Until Pennsylvania's economic landscape begins to mature, funding for state universities is likely to remain at its current slumping levels, gubernatorial candidate Ed Rendell said yesterday during his day-long tour of State College.

The former mayor of Philadelphia and 2000 Democratic National Convention chair addressed and fielded questions from a light crowd of mostly student supporters at the Atherton Hotel, 125 S. Atherton St., in the early afternoon. The Penn State College Democrats hosted the event, one of many stops on Rendell's 5,000-mile campaign trail before the May 21 Democratic primaries.

The chief focus among those in attendance was the budget allocations Penn State is expected to receive in the next year from Pennsylvania.

Several students expressed disdain for Gov. Mark Schweiker's proposed $318 million allotment to the university and the resulting double-digit tuition hike that is expected from the budget cuts. Schweiker's proposed budget cuts Penn State's funding by about 5 percent.

Rendell, while labeling the lack of state funding "downright disgraceful," said there was little that could be done to bring about an immediate remedy to the pressing situation. "It has to change ... and it's so easy on the campaign trail to say, 'Oh, absolutely,'" he said, referring to the significant amount of groups that approach him daily asking for more funding. "But we can't do it (increase allotment) until we grow our economy," he said.

In his economic growth plan, Rendell said he envisions Pennsylvania becoming a strong cultivator of up-and-coming technological businesses, in hopes of creating a boom similar to that which occurred in Silicon Valley.

The resulting increase in state revenue and jobs from this boom would create a more conducive environment for the funding of state schools, he said.

Rendell said there should be no mistake about his concern for providing students with a means of getting an affordable college education.

"It's absolutely imperative to make sure people get their higher education," he said.

Rendell estimated that students pump nearly $120 million in revenue into State College while they attend Penn State. As a result, local clothing stores and restaurants thrive.

The possible loss of incoming students and their business to skyrocketing tuition rates would certainly damage the local economy, he said.

Rendell's economic growth plan would also extend toward the mounting problem of state university students leaving Pennsylvania to find jobs following graduation. Pennsylvania ranks 48th out of 50 states in economic development, a category that includes the availability of employment, Rendell said. "The reason people are leaving Pennsylvania doesn't have to do with the state," he said, citing the high quality of living. "Young people have to go where they believe they have career opportunities."

Students are among Rendell's primary concern during his campaign, he said.

"I think I have a good chance to do well among the student voters," he said. "I'd like to keep a running dialogue with students."

The Democratic candidate's tour began when he and his 45-foot red, white and blue luxury bus arrived around noon at the newly-christened Centre County Democrats headquarters, 232 S. Allen St. While there, Rendell spoke before 30 followers, including State College Mayor Bill Welch and Centre County Commissioner Scott Conklin.

Regional Headquarters Manager Jake Hanchar (senior-biology) said Rendell's appearance was a welcome sight to the county.

"He's very frank, a straight shooter," he said. "I would feel much more comfortable with Rendell as governor."