Topeka ? The Kansas Board of Regents this week is expected to put the finishing touches on its request for a $47 million budget increase.

The regents will take up the issue on Thursday during its monthly meeting.

If approved, the budget recommendation will be sent to Gov. Sam Brownback for his consideration when putting together a spending plan for the legislative session that starts in January.

The board has been working on the proposal for several months.

The $47 million increase includes $12.3 million for an inflation increase for the entire higher education system, and $7.4 million, which would provide for a 1 percent increase for state university employees.

Another $8 million is recommended to boost two- year college funding.

For Kansas University, the budget recommendation includes $2.8 million of increased funding for the KU School of Medicine in Wichita.

In addition, it includes $1 million for the next fiscal year as part of a proposed $30 million in state funds to pay for a new medical education building at the KU Med Center in Kansas City, Kan.