Two local legislators heard positive notes in the state of the commonwealth speech Gov. Robert P. Casey gave before the legislature Tuesday, including a melody of more money for the University and higher education.

Rep. Lynn B. Herman and Sen. J. Doyle Corman, both R-Centre, were optimistic about Casey's commitment to education, an area the legislators believe the governor has underfunded in his two years in office.

"I was delighted about his commitment to higher education," Corman said. "Of course, I was delighted a year ago when he mentioned it as important in his budget address, but he didn't put any money there."

The general assembly allotted the University a 7.5 percent increase in funds which was reduced to a 5 percent increase by Casey. A supplemental funding resulted in an overall increase of 5.5 percent.

Herman also noted Casey's concern over increasing education costs. Casey cited plans that include a college loan forgiveness program for students pursuing teaching careers in the inner cities and in rural areas. Under the program, students who teach for certain lengths of time are not required to repay education loans.

"I agree that measures need to be taken to curtail the increasing costs of higher education in order that students and parents looking to send their children to college can afford it," Herman said.

Corman said Casey's speech failed to mention the general assembly's role when stressing the year's accomplishments.

"He did not say that (these accomplishments were) an equally shared responsibility of both the general assembly and the administration," Corman said, noting that the participation of the Republican-controlled Senate participated in several major initiatives.

However, Corman was generally impressed with the speech, which mentioned such accomplishments as comprehensive recycling, declining unemployment and increased manufacturing levels.

"It speaks well for both the general assembly and the administration that we are where we are," Corman said.

Herman agreed, but saw several areas where more action needs to be taken.

"As the governor stated, the general assembly accomplished many things in the areas of economic development and the environment," Herman said. "I still think there's much to pursue in the areas -- and education, especially higher education."

Other Casey priorities Herman noted include auto insurance reform, drug law enforcement and child abuse prevention.

Herman said he was disappointed that Casey did not stress the need for the reauthorization of the state Ethics Commission, the agency which enforces the ethical conduct of elected and appointed officials.

Corman said he expects Casey to run for reelection in 1990 but discounted suggestions that the governor used his speech as an early campaign stump.

"He didn't talk at all about new initiatives, except for drug programs, but we're all talking about that," Corman said, adding that the speech emphasized the past. Corman said he had not expected Casey to run earlier last year because of heart bypass surgery.

Rep. Ruth Rudy, D-Centre, could not be reached for comment Tuesday evening or yesterday.