TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Gov. Sam Brownback’s budget proposals would hold state spending on its higher education system flat over the two fiscal years that begin in July.

The recommendations outlined Wednesday by Brownback would keep total spending on state universities, community colleges and vocational colleges around $2.5 billion for the fiscal year that begins in July and the following fiscal year.

Current spending is a little more than $2.5 billion, or about 1.7 percent higher than Brownback is proposing for both of the following fiscal years.

But his budget proposals assume less funding for infrastructure projects and don’t include any further tuition increases.

Fort Hays State President Edward Hammond says the budget recommendation shows the Governor’s commitment to higher education.