ST. PAUL (AP) - A funding proposal to extend a tuition freeze another two years at 31 Minnesota colleges and universities is on its way to the Legislature.

The board of trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system voted Wednesday to request a $142 million increase in state funding. In exchange, the board would hold tuition flat at all its campuses through 2017.

The board is hoping to renew the deal that Gov. Mark Dayton and legislators made two years ago when they boosted state funding for higher education in exchange for a tuition freeze.

MnSCU officials say they need the extra funds to cover rising expenses and to spare students from a tuition hike.

The University of Minnesota is making a similar request to the Legislature.

More From AM 1240 WJON