Appearing before the House Committee on Appropriation, University President Graham Spanier testified that Penn State needs more than the 1.6 percent increase in state appropriations proposed by Gov. Ed Rendell.

"The appropriation of state funds to a public higher education is an investment in our future," his opening statement read. He asked for an increase "that is at least on par with that for other higher education entities."

Spanier sat before the committee alongside Temple University President Anne Hart, University of Pittsburgh chancellor Mark Nordenberg, and Lincoln University President Ivory Nelson.

Legislators questioned the university leaders on a variety of subjects, including minority retention. Penn State holds one of the highest six-year retention rates in the nation.

"At University Park, there is a gap between African-American and total students," Spanier said. "We'd like to see that gap disappear entirely."

The committee also addressed rising healthcare and insurance costs. Penn State pays $159 million each year to provide employees with healthcare benefits. Next year, the university will increase that amount by $26 million, of which the state government will only contribute $5 million.

Spanier also said he found it "inexplicable" that the governor had not raised the amount given to Penn State's agricultural program.

"When there is an outbreak of any kind in the state, people will want to turn to Penn State for a research solution," he said. "It is very important that we receive an increase."

University spokesman Steve MacCarthy said that he thought the hearing allowed Penn State to air its issues.

"There were good conversations," he said. "They covered a pretty broad range."

Spanier will appear before the Senate Committee on Appropriation later this afternoon.

Check The Daily Collegian Online and The Daily Collegian tomorrow for more details.