Topeka ? About two dozen legislators representing a wide spectrum of political positions met Tuesday to re-form a caucus aimed at advancing higher education.

Speaking to the group, Kansas Board of Regents Chairman Fred Logan said legislators of all political stripes could support higher education because it affects educational excellence, workforce improvement and economic development.

“This is an opportunity that includes everybody: conservatives, liberals, moderates, both parties,” Logan said. He said that is unlike the issue of funding public schools. “Finding common ground in K-12 is much more difficult,” he said.

Legislators said the higher education caucus was needed to provide information as legislators moved forward working the budgets of public universities, community colleges and technical colleges.

“This is a good way to get information, ask questions and have an ongoing dialogue,” said state Rep. Julie Menghini, D-Pittsburg.

State Rep. Don Hineman, R-Dighton, said he was concerned that because of the scarcity of revenue, each institution of higher education was fighting for its part of the budget at the expense of the entire system.

“Seems like that is amplified this year,” said Hineman.

Logan said it would be “incredibly stupid” for one regents university to do something at the expense of another, although he conceded, “there is a lot of nervousness out there.”

A higher education caucus has existed in some past legislative sessions, but there wasn’t one last year when universities were cut. Cuts to KU totaled $13.5 million.