HARRISBURG — The heads of Penn State, Temple, Pitt and Lincoln are criticizing Gov. Ed Rendell and top House Democrats for holding them "hostage."

The universities' leaders said in a letter Monday their wait for the $675 million subsidy in October's state budget agreement is inflicting harm.

They say they've lost millions in investment income and warned that a failure to act could cost Pennsylvania nearly $2 billion in federal stimulus money for education.

On Monday night, the House approved the funding, five months into the fiscal year. The bills go to Rendell's desk.

Rendell and House Democrats have said the schools' money must wait until the Legislature approves a bill legalizing casino table games.

They say the extra gambling revenue is necessary to help afford the schools' subsidy, but Republicans disagree.