State Rep. Lynn B. Herman, R-Philipsburg, urged people at his town meeting last night to elicit support for a bill that would increase financial aid for eligible college students.

House Bill 479, which Herman proposed, would allow fifth-year undergraduate students to receive aid from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Currently, students can only receive aid for four years.

Herman, running for his fifth term in the house, said student organizations and University officials must write letters of support if the bill is to have a good possibility of passing.

"Its chances of passing are greatly dependent on broad-based support from students and parents who are sending their children to college," he said after the meeting.

Some members of the Penn State Veterans Organization, which supports the bill, attended the meeting.

"Veterans were the first people to show a need for a fifth year of financial aid," said PSVO President Dan Kaltenbaugh.

Many veterans, being away from school for a few years, are required to take refresher courses, putting them behind schedule for graduation, Kaltenbaugh said.

Herman noted from a recent study that one-fourth of all college students take more than four years to graduate -- about 14,000 of them Pennsylvania students. The main reasons students cannot complete school in four years is because of changes in major or school, he said.

Herman also attacked Gov. Robert P. Casey's new budget proposal before the audience of about 10 people.

"I've seen eight budgets proposed by two different governors and without question this one proposed by Gov. Casey provides the biggest threat to people living in the Centre Region," he said.

The budget proposal calls for cuts in agriculture and biotechnology research, gypsy moth spraying and basic education, he said. Herman also said the budget needs to provide more funding for the University.

"These are vital programs and services to the people of this area," Herman said, adding, ". . . major changes will be made to ensure that all regions of the commonwealth will be served."

However, Herman did commend some of Casey's programs and proposals, including the Tuition Challenge Grant program and his support of child care programs.

State College Borough Councilwoman Jean McManis is running for Herman's seat in the 77th district on the Democratic ticket. The district includes: Ferguson, Halfmoon, Huston, Rush, Taylor and Worth townships and Philipsburg, Port Matilda, Chester Hill, Osceola and State College.