For the past few years, Penn State administrators have been begging the elected officials in Harrisburg for more money.

The view from University Park is that its request has fallen on deaf ears. However, this year the outlook seems brighter, as Gov. Ed Rendell has proposed raising the state budget by about $800 million.

For Penn State, this would mean an increase of $7 million from the state. Though it does not restore funding back to the level it was in 2001-2002, Rendell's move looks like a great first step. What would have made Rendell's announcement even better would have been an explanation of how he intends to generate the extra money.

President Bush and Congress are looking at a record deficit of more than $500 billion. Any help from Washington seems unlikely. It seems more probable that Pennsylvania and other states will have to do more with less, in the sense that federal funding for programs will not be as generous as in years past.

This is definitely a problem for Harrisburg if the state budget increases while Pennsylvania receives less federal money.

With the shenanigans of the state's budgetary problems last year, confidence is not exactly flowing out of citizens when it comes to Pennsylvania's fiscal prowess. But, at least Rendell is trying to do something constructive. He saw a need and decided to do something.

Academics are a very competitive field and Penn State is in an esteemed position. But, no person or organization stays on top by reputation alone. To keep the value of a Penn State degree where it is today, the university needs money to attract and retain the best faculty. Yes, the university requires more funds from the state, but it is students that fuel the proverbial fire of Penn State. With the economy slowly recovering, money is tight.

The proposal does not mention financial assistance for students, and it should. For Pennsylvania to remain a strong and vibrant state, it needs to cultivate talent. Most out-of-state students do not stay in Pennsylvania, instead taking their degree and the state's investment elsewhere.

Tutition is going up, but financial aid is not matching the increase. If officials in University Park and Harrisburg are not careful, in-state students will not be able to attend Penn State, and that would truly be a tragedy.