

Establishing the Grand-family Assistance Program; providing for payments to area agencies on aging; imposing duties on the Department of Aging; and establishing the Grand-family Assistance Program Fund.

PA HB194

Establishing the Mental Health Professional Student Loan Forgiveness Program; imposing powers and duties on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency; and making an appropriation.

PA HB1741

In Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program, further providing for definitions and for powers, duties and administration.

PA HB844

Establishing the Housing Construction Loan Program and the Housing Construction Loan Fund; and providing for duties of Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

PA HB571

Establishing the Rebuild Pennsylvania Board, the Rebuild Pennsylvania Program and the Rebuild Pennsylvania Fund; providing for powers and duties of the board and for use of program money; and making an interfund transfer.

PA HB1096

Establishing the Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program and the Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program Account; and providing for research on Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program.

PA HB1790

Establishing the Future Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists and Licensed Professional Counselors Grant Program; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

Similar Bills

PA SB222

Providing for grant oversight.

PA HB330

Providing for improper payments; providing for participation in Do-Not-Pay Initiative; and imposing a penalty.

PA HB2052

Providing for internal auditing; and imposing duties on the Auditor General.

PA HB703

A Joint Resolution proposing integrated amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing for the election and qualifications of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

PA SB189

Providing for the use of a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer identifier in all Commonwealth agency or entity blanks, forms, documents and applications; and imposing penalties.

PA HB2430

Establishing the Office of Transformation and Opportunity and the Commonwealth Housing Ombudsman.

PA HB1966

In bases of jurisdiction and interstate and international procedure, further providing for assistance to tribunals and litigants outside this Commonwealth with respect to service and for issuance of subpoena; in commencement of proceedings, further providing for authority of officers of another state to arrest in this Commonwealth; and, in detainers and extradition, further providing for definitions, for duty of Governor with respect to fugitives from justice and for presigned waiver of extradition.

PA SB881

In bases of jurisdiction and interstate and international procedure, further providing for assistance to tribunals and litigants outside this Commonwealth with respect to service and for issuance of subpoena; in commencement of proceedings, further providing for authority of officers of another state to arrest in this Commonwealth; and, in detainers and extradition, further providing for definitions, for duty of Governor with respect to fugitives from justice and for presigned waiver of extradition.