State Rep. Lynn Herman says he supports an increase in state funding for education for this year's and next year's state budgets.

Herman, a five-term incumbent as 77th District state representative, opposes Gov. Robert P. Casey's cuts in higher education, calling them short-sighted for the future of education. Herman said he has continued to support increased state appropriations for the University.

The Republican lawmaker initiated the Penn State Forum, a bipartisan group of state House and Senate lawmakers who are concerned with the needs of higher education.

Because of the serious cuts in this year's state budget, he asked University President Joab Thomas to speak at the next forum meeting scheduled for May 13 in Harrisburg.

Herman is unopposed in the Republican primary so he will run against the Democratic nominee in November's general election.

He has introduced legislation that has the support of the Undergraduate Student Government and the Penn State University Veterans Organization to make Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency funds eligible for fifth-year students. The proposal is currently under consideration in the House Appropriations Committee, he said.

An open Penn State budget would allow district residents to find out how University administrators spend their tax money, Herman said.

"Constituents need to know how their tax dollars are being used and ensure they are spent with education best in mind," he said.

Herman, who is pro-life, said he favors a healthly environment that protects both the mother and the unborn child.

Last year's increase in state spending and the largest tax increase in state history were big mistakes, said Herman, who voted against the increases.

"We need to redirect our efforts toward an increase in funding for programs that have proven to work such as agriculture, tourism and basic and higher education," he said.

On the environment, Herman said he has already introduced legislation that would make used motor oil a recycled item in the state.

He will continue working with water and sewer authorities in State College, Halfmoon Township and Pine Grove Mills to upgrade water supplies in the Centre Region, he added.