Lawmakers weigh down PHEAA board, auditor says

Wagner would cut 8 of 16 on loan panel, replace with higher education experts. By Martha Raffaele | Of The Associated Press Pennsylvania's auditor general on Tuesday advocated slashing the number of legislators on the board that oversees the state's student-loan agency. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency has spent too much of its money on its internal operations -- including perks for board members and employees -- and not enough on financial aid for students, Auditor General Jack Wagner said in a newly released audit. ''While PHEAA's mission remains beyond reproach, the agency Â… has lost its focus,'' Wagner said during a news conference. ''Many of PHEAA's leaders seem to have put their self-interest ahead of the needs of Pennsylvania students.'' Sixteen of board's 20 members are legislators. Wagner said the... [read full story]