The Task Force met during the 1993-1994 Session. The work of the Task Force included five meetings of the entire members and several additional meetings conducted by four subcommittees of the Task Force. The Speaker appointed Representative Cowell to chair the Task Force. Due to the large size of the Task Force it was divided into four subcommittees with various Co-Chairs. Representative Jim Roebuck, Jr. and Dr. Peter Likins were the Co-Chairs of Committee #1; Dr. Dennis O’Connor and Representative Joseph Battisto served as Co-Chairs of Committee #2; Dr. Robert J. Kopecek and Representative Stairs were Co-Chairs of Committee #3; and Dr. David McFarland and Representative William Robinson were Co-Chairs of Committee #4. Each subcommittee was faced with a different question/issue as relates to Higher Education Funding. Committee #1 handled the issue of public policy objectives concerning geographic and financial access. Committee #2 handled the issue concerning the maintenance of a system of colleges and universities, which insure diversity and quality of academic programs. Committee #3 handled the issue concerning the role of Pennsylvania colleges and universities to promote economic and workforce development. Committee #4 handled the issue of the State’s public policy objectives concerning community service needs in the Commonwealth.

As the work of the Task Force reached a conclusion, it became obvious that the public policy objectives could best be answered by the General Assembly, itself. Based upon the findings and recommendations of the Task Force, the Task Force recommends that the General Assembly should develop, adopt, and periodically update a comprehensive statement of policy of higher education funding.