Smart Talk Friday: Universities leaving state system, public pensions, nasty state senate race

What to look for on Smart Talk Friday:

Are some of Pennsylvania’s state-owned universities becoming too big for the State System of Higher Education?

Two lawmakers think that may be the case and are proposing legislation that would allow universities to leave the PSSHE. Critics say if one or more of the 14 state-owned schools drop out, costs for the others would be higher. That could mean bigger tuition bills for students and families.

We’ll talk with Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks), one of the bill’s sponsors.

Also, Democrats in the state senate came up with a plan this week to fund pensions for retired state workers and educators, including teachers. It’s estimated the pensions are underfunded by about $50 billion and growing by almost $4 million a day.

Republican House member Glen Grell is one of the leaders in the legislature on this issue and has made a proposal similar to the senate Democrat’s plan that includes borrowing $9 billion. Rep. Grell joins us on Friday’s program.

In addition, we’ll cover the week in review at the state capitol, a hard-hitting state senate campaign in York County, and a sure sign of spring — thousands of snow geese return to the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Lebanon County.

Listen to the program:

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