Oklahoma State Regents say more funding needed to provide quality education

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State Regents for Higher Education will ask for $27.5 million in new appropriations from the Legislature next year, along with $68.8 million in federal stimulus funds and repayment of $35.8 million in current year funding that's expected to be lost to revenue shortfalls.

Leaders said the money is necessary to continue providing quality programs that are affordable to students.

"Oklahoma's future does depend on college graduates," said Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis. "This is the time to push the pedal to the metal and take our state forward."

Higher education leaders also say they will fight any attempts to pass a law allowing concealed weapons on campus. University of Central Oklahoma President Roger Webb said the National Rifle Association is pushing such legislation, which has failed in two previous years.