HARRISBURG -- More than 200 students filled the steps in the Rotunda of the state Capitol Building yesterday to rally for higher state appropriations for public schools in Pennsylvania.

However, no representatives from the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) attended the Rally in the Rotunda, organized by the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG) and co-sponsored by USG.

USG President Ian Rosenberger said he and other USG members could not personally attend the rally because of class.

"I would have liked to see more USG folks get out to the whole thing," Rosenberger said.

Derek Dureka, CCSG governmental affairs director, said he was disappointed USG members were not present at the event, especially because many senators voted to pay $500 for a bus to send students to Harrisburg.

Also, many senators cited tuition hikes as an important student issue, Dureka said. He added that he plans to attend tonight's Senate meeting to discuss the rally.

At the rally, students from across the commonwealth stood firmly behind state representatives John Yudichak, D-Franklin; Lynn Herman, R-Centre; and Jeff Coy, D-Luzerne, as they spoke about the need to provide more state funding for higher education.

Yudichak said the key to economic prosperity is to invest in higher education.

"Knowledge is the new national resource that will drive job growth in the 21st century," he said.

"Pennsylvania's economic future is right here in the hearts and minds of these students."

Many students said they attended the rally because they are aggravated by rising tuition rates.

Lisa Beckman (junior-American studies and sociology) said tuition hikes over the past three years have greatly affected her family.

"I think it's important that students get their voices out and let legislators know they want higher appropriations," Beckman said. "I came to show legislators that students do care."

Jeffrey Kulick (freshman-division of undergraduate studies), a student at the Wilkes-Barre Campus, said he thinks the cost of a college education is too high.

"When I heard about the proposed budget in 2004-2005, it just infuriated me," Kulick said.

Herman discussed the need to extend grant and loan programs to provide funding for students who cannot complete their education in four years.

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency only gives financial aid to students for four years of college.

Herman pointed out that most students finish their undergraduate education in five years. He said only 30 percent of students at Penn State in 1998 earned a degree in four years.

Susan Gudeman (sophomore-labor and industrial relations), a student at the Mont Alto Campus, said she attended the rally because she wants legislators who are up for re-election to know that students are an important voting body.

"We are the future of Pennsylvania," Gudeman said. "They need to really take care of us so we can continue to have this beautiful state."

Coy discussed Penn State President Graham Spanier's recent comment about how the university is starting to function more like a private institution because of declining state funds.

"There should never be a question as to whether Penn State is a private or a public institution," he said. "It's a public institution."

He added that legislators need to make a commitment to public schools in Pennsylvania and vote in favor of higher state appropriations.

"It's time to put our money where our mouths are in regards to public education," Coy said.

In a closing statement, CCSG President Joe Curigliano said he was disappointed that only a few legislators attended the rally.

"I have to ask legislators if it feels comfortable that students are sacrificing their education just to get by from day to day," he said.

Curigliano added that he currently pays his own tuition and has to work more than 30 hours a week to afford his education.

Derek Dureka, CCSG governmental affairs director, said although he was very pleased by the large student turnout, he was disappointed that only a few students from University Park attended the event.

Dureka said CCSG provided a free bus, but only nine students took advantage of the opportunity.