HARRISBURG -- University President Joab Thomas presented Penn State's 1991-92 budget plan -- which includes a request for a 13.1 percent increase in state appropriations and a 6 percent tuition hike -- at a Senate hearing yesterday.

The budget calls for an additional $33 million in state funds, after Gov. Robert P. Casey announced a zero-increase for state-related and state-owned universities in his proposed state budget.

The tuition rise represents an increase of $119 per semester for state resident undergraduate students at University Park.

Thomas warned that if the proposed appropriations are not met, a tuition increase higher than the proposed 6 percent "undoubtedly would" be in order. He would not say how high tuition could increase.

Thomas reminded the Senate Majority Caucus that "Pennsylvania's support for public higher education is among the lowest in the nation."

According to Temple University statistics, Pennsylvania ranked 48th in the nation in higher education spending for 1988-89.

Temple University President Peter J. Liacouras and the University of Pittsburgh President Wesley Posvar attended their own hearings. Both requested more state funding.

But Thomas added that Penn State and other state-related and state-owned schools are working together to stop the insufficient funding.

"Our goal has been to bring appropriations per full-time-equivalent student to at least the national average, a reasonable goal for a state with the size, nature and reputation of Pennsylvania," Thomas said.

He also said he was encouraged by Casey's proposed budget that calls for the restoration of the $12.6 million cut earlier this year by the governor. But Casey's budget also calls for a freeze in the University's budget.

"A zero-increase budget does not acknowledge unavoidable cost increases in such areas such as health insurance, federal and state environment requirements, fuel and utility cost increases and maintenance and operation of new facilities," Thomas said.

These factors may result in a 4 percent decrease in next year's funding.

But Thomas said he remained optimistic about the University's future.

Penn State generates about $1.9 billion for the economy and provides about 89,000 jobs, he said. Thomas mentioned the University research park as a major contributor to the economy, which is under construction and is expected to employ about 3,500 people by the year 2000.

"We believe that appropriating funds to Penn State is not simply an expenditure, but an investment in the future of Pennsylvania," he added.

The testimony by Thomas, Liacouras and Posvar came as House and Senate committees began their five-month review of Casey's proposed 1991-92 budget, which he presented to the Legislature earlier this month.

Under the state constitution, a budget must be enacted by July 1.

Undergraduate Student Government President J.P. Muir and USG Vice President Sue Williams attended the hearing and spoke to several senators afterwards.

Muir said that after speaking to senators such as Clarence D. Bell (R-Delaware), he and Williams decided to shift some of their pressure from the Legislature to the governor directly.

"I think a lot of the blame should rest on the shoulders of the governor," Muir said of state budget cuts.

Other USG members also attended the hearings and said they have made future lobbying plans.

In addition, Thomas invited two University renaissance scholars, students who show exceptional academic ability and financial need, and one Lion Ambassador to attend the hearing and show student concern.

Collegian Staff Writer Jessica Hartshorn contributed to this article.