Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell recommended yesterday that Penn State receive $347.4 million in state funds for the 2007-2008 school year -- a 1.6 percent increase from last year's appropriation of $341.9 million.

Penn State president Graham Spanier is expected to make his case for additional funds before the State House of Representatives and Senate Feb. 27 in Harrisburg.

Local legislators said they hope to get more money than Rendell proposed.

"Well, I'm disappointed in the recommendation," Jake Corman, R-Bellefonte, said. "The governor only has a certain amount to give to Penn State. I won't say for sure that we won't get it higher, but it's going to be difficult."

Despite lobbying that occurs each year, Rendell spokeswoman Kate Philips said she doubts the recommended appropriation will change much between now and June, when the budget is finalized.

"The governor has continued funding at the same rate," she said. "It's a great amount of money, the 2 percent increase in overall operating funds. Certainly the students can be pleased that the state remains committed."

Scott Conklin, D-Centre, said he is trying to secure a slot on Feb. 13 to lobby for additional state support.

"I was on the appropriations committee," he said. "Hopefully, I will have a little more clout to do something. His budget has singled out no part of the state. It is across-the-board cuts."

Penn State lobbyist Richard DiEugenio wrote in an e-mail message that the university understands the constraints of the state budget, but that "Penn State will work with Pitt and Temple to convince the General Assembly to increase the funding for the state-related universities."

Corman said just being able to achieve Rendell's requests is going to be an overall stretch.

"It is going to take a lot of new taxes just to meet his request," he said.

Philips said because of an overall tight budget, Penn State was lucky to see a proposed 2 percent increase in total operating funds.

"This year, we are facing $2 billion cuts from the federal government -- cuts to programs for children and seniors," she said. "I think an increase would be a heavy lift this year. We were really happy to be able to give that."

The budget recommendation does not include Penn State's capital budget, which is a $40 million per year commitment. Most line budget items received anywhere from 1.3 to 3.2 percent increases, Penn State spokesman Bill Mahon said.

Corman said, despite the many state budget cuts, he believes Penn State is a good investment.

"We see a great return when we invest in Penn State University," he said. "If the governor would focus on the programs we already have instead of creating new spending, we could keep the budget under control. But it's hard to focus on any one thing. It is going to be a challenging year."