Topeka ? Members of a joint legislative committee on education are bracing for criticism over the Kansas Board of Regents’ request for a 15 percent increase in financing this year.

The committee met with regents Thursday to discuss the upcoming session, in which regents will seek a $106 million increase to this year’s budget for universities, community colleges and technical schools, despite the bleak economy.

The state’s higher-education system experienced $51.6 million, or 7.2 percent, in cuts this year, including increased costs not financed by the Legislature. Kansas University has seen an $18.8 million reduction.

Much of the discussion centered on financing of the 1999 Higher Education Coordination Act — often called Senate Bill 345 — which included promises for three years of money to decrease property taxes in areas with community colleges and increase faculty salaries.

The money was provided for two years but not financed by the 2002 Legislature.

“While the request may sound unreasonable, we felt a good portion of this we were required to request because it’s the law,” said Regent Fred Kerr.

Barbara Ballard, a Lawrence Democrat and KU administrator, agreed.

“It isn’t asking. It’s what was promised already,” she said. “It’s just reminding us what should have been given.”