Local Lawmakers Vote for Penn State Funding Cut; Compromise Cited - Adam Smeltz, State College

Three key state lawmakers representing the State College area all voted Tuesday to cut the Penn State appropriation by 19 percent, calling the move a compromise under dire economic circumstances. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett is expected to sign and formalize the measure this week -- along with the rest of the $27 billion state budget for 2011-'12, including similar cuts for the other state-related universities. "I don't that I would say 'satisfied,'" state Sen. Jake Corman, R-Benner Township, said, considering his thoughts on the 19 percent cut. "It's a compromise, and a compromise means that everyone walks a little dissatisfied. "But clearly it's a lot better than the (52 percent) cut that was first proposed," he went on. "Hopefully, we'll do a little better next year."